Philadelphia vs Scranton: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Scranton, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Scranton, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,493▲ | $56,670 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.34▲ | $27.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,436▲ | $33,701 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,506▲ | $45,108 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,106▲ | $72,812 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,404▲ | $91,882 |
| Total Employed | 6,480▲ | 200 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Scranton.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Scranton is $16,823 (29.69%). Philadelphia's median is -8.58% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $75,968,Scranton spans $58,181. Philadelphia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Philadelphia ($71,663 effective) pays 18.31% more than Scranton ($60,573 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,493/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,404)
- ✓Larger job market (6,480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,663)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Scranton if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Philadelphia grew -29.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -25.5% growth in Scranton over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$100,360 (2021) → $70,342 (2025)
Scranton, PA
$72,780 (2021) → $54,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Scranton, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Philadelphia or Scranton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Scranton?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Scranton as a data analyst?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov