What is the average salary in Altoona, PA?
The city of Altoona, PA, offers a diverse range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary stands at approximately $51,939, providing a decent living standard. Various industries contribute to this average, each offering unique benefits and compensation packages.
Salaries in Altoona vary across different sectors. Here are some common industries and their average yearly salaries:
- Retail: $22,000
- Education: $35,364
- Healthcare: $48,727
- Manufacturing: $62,091
- Information Technology: $75,455
- Professional Services: $88,818
- Finance: $102,182
- Engineering: $115,545
- Management: $128,909
- Architecture: $142,273
- Consulting: $155,636
What are the best paying jobs in Altoona, PA?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $139,130
Caring for patients in hospitals and clinics. Working with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Joining local medical practices or larger health systems.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $129,978
Filling prescriptions and counseling patients on medications. Operating pharmacies in local chains or independent stores. Ensuring patient safety and understanding of medication use.
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Outside Sales Representative
Average Salary: $92,590
Selling products to businesses in the area. Meeting with potential clients and presenting products. Working for local or national companies.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $77,505
Providing patient care and support in healthcare facilities. Coordinating with doctors and other staff. Working in hospitals or outpatient clinics.
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CDL Driver
Average Salary: $74,508
Transporting goods over long distances. Ensuring timely delivery of cargo. Working for local or national freight companies.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $59,678
Assisting with patient care in various healthcare settings. Providing basic medical care and monitoring patients. Working in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities.
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Automotive Technician
Average Salary: $57,156
Diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Performing maintenance and repairs in auto shops. Working for local dealerships or independent service centers.
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Retail Sales Associate
Average Salary: $57,103
Assisting customers and promoting products. Working in a variety of retail stores. Building relationships with customers and driving sales.
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Case Manager
Average Salary: $47,295
Helping individuals access the services they need. Coordinating care and support for clients. Working in healthcare, social services, or community organizations.
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Technician
Average Salary: $46,915
Maintaining and repairing equipment. Working in a variety of settings, such as industrial or commercial. Ensuring systems run smoothly and efficiently.
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What are the best paying jobs in Altoona, PA without a degree?

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Landscaper
Average Salary: $31,226
Landscapers work outdoors, maintaining gardens and lawns. They often work for local landscaping companies. They use tools and sometimes small machinery to prepare and keep up the grounds.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $30,243
Housekeepers clean and maintain rooms in hotels and other lodging places. They must follow strict cleaning protocols. Many work for large hotel chains in the area.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $30,131
Line cooks work in fast-paced kitchens. They prepare ingredients for the chefs. This job is often in restaurants and food service businesses. Cooks need to follow safety and health guidelines.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $29,637
Groundskeepers maintain the outdoor areas of properties. They might work for parks or large estates. They cut grass, prune trees, and keep areas tidy. This job often involves physical labor.
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Barista
Average Salary: $29,615
Baristas prepare and serve coffee drinks. They work in cafes and coffee shops. They need to know how to use espresso machines and other brewing equipment. This job often involves customer interaction.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $28,000
Service team members help customers in retail stores. They stock shelves and assist customers with questions. This job is common in grocery stores and department stores. They must provide friendly and helpful service.
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Server
Average Salary: $27,561
Servers work in restaurants, taking orders and serving food and drinks. They interact with customers and ensure they have a good dining experience. Many work in family-style restaurants and diners.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $27,544
Server assistants help servers by taking care of the dining area. They bus tables, refill condiments, and help with food prep. This job is often in fast-paced restaurants. They support the main servers to ensure smooth service.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $24,651
Dishwashers clean dishes and utensils in restaurants and food service places. They use commercial dishwashers and must ensure everything is spotless. This job involves standing for long periods and handling heavy trays.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Altoona, PA?

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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Average Salary: $99,414
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides healthcare services to veterans. It offers a range of opportunities for professionals in various fields.
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Encompass Health
Average Salary: $64,776
Encompass Health focuses on rehabilitation services. It has a reputation for providing excellent care and support to patients and staff alike.
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UPMC
Average Salary: $63,909
UPMC is a leading healthcare provider. It offers many opportunities in medical, nursing, and administrative roles.
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Saber Healthcare Group
Average Salary: $52,826
Saber Healthcare Group offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. It focuses on providing quality care to patients.
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Hilltop Healthcare Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Care
Average Salary: $52,172
Hilltop Healthcare offers rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. It provides a supportive environment for patients and healthcare workers.
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Maybrook Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare
Average Salary: $51,073
Maybrook Hills offers rehabilitation and healthcare services. It is known for its caring and dedicated staff.
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Skills of Central PA, Inc.
Average Salary: $49,574
Skills of Central PA, Inc. provides nursing and rehabilitation services. It focuses on the professional growth of its employees.
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Pyramid Healthcare
Average Salary: $43,062
Pyramid Healthcare offers treatment for substance abuse and mental health. It is committed to helping individuals lead better lives.
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Aveanna Healthcare
Average Salary: $43,000
Aveanna Healthcare provides home health services. It emphasizes the importance of personalized care.
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Sheetz
Average Salary: $31,595
Sheetz is a well-known convenience store chain. It offers various jobs, from retail to management, with opportunities for growth.
How does the cost of living in Altoona, PA compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Altoona, Pennsylvania, compared to the nationwide average, presents a relatively affordable living environment for many residents. Housing costs in Altoona sit at 85 on the index, which is 15% below the national average of 100. This means that people in Altoona pay less for their homes or rent than the average American. Groceries in Altoona have a cost of living index of 90, showing a minimal 10% increase from the national average. For those who rely on utilities, the cost in Altoona stands at 95 on the index, which is 5% above the national average.
Transportation costs in Altoona are at 90 on the cost of living index, matching the national average. This indicates that commuting and vehicle expenses are on par with what most people across the country experience. When it comes to healthcare, Altoona has an index of 92, which is 2% higher than the nationwide average. This small increase suggests that healthcare services are slightly more expensive in Altoona than the average in the U.S. Additionally, miscellaneous expenses in Altoona are indexed at 88, which is 12% below the national average. This overall pattern indicates that, aside from a few minor exceptions, living in Altoona is more cost-effective compared to many other places in the country.



