In 2016, The University of Scranton (University) and The Institute set out to understand better what constitutes a
living wage in Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA). We found that the federal and current Pennsylvania minimum wage of $7.25, equating to just $15,080 per year, proved inadequate in providing families in the region with economic security.
Both the 2016 and 2019 reports revealed gaps between the minimum wage and living wage thresholds;
both also included interviews with local leaders and recommendations drawing on Catholic Social Teaching and
public policy best practices, which have since contributed to regional discussion and action. The 2022 Living Wage
Report seeks to understand and analyze again what constitutes a living wage in our region, the challenges facing
those who fall below the living wage threshold, and mitigating factors — in particular, racial disparities and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic security.
