Pennsylvania salaries by occupation
The median worker in Pennsylvania earned $48,550 a year in 2024, about $23.34 an hour, 1.9% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 716 occupations.
Median pay $48,550 $23.34 per hour
Vs national median -1.9% U.S. $49,500
Workers 6,014,180 wage and salary
Occupations reported 716 with at least 100 employed
What Pennsylvania is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shampooers | 3.5× | 1,210 | $27,280 |
| Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians | 3.28× | 1,550 | $32,630 |
| Pourers and Casters, Metal | 2.99× | 680 | $44,060 |
| Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders | 2.82× | 2,240 | $60,200 |
| Chemists | 2.79× | 9,070 | $63,450 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | 2.73× | 9,600 | $36,240 |
| Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 2.48× | 1,410 | $49,250 |
| Foundry Mold and Coremakers | 2.43× | 1,200 | $42,920 |
| Religious Workers, All Other | 2.36× | 1,120 | $38,240 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 2.24× | 20,030 | $103,400 |
Metro areas in Pennsylvania
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 16 Pennsylvania metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $51,760 | $24.89 | 2,868,720 | #53 |
| State College | $50,250 | $24.16 | 68,760 | #70 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $48,510 | $23.32 | 330,750 | #117 |
| Pittsburgh | $48,210 | $23.18 | 1,109,050 | #129 |
| Reading | $48,210 | $23.18 | 171,480 | #131 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $47,770 | $22.97 | 370,040 | #150 |
| York-Hanover | $46,970 | $22.58 | 183,070 | #184 |
| Lancaster | $46,960 | $22.58 | 250,210 | #185 |
| Chambersburg | $46,670 | $22.44 | 57,940 | #194 |
| Lebanon | $45,810 | $22.02 | 53,350 | #231 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre | $45,400 | $21.83 | 254,190 | #246 |
| Williamsport | $45,310 | $21.78 | 50,020 | #248 |
| Gettysburg | $45,160 | $21.71 | 32,130 | #256 |
| Erie | $43,410 | $20.87 | 119,610 | #306 |
| Altoona | $43,100 | $20.72 | 58,090 | #312 |
| Johnstown | $42,020 | $20.20 | 48,550 | #329 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $220,510 | $106.02 | 14,140 | #3 of 33 |
| Pediatricians, General | $217,810 | $104.72 | 2,010 | #7 of 37 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $217,670 | $104.65 | 2,660 | #15 of 25 |
| Physicists | $208,470 | $100.23 | 540 | #2 of 26 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $172,710 | n/a | 4,030 | #8 of 18 |
| Dentists, General | $168,740 | $81.13 | 3,210 | #25 of 46 |
| Physicians, All Other | $163,100 | $78.42 | 17,780 | #16 of 18 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $161,570 | $77.68 | 23,320 | #22 of 49 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $154,400 | $74.23 | 8,680 | #28 of 49 |
| Podiatrists | $147,690 | $71.00 | 410 | #11 of 21 |
| Marketing Managers | $142,000 | $68.27 | 12,700 | #19 of 47 |
| Financial Managers | $137,960 | $66.33 | 31,750 | #24 of 51 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 242,570 | $29,310 | $14.09 |
| General and Operations Managers | 168,110 | $100,400 | $48.27 |
| Registered Nurses | 146,840 | $87,610 | $42.12 |
| Retail Salespersons | 143,460 | $30,410 | $14.62 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 137,640 | $41,170 | $19.79 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 131,650 | $28,490 | $13.70 |
| Office Clerks, General | 118,680 | $43,600 | $20.96 |
| Cashiers | 111,340 | $28,690 | $13.79 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 102,100 | $43,080 | $20.71 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 101,180 | $36,190 | $17.40 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Pennsylvania
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 93
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $98,870
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $87,390
- Power Plant Operators $85,260
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $78,570
- Gas Plant Operators $76,070
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $75,660
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $73,040
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $69,290
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $61,990
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $60,200
- Tool and Die Makers $59,540
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic $59,450
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $59,170
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $58,910
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $58,200
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $55,610
- Machinists $52,560
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $52,270
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $51,590
- Medical Appliance Technicians $51,460
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $50,860
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $50,810
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $50,780
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $50,450
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $50,170
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $50,160
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,930
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $49,750
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,600
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $49,590
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $49,250
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $49,250
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $49,220
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,050
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $49,030
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $48,200
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $48,080
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $47,840
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $47,750
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,670
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,580
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,560
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $47,540
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,530
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,510
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $47,410
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $46,990
- Printing Press Operators $46,560
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,530
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,300
- Etchers and Engravers $45,890
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $45,810
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,550
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $45,320
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $45,300
- Pourers and Casters, Metal $44,060
- Tire Builders $43,810
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $43,720
- Semiconductor Processing Technicians $43,480
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $43,470
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $43,330
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $43,180
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $43,100
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $43,020
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $42,920
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $42,920
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners $42,680
- Furniture Finishers $42,090
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $42,040
- Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders $41,620
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $41,600
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $40,980
- Food Batchmakers $40,330
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $39,430
- Production Workers, All Other $39,370
- Helpers--Production Workers $39,350
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $39,210
- Upholsterers $39,150
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $38,570
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $37,940
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $37,610
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $37,490
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $36,890
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $36,450
- Sewing Machine Operators $36,310
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $36,280
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators $36,130
- Cutters and Trimmers, Hand $35,510
- Bakers $34,710
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other $33,960
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $33,530
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $33,460
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $30,180
Education and library 61
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $120,010
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $108,220
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary $104,820
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $104,450
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $103,400
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $98,600
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $98,600
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $95,660
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $94,950
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $93,770
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary $93,050
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $93,010
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $92,780
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $87,590
- Geography Teachers, Postsecondary $84,350
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $82,710
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $81,760
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $81,640
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $81,250
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $81,060
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $79,920
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $78,900
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $78,610
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $77,990
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $77,610
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $76,740
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $76,590
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $76,510
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $76,490
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $76,210
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $75,980
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $75,330
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $74,960
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $74,950
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $74,160
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School $73,170
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $72,390
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $69,960
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $69,480
- Instructional Coordinators $67,180
- Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $64,620
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $64,520
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $64,310
- Curators $63,600
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $61,630
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $60,900
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $60,360
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $60,120
- Archivists $57,000
- Farm and Home Management Educators $52,060
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $50,770
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $50,180
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $46,230
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $41,600
- Tutors $41,560
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $41,400
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $38,290
- Library Technicians $38,150
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $37,000
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $34,250
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $30,550
Healthcare practitioners 50
- Pediatricians, General $217,810
- Nurse Anesthetists $217,670
- Dentists, General $168,740
- Physicians, All Other $163,100
- Podiatrists $147,690
- Pharmacists $135,830
- Veterinarians $129,510
- Optometrists $128,260
- Medical Dosimetrists $128,030
- Nurse Practitioners $127,400
- Physician Assistants $124,880
- Nurse Midwives $107,740
- Physical Therapists $99,570
- Radiation Therapists $98,420
- Occupational Therapists $94,120
- Speech-Language Pathologists $93,800
- Genetic Counselors $92,320
- Registered Nurses $87,610
- Audiologists $87,210
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $86,320
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $83,560
- Dental Hygienists $81,510
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $80,720
- Orthotists and Prosthetists $80,360
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $79,660
- Respiratory Therapists $76,160
- Chiropractors $75,610
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $68,010
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $66,020
- Surgical Assistants $64,670
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $62,010
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $61,920
- Surgical Technologists $61,770
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $61,520
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $61,450
- Therapists, All Other $59,540
- Athletic Trainers $58,970
- Exercise Physiologists $58,890
- Paramedics $57,670
- Recreational Therapists $56,690
- Medical Records Specialists $46,730
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $45,700
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $44,620
- Opticians, Dispensing $44,010
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $43,840
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $41,910
- Psychiatric Technicians $40,850
- Emergency Medical Technicians $38,580
- Pharmacy Technicians $37,560
- Dietetic Technicians $34,750
Office and administrative support 50
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $69,890
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $63,990
- Brokerage Clerks $61,290
- Postal Service Clerks $60,590
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $57,210
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $56,600
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $56,450
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $56,330
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $55,620
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $50,610
- Financial Clerks, All Other $50,150
- Procurement Clerks $49,920
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $49,330
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $49,330
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $49,120
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $48,210
- Statistical Assistants $47,840
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $47,730
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $47,390
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $47,200
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $46,800
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $46,500
- Cargo and Freight Agents $46,080
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $46,050
- Order Clerks $46,020
- Billing and Posting Clerks $45,900
- Meter Readers, Utilities $45,840
- New Accounts Clerks $45,830
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers $45,510
- Bill and Account Collectors $45,190
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $44,990
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $44,740
- Office Clerks, General $43,600
- Word Processors and Typists $43,150
- Customer Service Representatives $43,080
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $43,060
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $42,990
- Data Entry Keyers $42,400
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $42,100
- File Clerks $41,230
- Tellers $38,750
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $37,930
- Couriers and Messengers $37,590
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $37,440
- Gambling Cage Workers $37,380
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $37,190
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $36,030
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $35,760
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $30,850
- Library Assistants, Clerical $30,020
Construction and extraction 47
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $106,140
- Boilermakers $87,710
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $81,420
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $80,510
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $80,290
- Sheet Metal Workers $69,240
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $68,790
- Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining $68,780
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $67,220
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $66,650
- Electricians $65,400
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $65,120
- Construction and Building Inspectors $63,180
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons $62,470
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas $62,350
- Pipelayers $60,730
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $59,790
- Carpenters $59,240
- Tile and Stone Setters $59,010
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $58,580
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $58,570
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $58,270
- Glaziers $57,880
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $57,770
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators $56,770
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $56,600
- Fence Erectors $56,500
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $56,130
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $52,000
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $50,850
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $50,230
- Roofers $49,230
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $49,210
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $49,100
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers $49,000
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $48,820
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $48,730
- Construction Laborers $48,480
- Helpers--Extraction Workers $48,400
- Stonemasons $47,930
- Highway Maintenance Workers $47,680
- Carpet Installers $47,160
- Rock Splitters, Quarry $44,880
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $42,810
- Helpers--Carpenters $40,690
- Helpers--Electricians $39,490
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $36,260
Installation, maintenance and repair 43
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $103,750
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $101,400
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $95,930
- Avionics Technicians $91,080
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $80,630
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $77,340
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $76,360
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $72,240
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $67,230
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $67,180
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $66,630
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $63,830
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $62,970
- Millwrights $62,610
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $62,590
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $61,120
- Medical Equipment Repairers $60,780
- Riggers $60,410
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $60,350
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $60,160
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $59,240
- Rail Car Repairers $55,790
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $53,750
- Mechanical Door Repairers $51,460
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $51,390
- Home Appliance Repairers $50,420
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $49,790
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $49,770
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $49,310
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $48,950
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $48,330
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $47,780
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $46,950
- Motorcycle Mechanics $46,780
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $46,460
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $46,360
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $44,520
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $43,390
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $39,790
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners $37,810
- Tire Repairers and Changers $37,710
- Bicycle Repairers $36,600
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $26,000
Transport and material moving 40
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $172,710
- Commercial Pilots $129,540
- Air Traffic Controllers $129,310
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $82,050
- Locomotive Engineers $81,210
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $79,180
- Transportation Inspectors $75,420
- Ship Engineers $64,290
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $62,850
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $62,290
- Airfield Operations Specialists $59,480
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $58,540
- Crane and Tower Operators $57,760
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers $56,800
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $56,700
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers $51,990
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $48,010
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $47,900
- Bus Drivers, School $45,710
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $44,590
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $44,090
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $42,690
- Light Truck Drivers $42,430
- Flight Attendants $41,560
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $41,170
- Material Moving Workers, All Other $40,300
- Aircraft Service Attendants $39,210
- Wellhead Pumpers $38,550
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $38,150
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $36,670
- Stockers and Order Fillers $36,190
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $35,070
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $34,960
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $32,630
- Passenger Attendants $32,040
- Taxi Drivers $30,950
- Driver/Sales Workers $30,680
- Parking Attendants $30,170
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $29,110
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $28,830
Life, physical and social science 39
- Physicists $208,470
- Psychologists, All Other $126,460
- Economists $113,300
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $112,850
- Nuclear Technicians $104,650
- Materials Scientists $103,060
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $99,440
- Physical Scientists, All Other $98,860
- Biological Scientists, All Other $95,640
- Hydrologists $94,310
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $93,750
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $90,450
- School Psychologists $86,050
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $85,700
- Epidemiologists $83,800
- Food Scientists and Technologists $82,390
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $81,840
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $78,890
- Foresters $77,150
- Urban and Regional Planners $75,250
- Anthropologists and Archeologists $75,180
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $73,040
- Life Scientists, All Other $72,800
- Microbiologists $71,010
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $70,550
- Soil and Plant Scientists $64,650
- Chemists $63,450
- Survey Researchers $61,100
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $60,060
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $60,050
- Chemical Technicians $59,130
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $58,590
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $57,910
- Forensic Science Technicians $57,820
- Social Science Research Assistants $54,940
- Conservation Scientists $53,110
- Food Science Technicians $49,050
- Biological Technicians $47,820
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians $43,340
Management 37
- Chief Executives $220,510
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $161,570
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $154,400
- Marketing Managers $142,000
- Financial Managers $137,960
- Natural Sciences Managers $136,700
- Human Resources Managers $130,830
- Purchasing Managers $130,140
- Managers, All Other $129,170
- Sales Managers $128,640
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $125,790
- Training and Development Managers $121,870
- Public Relations Managers $119,400
- Industrial Production Managers $106,220
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $104,460
- Fundraising Managers $104,400
- Construction Managers $103,990
- Advertising and Promotions Managers $103,900
- Medical and Health Services Managers $103,720
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $103,530
- Administrative Services Managers $100,930
- General and Operations Managers $100,400
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $100,320
- Facilities Managers $95,430
- Funeral Home Managers $94,000
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $93,100
- Gambling Managers $84,440
- Education Administrators, All Other $81,820
- Emergency Management Directors $78,190
- Social and Community Service Managers $74,290
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $69,850
- Personal Service Managers, All Other $69,130
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $66,340
- Food Service Managers $62,250
- Lodging Managers $61,820
- Legislators $51,490
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $50,540
Arts, design, entertainment and media 34
- Art Directors $89,990
- Technical Writers $78,970
- Fashion Designers $78,950
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $75,960
- Producers and Directors $72,450
- Artists and Related Workers, All Other $70,430
- Designers, All Other $68,080
- Media and Communication Workers, All Other $66,560
- Interior Designers $64,680
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners $64,460
- Editors $63,790
- Music Directors and Composers $60,410
- Special Effects Artists and Animators $60,390
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $59,370
- Public Relations Specialists $59,260
- Writers and Authors $58,170
- Audio and Video Technicians $57,450
- Broadcast Technicians $57,250
- Lighting Technicians $57,010
- Sound Engineering Technicians $53,970
- Graphic Designers $52,990
- Athletes and Sports Competitors $51,340
- Film and Video Editors $51,340
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other $50,900
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $50,830
- Interpreters and Translators $49,010
- Set and Exhibit Designers $48,010
- Coaches and Scouts $47,520
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $47,290
- Photographers $39,640
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $35,880
- Floral Designers $34,880
- Actors not reported
- Dancers not reported
Architecture and engineering 31
- Nuclear Engineers $134,580
- Computer Hardware Engineers $131,660
- Electrical Engineers $109,730
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $109,660
- Aerospace Engineers $108,510
- Chemical Engineers $107,040
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $106,110
- Engineers, All Other $103,580
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $97,900
- Mechanical Engineers $97,450
- Industrial Engineers $96,320
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $95,640
- Environmental Engineers $94,880
- Petroleum Engineers $92,930
- Civil Engineers $92,460
- Materials Engineers $89,160
- Landscape Architects $81,110
- Surveyors $73,680
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $67,200
- Mechanical Drafters $66,170
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $65,980
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $65,610
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $65,460
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $63,370
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $62,320
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $62,160
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $61,680
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $61,550
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $59,590
- Drafters, All Other $56,700
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $56,400
Business and financial 30
- Personal Financial Advisors $103,290
- Financial Risk Specialists $100,190
- Project Management Specialists $97,280
- Management Analysts $94,050
- Financial and Investment Analysts $87,360
- Financial Examiners $84,910
- Financial Specialists, All Other $84,700
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage $83,480
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $81,340
- Credit Analysts $80,650
- Budget Analysts $80,580
- Labor Relations Specialists $79,330
- Insurance Underwriters $78,220
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $77,750
- Logisticians $77,740
- Accountants and Auditors $77,330
- Cost Estimators $74,590
- Compliance Officers $73,840
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $71,120
- Human Resources Specialists $66,020
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $65,800
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $65,190
- Training and Development Specialists $64,640
- Fundraisers $62,360
- Loan Officers $61,470
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $60,320
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $55,740
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $55,690
- Credit Counselors $49,040
- Tax Preparers $47,340
Personal care and service 28
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $62,250
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $55,940
- Crematory Operators $48,480
- Costume Attendants $47,360
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $46,440
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $44,770
- Skincare Specialists $43,920
- Barbers $42,570
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $42,010
- Animal Trainers $41,600
- Concierges $38,390
- Residential Advisors $38,220
- Gambling Dealers $36,130
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $34,730
- Funeral Attendants $34,370
- Recreation Workers $34,050
- Tour and Travel Guides $32,210
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $31,510
- Animal Caretakers $30,260
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $29,680
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $28,740
- Childcare Workers $28,330
- Gambling Service Workers, All Other $28,180
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners $27,810
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $27,480
- Shampooers $27,280
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $27,050
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $23,250
Protective service 20
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $102,420
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $102,240
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $98,740
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $92,480
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $86,350
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $67,440
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $67,290
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $63,540
- Transportation Security Screeners $61,980
- Animal Control Workers $51,440
- Private Detectives and Investigators $51,220
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $49,420
- Bailiffs $48,160
- Parking Enforcement Workers $46,220
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $39,010
- Security Guards $37,680
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $36,240
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $35,260
- School Bus Monitors $31,200
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $30,950
Sales 20
- Sales Engineers $98,810
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $91,860
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $81,150
- Real Estate Brokers $74,990
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $66,460
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $65,490
- Insurance Sales Agents $62,230
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $61,030
- Real Estate Sales Agents $53,590
- Advertising Sales Agents $49,570
- Travel Agents $46,910
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $46,160
- Counter and Rental Clerks $40,710
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $40,640
- Parts Salespersons $37,320
- Telemarketers $33,910
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $33,270
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $31,210
- Retail Salespersons $30,410
- Cashiers $28,690
Computing and mathematics 19
- Database Architects $129,040
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $128,960
- Software Developers $123,740
- Computer Network Architects $120,420
- Information Security Analysts $110,230
- Database Administrators $107,800
- Actuaries $107,530
- Computer Occupations, All Other $102,330
- Data Scientists $100,320
- Computer Systems Analysts $97,450
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $93,600
- Web Developers $89,910
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $86,170
- Computer Programmers $84,770
- Statisticians $83,660
- Operations Research Analysts $75,760
- Computer Network Support Specialists $73,750
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $61,030
- Computer User Support Specialists $58,130
Community and social service 17
- Health Education Specialists $75,020
- Social Workers, All Other $65,990
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $65,510
- Marriage and Family Therapists $64,570
- Healthcare Social Workers $63,010
- Counselors, All Other $61,510
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $61,460
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $58,320
- Clergy $56,540
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $56,140
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $54,450
- Rehabilitation Counselors $51,350
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $51,030
- Community Health Workers $50,350
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $49,590
- Social and Human Service Assistants $43,340
- Religious Workers, All Other $38,240
Healthcare support 17
- Physical Therapist Assistants $61,610
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $61,430
- Massage Therapists $57,660
- Dental Assistants $48,290
- Medical Equipment Preparers $43,920
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $43,740
- Psychiatric Aides $43,620
- Medical Assistants $42,810
- Nursing Assistants $41,110
- Phlebotomists $40,140
- Orderlies $38,790
- Pharmacy Aides $38,280
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $36,480
- Physical Therapist Aides $36,420
- Medical Transcriptionists $36,190
- Occupational Therapy Aides $36,140
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $29,310
Food preparation and serving 16
- Chefs and Head Cooks $59,630
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $38,980
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $36,830
- Cooks, Restaurant $35,340
- Cooks, All Other $35,030
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $32,310
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $31,070
- Waiters and Waitresses $30,300
- Food Preparation Workers $30,150
- Dishwashers $29,100
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $28,650
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,490
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $28,400
- Cooks, Fast Food $27,440
- Bartenders $27,090
- Cooks, Short Order $18,400
Building and grounds maintenance 9
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $51,510
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $49,280
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $48,840
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $46,530
- Pest Control Workers $45,310
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other $43,790
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $37,770
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $35,670
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $33,580
Farming, fishing and forestry 9
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $59,750
- Agricultural Inspectors $51,920
- Forest and Conservation Workers $49,160
- Logging Equipment Operators $43,820
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $41,660
- Log Graders and Scalers $38,900
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $38,680
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $36,940
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $35,040
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Pennsylvania?
The median across all occupations is $48,550 a year, or $23.34 an hour, covering 6,014,180 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Pennsylvania?
Chief Executives ($220,510), Pediatricians, General ($217,810), Nurse Anesthetists ($217,670) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Pennsylvania employ the most people in?
Home Health and Personal Care Aides, with 242,570 employed at a median of $29,310. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Pennsylvania electricity averages 21.55¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.