Careers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
What working and living here is really like
Working in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre
Scranton is famous now for "The Office," but the reality is more complicated than the show suggested. Northeastern Pennsylvania was coal country—anthracite powered America from here—and the industry's collapse left communities navigating decades of economic adjustment. What remains is a metro with strong ethnic heritage (particularly Italian, Irish, and Polish), deep family roots, and affordability that draws attention from people fleeing New York costs.
The cost of living runs 7% below national average, which combined with relative proximity to New York (2 hours to Manhattan) has made the region attractive to remote workers and refugees from metropolitan prices. The 3.9% unemployment is moderate, reflecting an economy that has stabilized without thriving. Healthcare has grown; warehousing and distribution have arrived; but the boom years are history books.
The people who make Scranton work tend to have ties—family, property, community connections that give reasons to stay. Without those anchors, the region can feel like a detour rather than a destination. Those who stay often do so for generational roots, affordable living while accessing New York wages, or careers in healthcare and education. The area rewards commitment more than casual exploration.
Top industries in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
The industries that shape Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA's employment landscape — by total jobs or local specialization.
Sectors where Scranton--Wilkes-Barre punches above its weight. A 2× means twice the national share of jobs in that sector, adjusted for metro size.
Earning potential
Salaries here run about 8.3% below national averages — but that doesn't account for what your dollar actually buys.
Job market over time
Current unemployment tells you one thing. The trend over a decade tells you something more useful about resilience and trajectory.
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Metros with a similar profile
Other metro areas that share key characteristics with Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Metros where the same industries punch above their weight
Getting to work
Time spent commuting is time you're not spending on anything else.
State laws that affect your career
From taxes to worker protections — the policies that shape your take-home pay and flexibility.
Where residents come from
The mix of locals and transplants shapes a city's culture and openness to newcomers.
Leisure & hospitality employment
Employment in recreation and hospitality sectors — a proxy for what's popular here.
Food scene
Ethnic heritage shows in the food—pierogies, kielbasa, Italian red sauce traditions. Cooper's Seafood House is a beloved local institution with bizarre nautical decor. Carmen's and other Italian spots serve the traditions families brought from the old country. The food scene is comfort-focused and heritage-driven; don't expect culinary innovation, but the traditions are genuine.
The Scranton Cultural Center hosts events in a beautiful Masonic temple. PNC Field has minor league baseball. The social scene runs through neighborhood bars, VFW halls, and family gatherings. Montage Mountain does summer concerts. The area has appeared on "best places for St. Patrick's Day" lists—the parade is enormous. Nightlife is modest; New York and Philadelphia provide urban cultural escapes.
Climate
Weather patterns that shape daily life and outdoor time.
Starting a business here
New business filings per worker — a measure of economic dynamism and how often people go out on their own.
Who tends to thrive here
An honest look at the careers and situations where Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA tends to work well — and where it doesn't.
Common questions about working in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
How much do people make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Median pay across all occupations in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is about $45K, roughly 8.3% below the typical U.S. metro (BLS OEWS).
How far does a salary go in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Adjusted for local prices, Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA's $45K median works out to about $49K in national purchasing-power terms — roughly 1.3% less buying power than the typical U.S. metro (BEA Regional Price Parities, 2023).
How many jobs are there in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA metro area has roughly 254,190 jobs across all occupations (BLS OEWS).
What are the biggest industries in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
By employment, the largest industries in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA are Warehousing & Distribution, Local Government Services, and Full-Service Restaurants.
What is the unemployment rate in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Unemployment in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is about 3.9% as of Dec 2023 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics).
What is the average commute in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The average commute in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA runs about 23 minutes, versus a national average of about 26.7 minutes (Census ACS).
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