How does a Professor's salary in Scranton compare to the rest of Pennsylvania?

Scranton's cost of living index is 85 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $71,723 earns $19,323 more than the median household income in Scranton ($52,400).

Professor Salary in Scranton, PA — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Scranton's cost of living (index: 85). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Professor Salary in Scranton — Key Numbers

$71,723

Median Salary

$48,960

25th Percentile

$104,091

75th Percentile

$143,582

90th Percentile

National median (Professor)$84,380

vs. National median-15.0%

Scranton median household income$52,400

vs. City household income+36.9%

Cost of Living in Scranton

Cost of Living Index

85(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,000/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio16.7%

Annual rent cost$12,000

Median Home Price$155,000

Home Price / Salary2.2×

20% Down Payment$31,000

Years to save (20% rate)2.2 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Scranton

4.4%

Unemployment Rate

560,000

Metro Population

22 min

Avg Commute

Median Age

Scranton has a metro population of 560,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Scranton

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Cost of Living — Scranton

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Professor Salary in Pennsylvania

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Scranton

Physician$194,905 Chief Executive Officer$178,500 Dentist$149,184 IT Manager$144,084 Marketing Manager$133,977 Lawyer$123,896

Professor Salary — Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA$85,224 Pittsburgh, PA$76,786 Allentown, PA$82,692 Harrisburg, PA$76,786 Lancaster, PA$79,317

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Professor make in Scranton, PA?

The estimated median salary for a Professor in Scranton is $71,723 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $84,380 adjusted by Scranton's cost of living index (85). The typical salary range runs from $48,960 (25th percentile) to $104,091 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $143,582.

Is Scranton affordable for a Professor?

On a $71,723 annual salary, a Professor in Scranton would spend approximately 16.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,000/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Scranton relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $155,000 is 2.2× the annual salary.

How does a Professor's salary compare to Scranton's overall income?

Scranton's median household income is $52,400. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $71,723 earns 36.9% more than the typical Scranton household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Professor — National Professor in Pennsylvania All Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.