Web Developer Career Guide: Scranton, PA

As someone who’s navigated the tech scene in Scranton for years, I can tell you this isn’t Silicon Valley—but that’s the point. You get a lower cost of living, a tight-knit community, and real opportunities if you know where to look. This guide cuts through the fluff with hard data and local insights to help you decide if Scranton’s the right move for your web development career.

The Salary Picture: Where Scranton Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. According to the most recent data, the median salary for web developers in the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metro area is $90,802 per year, with an hourly rate of $43.65. This sits just slightly below the national average of $92,750/year—a common pattern for mid-sized Pennsylvania cities. With 151 active jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 16%, the market is stable, if not booming.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and industry reports (BLS, Glassdoor, and local recruiter data).

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Annual)	Notes for Scranton
Entry-Level	0-2	$60,000 - $75,000	Often at small agencies or in-house roles at healthcare/education. Strong portfolio is key.
Mid-Level	2-5	$75,000 - $95,000	The sweet spot. You'll find the most openings here, especially for full-stack roles.
Senior	5-10	$95,000 - $120,000	Usually requires leadership or specialized skills (e.g., React, cloud architecture).
Expert/Lead	10+	$120,000+	Limited roles, often at the region's largest employers or remote-first companies.

How does Scranton stack up against other PA cities?

• Pittsburgh & Philadelphia: Salaries can be 15-25% higher, but so is rent (often 50-100% more). The tech scene is larger, but competition is fiercer.
• Harrisburg: Very similar to Scranton in both salary and cost of living. A comparable option.
• Allentown/Bethlehem: Slightly higher salaries (~5-10%) and a bit more expensive, with a growing tech hub.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the median. Scranton has a "strong middle." The gap between a solid mid-level developer and a senior isn't as vast here as in major metros, meaning you can advance faster with the right skills.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $90,802 sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Scranton’s affordability is its biggest draw. The average 1BR rent is $854/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 93.0 (US avg = 100). Let’s break down the math for a single filer with no dependents.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $90,802/year)

Category	Estimated Amount	Details & Context
Gross Pay (Monthly)	$7,567	$90,802 / 12 months
Taxes (Est. 25%)	-$1,892	Includes federal, state (PA flat 3.07%), and FICA. Use a calculator for your exact situation.
Net Pay (Take-Home)	$5,675	After taxes.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$854	This is a city-wide average. You can find lower ($700) in Green Ridge or higher ($1,100+) in downtown.
Utilities (Avg.)	-$150	Includes electric, gas, internet (Comcast/Xfinity is primary provider).
Groceries	-$300	Scranton has competitive grocery stores (Weis, Price Chopper, Aldi).
Transportation	-$150	Gas is cheaper than national average. Car insurance is moderate. Public transit ( COLTS) is limited but cheap ($1.75/ride).
Health Insurance (Employer)	-$200	Varies widely. This is a common employer contribution estimate.
Remaining Discretionary	$3,021	This is your budget for savings, student loans, entertainment, and emergencies.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Scranton is around $150,000-$180,000. With a strong credit score and 10-20% down, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be comparable to or even less than rent for a 2-3 bedroom house. This is a major advantage over cities where home ownership is a distant dream for most professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Scranton's Major Employers

The Scranton tech scene isn't dominated by Google or Amazon. It's a mix of healthcare, education, and established regional companies. Here’s where you should be looking:

1. Geisinger Health System: A massive employer with a huge digital presence. They have in-house teams for patient portals, mobile apps, and internal systems. Often hires for front-end (React, Angular) and full-stack roles. They value stability and benefits.
2. The University of Scranton: While not a tech giant, the university and its affiliated organizations (like the Weinberg Memorial Library) need web developers for their sites and student portals. Good for entry-to-mid-level roles, often with a great work-life balance.
3. Scranton Area Health & Wellness Center (SAHWC): A growing network of clinics that relies on modern web platforms for patient engagement and telehealth. They’re a prime example of the healthcare tech opportunities in the region.
4. Pepperjam (Now part of Partnerize): A digital marketing agency with roots in Scranton. They handle e-commerce and performance marketing for major brands. A great place to learn fast-paced agency work, especially in front-end and e-commerce development (Shopify, Magento).
5. Lackawanna College: Another educational institution with a need for web presence management and student-facing applications.
6. Local Digital Agencies: Firms like Red Rook and Digital Third Coast (with local ties) often hire remote or local developers for client projects. The agency scene is smaller but collaborative.
7. Remote-First Companies: Don't overlook this. Scranton’s low cost of living makes it an attractive base for remote work. Many developers here work for companies in NYC, Philly, or even Silicon Valley while enjoying Scranton’s affordability.

Hiring Trends: There’s a steady demand for full-stack skills (JavaScript, Node.js, Python/Django). Niche expertise in e-commerce and healthcare compliance is a plus. Many employers here are more interested in a strong portfolio and cultural fit than in a prestigious degree.

Getting Licensed in PA

Good news: Web development is not a state-licensed profession in Pennsylvania. There is no "web developer license" issued by the state.

• State Requirements: None. You don't need to pass a state exam or pay licensing fees to practice.
• Costs: The costs are for your skill development, not the state. This includes:
  • Bootcamps: $10,000 - $20,000 (e.g., online programs like Springboard, or local community college certificates at Lackawanna College).
  • Certifications: Optional but respected (e.g., AWS Certified Developer, Google Analytics). Costs range from $100 - $300 per exam.
  • Portfolio & Tools: Hosting (Vercel/Netlify), domain names, and a good laptop. Budget ~$1,500-$2,500 for initial setup.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you have a portfolio and the right skills, you can start applying immediately. For someone starting from scratch with no experience, a 6-12 month intensive learning period (through a bootcamp or self-study) is a realistic timeline to become job-ready.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Choosing where to live depends on your lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Devs
Downtown Scranton	Urban, walkable, coffee shops, nightlife. Commute: 5-10 min walk/bike to many offices.	$900 - $1,200	Central to everything. Great for networking at local tech meetups. Car is optional.
Green Ridge	Quiet, residential, tree-lined streets. Commute: 10-15 min drive to downtown.	$700 - $900	More space for your money. Quieter for focused work-from-home days.
South Side	Up-and-coming, mix of old and new. Commute: 10 min to downtown.	$800 - $1,000	Growing food scene and breweries. Good balance of urban and residential.
Clarks Summit	Suburban, excellent schools, family-oriented. Commute: 15-20 min to downtown.	$850 - $1,050	If you have or plan a family, this is a top choice. Very safe and quiet.
Hyde Park	Historic, diverse, close to the University. Commute: 5-10 min to downtown.	$750 - $950	Younger demographic, good for recent grads. Close to campus resources.

Insider Tip: Parking in downtown can be a hassle if you have a car. If you live downtown, factor in $50-$100/month for a municipal lot or check if your employer offers parking. Most other neighborhoods have easy street parking.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Scranton offers a clear path for advancement, though the ceiling is lower than in major metros.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Full-Stack/DevOps: Developers with cloud skills (AWS, Azure) and backend experience (Python, Node.js) can command a 10-15% premium over front-end specialists.
  • E-commerce: Expertise with Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento is highly valued by local agencies and retailers.
  • Healthcare Tech: Knowledge of HIPAA compliance and EHR systems (like Epic) is a significant differentiator for roles at Geisinger and other health networks.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is Junior → Mid-Level → Senior Developer. At larger employers like Geisinger, you can move into tech lead, engineering manager, or product owner roles. The agency side offers a path to project manager or director of technology.
• 10-Year Outlook (16% Growth): This growth is solid. It won't create a startup explosion, but it will steadily increase the number of roles, especially as small businesses and legacy companies (manufacturing, logistics) continue to digitize. The rise of remote work also means Scranton-based developers can climb the ladder at national companies without leaving.

The Verdict: Is Scranton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further. Homeownership is achievable.	Limited Tech Community: Fewer meetups, conferences, and networking events than major cities.
Stable Job Market: 151 jobs and steady growth offer security, not just hype.	Salaries Are Below National Average: You trade some earning potential for affordability.
Manageable Commutes & Traffic: You’ll spend less time in your car.	Fewer "Big Name" Employers: You won't work for FAANG, but you'll have a better work-life balance.
Tight-Knit Professional Network: It’s easier to get to know key players in the local scene.	Cultural Scene is Smaller: Fewer concerts, museums, and diverse restaurants than a major metro.
Access to Nature: The Poconos are 30 minutes away for hiking, skiing, and lakes.	Young Professional Scene is Growing, but Small: If you're single and 25, you might find the dating pool limited.

Final Recommendation: Scranton is an excellent choice for web developers who value stability, affordability, and work-life balance over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for those looking to buy a home, raise a family, or escape the grind of a major city. If you’re a superstar aiming for a $200k+ salary at a cutting-edge startup, look elsewhere. But if you want a solid career where you can own a house, have disposable income, and still do meaningful work, Scranton is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to find a job in Scranton as a web developer?
A: It's not as easy as in a major tech hub, but it's far from impossible. The key is to be proactive. Don't just apply online—network. Attend local tech meetups (check Eventbrite or Meetup.com for groups like "Scranton Tech"), and connect with people at the major employers listed above. A strong, live portfolio is more important here than a fancy resume.

Q: Will I be underpaid compared to my peers in other cities?
A: Yes, your dollar salary will likely be lower. However, your purchasing power will be significantly higher. A developer in Scranton earning $90,802 can afford a lifestyle that might require $130,000+ in Philadelphia. It's a trade-off.

Q: What's the tech community like? Are there meetups?
A: The community is small but growing. You'll find groups focused on JavaScript, UX/UI, and general tech. The pace is more collaborative than competitive. The University of Scranton often hosts tech-related events. Be prepared to drive sometimes, as the community is spread across Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and the Lehigh Valley.

Q: Do I need a car in Scranton?
A: It depends on where you live. If you're in Downtown or South Side, you might get by with a bike and walking for daily needs. However, for groceries, visiting the Poconos, and most commutes (most employers are not downtown), a car is highly recommended. Public transit (COLTS) exists but isn't as comprehensive as in larger cities.

Q: What's the biggest "insider tip" for a web developer moving to Scranton?
A: Embrace the hybrid or remote possibility. Many local developers work remotely for companies in higher-paying metros. This gives you the best of both worlds: Scranton's low cost of living and a salary closer to the national average. Start building your network now, both locally and online, to make this transition smoother.