Salary & Cost of Living in Bethlehem, PA
Bethlehem, PA: $55,000 median salary, cost of living index 95, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$55,000
$26/hr
Cost of Living
95
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.5%
rate
Bethlehem, PA Overview
Population
75,781
Median Salary
$55,000
Average Salary
$61,000
Avg Commute
25 min
Median Home Price
$220,000
Median Rent
$1,100/mo
Job Growth
+1.5%
Sales Tax
6%
Bethlehem is located in Pennsylvania with a population of 75,781. The median household salary is $55,000 per year ($26/hour), which is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.5%.
Bethlehem Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Bethlehem, PA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$44,543
$3,711.88/month · $1,713.17/biweekly · Effective Rate: 19.0%
Gross Pay
$55,000
Federal Tax
-$4,562
State Tax
-$1,689
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,208
Net Pay
$44,543
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,583.33 | $55,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$380.13 | -$4,561.50 |
| Pennsylvania State Tax (3.07%) | -$140.71 | -$1,688.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$284.17 | -$3,410.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$66.46 | -$797.50 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,711.88 | $44,542.50 |
Salary Comparison: Bethlehem vs Other Cities
See how Bethlehem's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bethlehem, PA | $55,000 | 95 | $57,895 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Santa Ana, CA | $55,000 | 150 | $36,667 |
| Ontario, CA | $55,000 | 108 | $50,926 |
| New Haven, CT | $55,000 | 115 | $47,826 |
| Cape Coral, FL | $55,000 | 98 | $56,122 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Bethlehem
Bethlehem's cost of living index is 95 (national average = 100). Living in Bethlehem is 5% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$220,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,100
Annual Rent Cost
$13,200
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $44,543 annual take-home pay in Bethlehem has the purchasing power of approximately $46,887 in an average-cost US area. Your $55,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Bethlehem
Bethlehem's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $55,000.
Salary Tips for Bethlehem Workers
- Research top industries. Bethlehem's top industries include Healthcare, Education, Technology. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $55,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Bethlehem, PA?
The median salary in Bethlehem, PA is $55,000 per year, or $26 per hour. The average salary is $61,000. This is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Bethlehem, PA?
Bethlehem's cost of living index is 95 (national average = 100), meaning it is 5% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $220,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,100.
What are the best industries in Bethlehem?
The top industries in Bethlehem, PA include Healthcare, Education, Technology. The city has a job growth rate of 1.5% and an unemployment rate of 3.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $55,000.
How does Bethlehem's salary compare to other cities?
Bethlehem's median salary of $55,000 is 7.4% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 95), the real purchasing power is approximately $57,895.
What is the minimum wage in Bethlehem, PA?
The minimum wage in Bethlehem, PA is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.