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What is the average salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA?

The average salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA is $52,887 per year.

The average yearly salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA, stands at $52,887. This figure offers a good benchmark for job seekers exploring opportunities in the area. Most people find jobs in key sectors, earning wages that align with local economic standards.

Jobs in Wilkes-Barre span various industries, with the majority falling into these categories:

  • Retail: 27.74%
  • Healthcare: 25.50%
  • Manufacturing: 12.27%
  • Education: 8.21%
  • Construction: 5.70%
  • Information Technology: 7.73%
  • Finance: 2.61%
  • Legal: 1.72%
  • Hospitality: 1.80%
  • Arts and Entertainment: 1.06%
  • Other: 0.66%
Salaries vary within these fields, with retail jobs offering the lowest and IT jobs providing the highest earnings.

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What are the best paying jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA?

If you're searching for top-paying jobs in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, several opportunities stand out. Radiologic Technologists lead the way with an average salary of $107,193 per year. This role involves using imaging equipment to help diagnose and treat patients. Traveling Nurses and Registered Nurses also offer competitive salaries. Traveling Nurses earn an average of $96,878 annually, while Registered Nurses make about $84,271 per year. These healthcare professionals play crucial roles in patient care. In addition, CDL Drivers, with an average salary of $79,122, and Maintenance Technicians, earning around $52,579, provide stable career paths. These jobs require specialized skills and offer good earning potential in Wilkes-Barre.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Wilkes-Barre, PA, highlighting Radiologic Technologist with the highest at $107,193 and Program Specialist with the lowest at $48,436.
  1. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $107,193
    Radiologic technologists work in medical facilities, taking imaging exams to help doctors diagnose issues. They use advanced equipment to ensure accurate results. Positions are available in clinics and hospitals, including Geisinger.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA


  2. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $96,878
    Traveling nurses provide care in various settings, often in response to staffing shortages. They can work in hospitals, clinics, and even schools. Companies like Travel Nurse Across America offer such roles.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $84,271
    Registered nurses play a crucial role in patient care. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, ensuring patients receive the best care. Local healthcare providers often have openings for skilled nurses.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA


  4. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $79,122
    CDL drivers transport goods by truck. They need to follow strict safety rules and deliver goods on time. Companies in logistics and manufacturing, like XPO Logistics, often need experienced drivers.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA


  5. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $68,255
    Licensed practical nurses offer basic patient care. They work in nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics. They provide essential support to registered nurses and doctors, helping with patient needs.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA


  6. Technician
    Average Salary: $65,201
    Technicians maintain and repair equipment in various industries. They need to be skilled in using tools and diagnosing problems. Jobs are available in manufacturing, automotive, and healthcare sectors.
    Find Technician jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA


  7. General Manager
    Average Salary: $63,576
    General managers oversee business operations. They ensure daily activities run smoothly and meet goals. They handle staff, budgets, and customer service. Retail and hospitality sectors often need strong leaders.
    Find General Manager jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA


  8. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $52,579
    Maintenance technicians fix and maintain buildings and equipment. They ensure everything runs smoothly and safely. They work in offices, schools, and factories. Companies need skilled technicians to keep operations running.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA


  9. Automotive Technician
    Average Salary: $52,427
    Automotive technicians diagnose and repair vehicles. They use their skills to ensure cars run well. They work in dealerships and repair shops. Knowledgeable technicians help customers keep their vehicles in top shape.
    Find Automotive Technician jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA


  10. Program Specialist
    Average Salary: $48,436
    Program specialists manage specific programs. They coordinate activities and ensure goals are met. They work in government, nonprofits, and corporations. Effective communication and organizational skills are key to success.
    Find Program Specialist jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA

What are the best paying jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA without a degree?

Wilkes-Barre offers several job opportunities for those who want to earn a good salary without needing a college degree. Among the top-paying jobs in this area are positions such as canvasser, line cook, and barista. Canvassers can earn around $47,233, while line cooks and baristas can make about $31,470 and $31,281, respectively. These roles provide a chance for job seekers to earn well and gain valuable experience. The jobs in Wilkes-Barre also include server, laundry aide, and dishwasher positions. Servers can make close to $28,431 annually, laundry aides about $27,382, and dishwashers around $26,247. These positions offer good pay and the opportunity to work in different environments, from kitchens to hospitality settings.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Wilkes-Barre, PA without a degree, highlighting Canvasser with the highest at $47,233 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $26,247.
  1. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $47,233
    Canvassers visit homes and businesses to gather data, often for political campaigns or surveys. They speak with residents to understand opinions and preferences. Key employers include campaign organizations and research firms.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA


  2. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $31,470
    Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook meals in fast-paced restaurant kitchens. They work quickly and efficiently to meet demands. Opportunities exist at local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $31,281
    Baristas serve coffee and other beverages in coffee shops. They take orders, prepare drinks, and create custom coffee drinks. Popular employers include local coffee chains and boutique coffee shops.
    Find Barista jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $30,252
    Housekeepers clean and maintain guest rooms in hotels. They change linens, tidy up spaces, and ensure rooms meet cleanliness standards. They work at various hotels and motels in the area.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $28,431
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers in restaurants. They handle customer inquiries and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Employment opportunities span multiple dining establishments.
    Find Server jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA


  6. Laundry Aide
    Average Salary: $27,382
    Laundry aides wash, dry, and fold clothing for guests in hotels. They operate laundry machines and ensure items are returned clean and wrinkle-free. They are needed at various hotels and motels.
    Find Laundry Aide jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $26,247
    Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They ensure all items are sanitized and ready for reuse. This role is available in restaurants, cafes, and hotels.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Wilkes-Barre, PA?

Wilkes-Barre, PA, offers job seekers a range of companies with competitive salaries. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs leads in average salary at $96,614. Other notable companies include Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies, with an average salary of $90,069, and PAM Health at $77,755. These figures show that the area provides high-paying job opportunities across various industries. For job seekers looking to maximize their earnings, several companies in Wilkes-Barre stand out. NURSE+NETWORK offers an average salary of $74,067, while Chewy and Geisinger follow closely with $70,382 and $65,154, respectively. This data highlights the variety of well-paying jobs available for those willing to explore different sectors.
Graph displaying company salaries in Wilkes-Barre, PA, highlighting U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with the highest at $96,614 and CVS Health with the lowest at $52,592.
  1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
    Average Salary: $96,614
    Offering a range of jobs, from healthcare to administrative roles, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to supporting veterans and their families. It is a government agency and offers competitive salaries, benefits, and job stability.


  2. Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
    Average Salary: $90,069
    GUARD is a leading provider of insurance solutions. It offers a variety of job opportunities, including positions in claims, underwriting, and customer service. Employees benefit from excellent benefits and professional growth opportunities.


  3. PAM Health
    Average Salary: $77,755
    Specializing in long-term acute care hospitals, PAM Health provides comprehensive medical services. The company focuses on patient care and offers rewarding careers in healthcare, with opportunities for advancement.


  4. NURSE+NETWORK
    Average Salary: $74,067
    NURSE+NETWORK is a staffing agency that connects nurses with healthcare facilities. It offers high-paying jobs for nurses, with a focus on flexible schedules and travel opportunities.


  5. Chewy
    Average Salary: $70,382
    As a leading online pet supply retailer, Chewy offers a variety of roles from customer service to logistics. It is known for its pet-friendly workplace culture and offers competitive salaries along with benefits.


  6. Geisinger
    Average Salary: $65,154
    Geisinger is a healthcare provider with numerous job openings in clinical and administrative roles. It emphasizes patient care and offers robust benefits and a supportive work environment.


  7. RIVER STREET MANOR
    Average Salary: $64,139
    River Street Manor offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. It provides rewarding careers in healthcare, with a focus on patient well-being and professional development.


  8. Logoplaste
    Average Salary: $56,825
    Logoplaste manufactures plastic containers and produces recycled plastic materials. It offers jobs in production, engineering, and administrative roles, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.


  9. Allied Services
    Average Salary: $54,233
    Allied Services offers a wide range of healthcare and human services. The company provides jobs in nursing, therapy, and administrative roles, with a commitment to community health and support.


  10. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $52,592
    A leading health services company, CVS Health provides jobs in retail, pharmacy, and healthcare services. It offers competitive salaries and a variety of benefits to its employees.

How does the cost of living in Wilkes-Barre, PA compare to the national average?

Wilkes-Barre, PA, offers a cost of living slightly below the nationwide average. The city's overall cost of living index stands at 90, reflecting a 10% decrease compared to the national benchmark of 100. This modest difference makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality. Analyzing specific categories, Wilkes-Barre shows variation in cost. Housing costs 15% less, groceries are nearly at par with a slight 5% decrease, and utilities are also close, with just a 10% decrease. Other expenses like transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items hover around the national average, providing a balanced living experience.
Cost of living comparison graph for Wilkes-Barre, PA vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 7% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

Wilkes-Barre, PA, offers a cost of living index that is relatively lower than the nationwide average. The citywide cost of living index sits at 89, which is 11% below the national average of 100. This means that, overall, residents in Wilkes-Barre can expect to spend about 11% less on their living expenses when compared to the average American.


Breaking down the specifics, housing costs in Wilkes-Barre are 15% lower than the national average, with an index of 85. This translates to more affordable housing options for those moving to the area. Groceries, another significant expense, show only a slight difference with an index of 95, which is 5% below the average. Utilities cost 10% less, aligning with an index of 90, while transportation costs are 8% less, with an index of 92. Healthcare costs are close to average at 93, only 7% below the national norm. Miscellaneous expenses also show a modest decrease, with an index of 88, which is 12% below the average. This balanced distribution of costs makes Wilkes-Barre an attractive option for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle.

There are 812 job openings in Wilkes-Barre, PA, today!

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Wilkes-Barre, PA
812 Job Openings