Salary & Cost of Living in State College, PA
State College, PA: $50,565 median salary, cost of living index 88.1, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$50,565
$24/hr
Cost of Living
88.1
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.7%
rate
State College, PA Overview
Population
42,034
Median Salary
$50,565
Average Salary
$56,633
Avg Commute
17 min
Median Home Price
$224,000
Median Rent
$917/mo
Job Growth
+1.8%
Sales Tax
6%
State College is located in Pennsylvania with a population of 42,034. The median household salary is $50,565 per year ($24/hour), which is $8,819 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.8%.
State College Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in State College, PA based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $50,565 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $31,350 | $15.07/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $50,565 | $24.31/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $71,802 | $34.52/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $90,006 | $43.27/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
State College Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in State College, PA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$40,195
$3,349.57/month · $1,545.96/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.5%
Gross Pay
$50,565
Federal Tax
-$4,029
State Tax
-$1,552
Local Tax
-$920
FICA
-$3,868
Net Pay
$40,195
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,213.75 | $50,565.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$335.78 | -$4,029.30 |
| Pennsylvania State Tax (3.07%) | -$129.36 | -$1,552.35 |
| Local Tax (1.82%) | -$76.69 | -$920.28 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$261.25 | -$3,135.03 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$61.10 | -$733.19 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,349.57 | $40,194.85 |
Salary Comparison: State College vs Other Cities
See how State College's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| State College, PA | $50,565 | 88.1 | $57,395 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Wheeling, IL | $50,560 | 92.3 | $54,778 |
| Baytown, TX | $50,554 | 96.6 | $52,333 |
| Bedford, TX | $50,577 | 93.3 | $54,209 |
| Oak Lawn, IL | $50,588 | 98.2 | $51,515 |
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 State College
State College's cost of living index is 88.1 (national average = 100). Living in State College is 11.900000000000006% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$224,000
Median Monthly Rent
$917
Annual Rent Cost
$11,004
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $40,195 annual take-home pay in State College has the purchasing power of approximately $45,624 in an average-cost US area. Your $50,565 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in State College
State College's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $50,565.
Salary Tips for State College Workers
- Your salary goes further here. State College has a cost of living 11.900000000000006% below the national average. A salary of $50,565 here has the purchasing power of about $57,395 in an average-cost area.
- Research top industries. State College's top industries include Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $50,565 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in State College, PA?
The median salary in State College, PA is $50,565 per year, or $24 per hour. The average salary is $56,633. This is $8,819 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in State College, PA?
State College's cost of living index is 88.1 (national average = 100), meaning it is 11.900000000000006% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $224,000 and the median monthly rent is $917.
What are the best industries in State College?
The top industries in State College, PA include Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing. The city has a job growth rate of 1.8% and an unemployment rate of 3.7%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $50,565.
How does State College's salary compare to other cities?
State College's median salary of $50,565 is 14.9% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 88.1), the real purchasing power is approximately $57,395.
What is the minimum wage in State College, PA?
The minimum wage in State College, 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.