Average Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary in State College, PA
In State College, PA, Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, earn an average annual salary of $31,240. This figure is below the national average of $35,520, suggesting that local economic factors and demand play a significant role in compensation within this specific geographic area. The cost of living in State College aligns perfectly with the national average, which is a crucial consideration when evaluating this salary.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,010.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 490 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.8, the market for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary in State College, PA, indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. While not a booming sector in terms of relative density, the presence of nearly 500 professionals suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary in State College, PA earns-12.0%below the national average.
$15
$601
$2,603
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for State College is not provided, it is generally assumed that the field of education, including support roles like Teaching Assistants, has experienced gradual salary growth over the past four years. This trend is often driven by inflation, increased demand for educational services, and evolving qualification requirements, leading to modest but consistent increases in compensation for dedicated professionals.
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary Distribution in State College, PA
Salary progression for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The gap between the 25th and 75th percentiles often signifies the potential for career advancement and increased earning power as one moves from junior to senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $22,030 | $10.6 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $23,430 | $11.3 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $30,340 | $14.6 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $39,050 | $18.8 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $42,010 | $20.2 |
Detailed Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $31,240 in State College, PA, when juxtaposed with a Cost of Living Index of 100, indicates that the purchasing power of this income is directly in line with the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average for the role, the cost of essential goods and services in State College does not present an additional financial burden, effectively balancing the lower nominal wage.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
7.096
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
State College, PA has 0.80x the national average concentration of Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.8 for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary in State College, PA, signifies that this profession is slightly less concentrated in the local job market than it is nationally. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the field is not as dominant a feature of the local employment landscape compared to other regions, implying a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary make in State College, PA?
The median annual salary for a Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary in State College, PA is $31,240. This typically ranges from $22,030 for entry-level positions to $42,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in State College, PA is 12.0% lower than the national median of $35,520.
Is State College, PA a lucrative place for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondarys?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,240 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This means the purchasing power is average, but the absolute earnings are lower.
Is State College, PA a good place to live for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondarys?
The Cost of Living Index in State College, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near State College, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Altoona, PA ($29,490) and Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Teaching Assistants in State College compare to the national average?
State College has a workforce of 490 Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary. The jobs per 1,000 workers is 7.096, which is slightly below the national average concentration indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.8.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in State College?
An LQ of 0.8 means that Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary are employed in State College at a rate that is 80% of the national average concentration. This indicates a slightly lower presence of this profession relative to the overall workforce compared to the nation.
Does the cost of living in State College affect the perceived value of the Teaching Assistant salary?
No, the cost of living in State College is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $31,240 salary has the same purchasing power as it would in a typical US city, making the lower nominal salary the primary factor in its value.
What factors might contribute to the lower average salary for Teaching Assistants in State College?
Factors such as local funding for educational institutions, the specific types of institutions present (e.g., primary vs. higher education), and the overall demand dynamics within the regional job market likely contribute to the salary being below the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the State College, PA area with a job density of 7.096 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in State College, PA