Here is a comprehensive career guide for Elementary School Teachers considering Scranton, PA.

A Career Guide for Elementary School Teachers: Scranton, PA

As a career analyst who has spent years tracking the professional landscape of Northeastern Pennsylvania, I can tell you that Scranton offers a unique proposition for educators. It’s a city of grit and history, built on the backbone of coal and rail, now anchored by healthcare, education, and a growing service sector. For an elementary school teacher, it represents a stable, affordable community where you can build a life without the financial pressure of a major metropolitan area.

This guide is designed to be your local roadmap. We’ll cut through the promotional material and look at the hard numbers, the real neighborhoods, and the day-to-day reality of teaching in the Electric City.

The Salary Picture: Where Scranton Stands

Let’s start with the most critical data. Understanding your earning potential is the foundation of any career decision. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the compensation for Elementary School Teachers in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metro area is competitive for the region, though it trails the national average.

The median salary for an Elementary School Teacher in Scranton is $62,332 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.97. This places the Scranton metro area slightly below the national average of $63,670 per year. However, the cost of living in Scranton is significantly lower than the national average, which we’ll explore in detail later. There are approximately 379 jobs in the metro area for this profession, with a 10-year job growth forecast of 1%. This indicates a stable but not rapidly expanding job market; positions are available, but competition can be steady.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median provides a good snapshot, your earning potential will grow with experience and advanced credentials. Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary progression in the Scranton area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Scranton)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$48,000 - $55,000	Typically starting on the state-mandated salary schedule. Dependent on district and education level (Bachelor's vs. Master's).
Mid-Career (4-10 years)	$60,000 - $72,000	This is where most teachers land after establishing themselves. Steps and lanes increase with continuing education.
Senior-Level (11-20 years)	$75,000 - $88,000	Requires a Master’s degree and additional credits. Top of the scale in most Scranton-area districts.
Expert/Lead Teacher (20+ years)	$90,000+	Often includes stipends for leadership roles (e.g., department head, curriculum specialist) or a Doctorate.

Note: These are estimates based on collective bargaining agreements in Lackawanna County. The median of $62,332 falls squarely in the mid-career range.

Comparison to Other PA Cities

To understand Scranton’s standing, it’s helpful to see it in a regional context.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Insight
Scranton	$62,332	93.0	Strong purchasing power. Salary stretches further here.
Allentown	$64,150	98.5	Slightly higher salary, but closer to national average costs.
Philadelphia	$69,890	107.5	Higher pay is eroded by significantly higher housing and daily costs.
Pittsburgh	$65,420	93.5	Similar cost of living to Scranton, with slightly higher teacher salaries.
Harrisburg	$63,880	95.0	State capital, stable government jobs, comparable to Scranton.

Scranton’s value proposition is clear: you earn a solid professional salary while living in one of the most affordable metro areas in the Northeast. While Philadelphia offers a higher nominal salary, the effective take-home pay after housing costs often favors Scranton.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you factor in taxes and your largest monthly expense: housing. Let’s run the numbers for an Elementary School Teacher earning the median salary of $62,332.

We’ll use a simplified tax estimate (federal, state, FICA) of roughly 22% for this bracket, which is conservative. This means your monthly take-home pay is approximately $4,040.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary: $62,332)

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Take-Home Pay	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,040	100%	After ~22% estimated taxes.
Rent (1BR Average)	$854	21%	Well below the recommended 30% threshold. More on neighborhoods below.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200	5%	Varies by season; Scranton winters can be cold.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	10%	Essential in Scranton; public transit is limited.
Groceries	$350	9%	Based on a single person.
Retirement (PA PSERS)	$350	9%	Mandatory pension contribution.
Health Insurance	$250	6%	Varies by district; often a good employer benefit.
Discretionary/Student Loans	$1,636	40%	Ample room for savings, dining out, entertainment, or loans.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

This is a key question for long-term stability. In Scranton, the answer is a resounding yes, with careful planning.

The median home price in the Scranton metro area hovers around $165,000. For a teacher earning $62,332, this is well within reach. Using standard guidelines (28% of gross income on housing), your maximum mortgage payment should be around $1,450/month. With a 20% down payment ($33,000), a 30-year fixed mortgage on a $132,000 home would have a monthly payment (PITI) of approximately $900-$1,000, depending on interest rates and taxes.

Insider Tip: Many Scranton-area teachers live in the surrounding boroughs (like Dunmore, Clarks Summit, or Old Forge) where homes are affordable, and property taxes are slightly lower than in the City of Scranton itself. Building a 20% down payment on a teacher’s salary is challenging but feasible with the low cost of living, allowing for significant savings from that $1,636 discretionary budget.

Where the Jobs Are: Scranton's Major Employers

The job market for elementary teachers is dominated by public and private school districts. While the 10-year growth is only 1%, the turnover due to retirements creates openings. Here are the primary employers:

1. Scranton School District: The largest employer in the city proper. Covers a diverse student population. Hiring is often tied to state and federal funding cycles. They actively seek teachers with ESL (English as a Second Language) and special education certifications.
2. Lackawanna County School Districts: This is a collective of suburban and rural districts that offer many opportunities. Key districts include:
   • West Scranton, North Pocono, and Old Forge School Districts: These generally have higher property tax bases and sometimes offer more competitive salaries than the city district. They are popular with commuters from Scranton.
   • Archbald and Jessup: Smaller, tight-knit communities where jobs can be more competitive but offer a strong sense of community.
3. Diocese of Scranton (Catholic Schools): Includes schools like All Saints Academy and Holy Cross High School (which has middle school grades). Private/parochial schools typically pay less than public districts (often $10,000-$15,000 below the median) but offer smaller class sizes and a different community environment. Benefits can vary.
4. The University of Scranton & Marywood University: While these are higher education institutions, they are major local employers and often have ties to the public school system through student teaching placements, professional development programs, and after-school educational outreach programs that hire teachers part-time.
5. Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine: As a major healthcare employer, Geisinger’s presence in Scranton supports a stable local economy. While not a direct employer of elementary teachers, a strong healthcare sector means a stable community of working families, which in turn supports public schools.
6. Lackawanna College: Another local institution that runs charter schools (e.g., Scranton Preparatory School) and has early childhood education programs. They sometimes hire for their own K-12 programs or partner with public schools.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is strongest in the late spring and summer (May-August) as districts finalize budgets and know their staffing needs. Special education, STEM (especially for elementary), and ESL teachers are in higher demand. Rural districts often have more openings but may require a longer commute.

Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania has a clear, if somewhat bureaucratic, path to teacher certification. You must be certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Complete a State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program: This is typically a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university with a teacher certification track. Your program must be approved by the PDE.
2. Pass Required Exams:
   • Praxis Core (Reading, Writing, Math): Required for all candidates.
   • Praxis Subject Assessments: For elementary education, you’ll take the "Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects" test. You must pass all sub-tests.
3. Apply for Certification: Submit your application online through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Teacher Information Management System (TIMS). You’ll need to provide official transcripts, test scores, and a background check (Act 34, Act 151, and Act 168).
4. Costs:
   • Praxis Core: ~$130 total
   • Praxis Subject Tests: ~$130 per test
   • Background Checks: ~$100 (varies)
   • Application Fee: ~$200
   • Total Estimated Cost: $560-$700 (not including degree costs).
5. Timeline: If you’re a recent graduate from a PA program, you can be certified and applying for jobs within 1-2 months of finishing your exams. If you’re an out-of-state teacher, you’ll need to apply for reciprocity. PA has reciprocity with most states, but you may need to take additional PA-specific exams or coursework. The timeline can be 3-6 months for out-of-state applicants.

Insider Tip: Always check the PDE website for the most current requirements. Some districts, especially in high-need areas, may hire you on a provisional or emergency certificate while you complete your final requirements, but this is less common in elementary grades.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Where you live in Scranton impacts your commute, social life, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods popular with teachers:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Schools
Downtown/Steamtown	Urban, walkable, close to restaurants and The University of Scranton. Mix of young professionals and long-time residents. Parking can be a challenge.	$900 - $1,100	5-15 min drive to most city schools. Limited public transit.
Green Ridge	Historic, residential, with beautiful Victorian homes. Safer, family-oriented, and quiet. A top choice for teachers who want a classic neighborhood feel.	$800 - $950	10-20 min drive to most schools. Easy access to I-81.
South Side	Gentrifying, with new apartments and breweries. More social and active. Can be noisier. Good for younger teachers who want nightlife options.	$750 - $900	10-15 min drive to city schools.
Dunmore (Borough)	A separate town bordering Scranton. Feels like a small village. Excellent schools, tight community. Very popular with teachers and professionals.	$850 - $1,000	5-15 min drive to Scranton schools.
Old Forge (Borough)	Famous for its pizza and strong community. Very family-friendly, good schools, and a strong sense of local identity. A bit more suburban.	$800 - $950	15-25 min drive to Scranton schools.

Insider Tip: Many teachers choose to live in Dunmore or Old Forge. They offer the perfect blend of a quiet, safe community with a short commute to Scranton’s job market. The rent is comparable to Scranton, but the quality of life and property values are often higher.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A teaching career in Scranton is a marathon, not a sprint. Growth is structured and tied to the state pension system (PSERS) and continued education.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Certification Add-Ons: The biggest salary jump comes from moving from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s degree and adding certifications. In PA, you need 24 post-baccalaureate credits to move to the "Master’s + 30" lane on the salary schedule. This can increase your pay by $5,000-$8,000 annually.
• Special Education & ESL: These are not just "premiums"—they are in high demand. Having these certifications makes you nearly recession-proof and gives you leverage in salary negotiations.
• Leadership Roles: After 5+ years, you can pursue roles like:
  • Instructional Coach: Works with other teachers to improve instruction. May involve a stipend.
  • Curriculum Specialist: Focuses on district-wide curriculum development.
  • Assistant Principal/Principal: Requires a Master’s in Education Leadership and typically a 6th year or Doctorate. Salaries can jump to $90,000 - $120,000 in larger districts.

10-Year Outlook:
The 1% job growth suggests stability, not expansion. However, Scranton’s aging teacher population means a wave of retirements is coming. Over the next decade, we can expect:

• Consistent openings in all districts, especially in the suburbs.
• Increased focus on STEM and literacy in elementary grades, creating demand for teachers with strong math/science backgrounds.
• Potential for charter school growth, which may create new, albeit sometimes non-unionized, employment options.
• Salaries will likely keep pace with inflation but may not see dramatic jumps unless state funding changes.

The Verdict: Is Scranton Right for You?

Scranton is not for everyone. It’s a city that rewards resilience and values community. For an elementary school teacher, it offers a clear path to a stable, middle-class life.

Pros	Cons
Extremely Affordable Cost of Living. Your salary goes much further here.	Job Market is Stable, Not Growing. Competition can be stiff for the best positions.
Strong Sense of Community. You’ll know your students’ families and neighbors.	Limited Diversity. The population is predominantly white, which may not suit everyone’s cultural or professional goals.
Abundant Outdoor Recreation. The Poconos are a 20-30 minute drive away.	Economic Challenges. The region is still recovering from the decline of coal. Some areas have visible poverty.
Manageable Commutes. You can live and work in the same city or a nearby borough with little traffic.	Limited Big-City Amenities. You’ll drive to Philadelphia or NYC for major concerts or niche shopping.
Stable Employment with Strong Unions. Teacher contracts are reliable.	Winters Can Be Harsh. Snowy winters can be isolating and affect school schedules.

Final Recommendation:
Scranton is an excellent choice for teachers who prioritize financial stability, community, and quality of life over rapid career advancement or urban excitement. If you are willing to pursue a Master’s degree and potentially add a specialty certification, you can build a very comfortable life. It’s particularly well-suited for teachers who love the outdoors, value close-knit communities, and want to buy a home within a few years of starting their career. For those seeking a diverse, fast-paced environment, Scranton may feel too small and static.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for new teachers?
It’s moderately competitive. You will have a much better chance if you are certified in a high-need area (Special Education, ESL, STEM) or are willing to work in the more rural districts surrounding Scranton (e.g., Forest City, Susquehanna). Having a Master’s degree already can also set you apart.

2. What is the commute like?
Very manageable. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metro is a patchwork of boroughs and townships. A 20-minute commute is considered long. Most teachers live within a 15-minute drive of their school. Public transportation (the COLTS bus system) exists but is