Software Developer in Scranton, PA

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Software Developers considering Scranton, Pennsylvania.

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The Salary Picture: Where Scranton Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Scranton isn't trying to be Silicon Valley, and that’s its strength. You get a reasonable cost of living with a surprisingly solid tech salary. The salaries here are competitive when you factor in how far your dollar goes.

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Software Developer in the Scranton metro area is $124,587/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.9/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $127,260/year, but that gap quickly closes when you look at housing and daily expenses.

The job market is stable, not explosive. There are about 454 Software Developer jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is a healthy 17%. This isn't a boomtown, but it's a place where you can build a long-term career without the cutthroat competition you'd find in bigger cities.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry data.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$75,000 - $95,000
Mid-Level	3-5 years	$95,000 - $125,000
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$125,000 - $155,000
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$155,000+

Comparison to Other PA Cities

Scranton holds its own when you compare it to other cities in Pennsylvania. While it doesn't match the tech hubs of Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, its affordability makes it a compelling option.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Scranton	$124,587	93.0
Allentown	$118,450	97.1
Pittsburgh	$121,230	97.5
Philadelphia	$129,890	108.7
Harrisburg	$115,670	95.2

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the top-line salary number. A 5% lower salary in Scranton with a 15% lower cost of living, especially in housing, means you’re actually taking home more purchasing power.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real about what you can actually afford. We’ll use the median salary of $124,587 for our breakdown.

• Gross Monthly Income: $10,382
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA @ ~28%): -$2,907
• Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ~$7,475

Now, let's factor in Scranton’s cost of living. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $854/month. This is a huge advantage.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary: $124,587)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Income	$7,475	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$854	City average
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$180	Can be lower in older, well-insulated buildings
Groceries	$400
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$600	A car is almost essential in Scranton
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$300	Varies by employer
Retirement Savings (10%)	$1,038	Crucial for long-term growth
Entertainment/Dining Out	$500	Plenty of affordable local spots
Miscellaneous / Emergency Fund	$603
Total Expenses	$4,475
Remaining / Discretionary	$3,000

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home pay of over $7,400 and rent at just $854, you can save aggressively. The median home price in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metro is around $220,000. A 20% down payment is $44,000. Based on this budget, you could save that in under 18 months. An FHA loan with a lower down payment is even more accessible. This is a city where homeownership is a realistic goal for most developers, which is a major shift from tech-heavy coastal cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Scranton's Major Employers

Scranton’s tech scene isn’t dominated by one giant like Google or Amazon. Instead, it’s a healthy mix of healthcare, education, and a few key tech players. Here are the major employers you should be looking at:

1. Geisinger Health System: A massive healthcare provider with a huge digital footprint. They have a dedicated team for their Epic EHR system, patient portals, and internal data analytics. They are consistently hiring developers with experience in healthcare IT and security.
2. The University of Scranton: A top-tier Jesuit university with a strong computer science program. They hire developers for their IT department, maintaining campus systems, and for research projects. It's a stable, well-respected employer.
3. Scranton Lackawanna Human Services Agency (SLHSA): As a major regional non-profit, they manage and develop systems for social services, case management, and public health data. This is a great spot for developers interested in civic tech and data applications.
4. Peoples Security Bank & Trust: A regional bank with a growing need for software developers to manage online banking platforms, mobile apps, and internal financial systems. They look for developers with a strong focus on security and compliance.
5. Scranton Automation: A smaller but innovative firm specializing in industrial automation and control systems. They often need embedded systems developers and software engineers who can work with PLCs and custom manufacturing software.
6. NEPA Tech: This is a local tech consultancy and software development shop that builds custom solutions for a variety of local and regional businesses. It’s a great place to get broad experience on different types of projects.
7. Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine: As part of the Geisinger system, they have needs for educational technology developers and data analysts to support their research and curriculum.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest for full-stack developers (especially with .NET and JavaScript frameworks), healthcare IT specialists (Epic certification is a golden ticket here), and data analysts. Remote work is becoming more common, but hybrid models are the most prevalent. Local companies want you in the office a few days a week for collaboration.

Getting Licensed in PA

Good news: Pennsylvania does not have a state-specific license to practice as a software developer. You do not need to pass a state board exam or pay licensing fees to write code.

However, there are specific requirements for certain adjacent fields, and it's good to be aware of them:

• Professional Engineer (PE) License: If you are working on software for critical infrastructure (e.g., power grids, transportation control systems) that falls under engineering regulations, you may need a PE license. This is administered by the Pennsylvania State Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. The process is rigorous: ABET-accredited engineering degree, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, 4 years of work experience, and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Costs include exam fees (~$300 per exam) and application fees.
• IT Certifications: While not state-mandated, certifications are highly valued by local employers. Key ones include AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure certifications, CompTIA Security+, and for healthcare roles, Epic certification (often sponsored by the employer).

Timeline to Get Started:

• For a standard Software Developer role: No license needed. You can start applying immediately.
• For a PE license (if required): This is a multi-year process. The initial FE exam can be taken near the end of your undergraduate degree. The PE exam requires at least 4 years of experience after that.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Scranton is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different feel. Your choice will depend on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent
Downtown Scranton	Urban & Walkable. Close to major employers like Geisinger and the University. You can walk to restaurants, bars, and events like First Friday. The commute to most offices is <10 mins.	$900 - $1,100
South Side	Up-and-coming & Trendy. A mix of students and young professionals. Great local coffee shops (like A Little Coffee) and restaurants. Easy access to I-81 for commuting to suburban offices.	$800 - $1,000
Green Ridge	Residential & Quiet. A historic district with beautiful Victorian homes. Very family-friendly with a strong community feel. A short drive to everything. Ideal if you want space and a quieter home life.	$850 - $1,050
West Side	Classic & Affordable. A solid, middle-class neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes and apartments. Closer to the Viewmont Mall area and major retail. Commute is easy via I-81.	$750 - $900
Dunmore	College Town Feel. Technically a borough adjacent to Scranton, home to Penn State Scranton. It’s quiet, safe, and has its own small downtown. A 5-10 minute drive to downtown Scranton.	$800 - $950

Insider Tip: If you're looking to buy, check out the Hill Section. It has some of the most beautiful homes in the city and is very walkable to downtown, but the housing stock is older and may require some work.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Scranton long-term means focusing on specialization and advancement.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare IT (Epic, Cerner): Developers with Epic certification can command a 10-15% premium over the median salary. It’s a niche skill with high local demand.
• Cloud & DevOps (AWS, Azure): As local companies move to the cloud, developers with cloud architecture and DevOps skills are in high demand, pushing them toward the $135,000+ range.
• Data Science/Analytics: With Geisinger and other large employers, data-focused developers who can build dashboards and predictive models have strong earning potential.

Advancement Paths:
The path is clear: Junior -> Mid-Level -> Senior -> Tech Lead/Manager. The key is to move from just writing code to designing systems and leading projects. The local market is small enough that your reputation matters. Getting involved with local groups like NEPA Tech Meetups can accelerate your network and visibility.

10-Year Outlook:
The 17% job growth over the next decade is promising. It’s not explosive, but it’s sustainable. Scranton’s tech scene will likely grow organically, driven by the stability of its core industries: healthcare, education, and public administration. While you may not see the creation of a massive new tech giant, the demand for skilled developers to modernize these established sectors will remain strong. For a developer who values stability, work-life balance, and a low cost of living, the long-term outlook is very positive.

The Verdict: Is Scranton Right for You?

Scranton is a fantastic choice for a specific type of developer. It’s not for everyone, but for those it fits, it offers an exceptional quality of life.

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further, especially for housing.	Limited High-End Tech Scene: Fewer cutting-edge startups or FAANG-level companies.
Stable, Growing Job Market: 17% growth provides security without intense competition.	Slower Pace: This isn't a 24/7 tech hub; the city quiets down in the evenings.
Manageable Commute: Most commutes are under 20 minutes, even during rush hour.	Less Networking Variety: The tech community is smaller and less connected globally.
Strong Sense of Community: It's easy to build a network and feel like a local.	Car Dependent: Public transportation is limited; a reliable car is a must.
Work-Life Balance is the Norm: 40-45 hour weeks are standard; hustle culture is rare.	Weather: Winters can be long and snowy.

Final Recommendation:

• Move to Scranton if: You are an early-to-mid-career developer looking to build wealth, buy a home, and avoid the burnout of a major tech city. If you value stability, community, and a manageable pace of life, Scranton is an excellent choice.
• Look elsewhere if: Your primary goal is to work at a world-renowned tech company, you thrive in a constant state of rapid innovation and competition, or you need world-class public transit and a vibrant nightlife that goes until 4 AM.

FAQs

1. Do I really need a car in Scranton?
Yes, for all practical purposes. The city is spread out, and public transportation (the COLTS bus system) has limited routes and schedules. A car gives you the freedom to live in more affordable neighborhoods and commute to the various employer locations, many of which are in suburban office parks.

2. Is the tech scene growing or shrinking?
It's definitely growing, but not at a breakneck pace. The 17% 10-year growth is steady and healthy. The growth is coming from established industries (healthcare, finance, education) digitizing their operations, not from a flood of new startups. This creates stable, long-term jobs.

3. What's the interview process like?
It's generally more traditional than in Silicon Valley. Expect a phone screen, a technical interview (often a take-home coding challenge or a live problem-solving session), and a final panel interview focusing on culture fit. Companies like Geisinger and the University will have more corporate-style, multi-stage processes.

4. How do the seasons affect the lifestyle here?
Summer is fantastic—warm, not overly humid, and full of outdoor festivals and events. Fall is beautiful with the nearby Pocono Mountains turning color. Winter is the main challenge: you'll need a good coat, snow tires, and patience for snow days. Spring is a welcome relief. The distinct seasons are part of the local culture.

5. Can I work fully remote for a company outside Scranton?
Absolutely. Many developers here work remotely for companies in Philadelphia, New York, or even California, enjoying Scranton's low cost of living while earning a coastal salary. The main challenge is internet reliability—ensure you get a solid fiber or cable connection, which is widely available. This is a very popular and financially savvy path for experienced developers in the area.

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Data Sources:

• Salary Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area.
• Cost of Living & Rent: BestPlaces.net, Zillow Observed Rent Index.
• Population: U.S. Census Bureau.
• State Licensing: Pennsylvania State Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists.