What is the average salary in Pennsylvania?
From the average salaries by age in PA to the highest paying jobs, this article will take you through what you need to know about the average salaries in Pennsylvania.
Whether you're already residing in Pennsylvania or considering relocating there, it's essential to have a grasp of the financial landscape in order to make informed decisions.
Summary
Pennsylvania has been ranked as one of the more affordable states in the US to live in, with the cost of living below the national average.
Those aged under 25 have a median household income of $37,901, while those 65 and older have a median income of $52,934.
The average hourly salary in Pennsylvania is $28.45, based on working 37.5 hours per week.
The average yearly earnings in the city of Philadelphia is $69,548.
Medical professionals are among the highest paid in Pennsylvania, with the ‘Staff Psychiatrist’ being the highest-paid occupation.
What is the average salary in Pennsylvania by age?
Age is one of the biggest factors that will determine your average wage in Pennsylvania since more senior workers will be paid more. Then, when they retire, their income will dip again as they will rely on pensions and other forms of set income.
So, what is the median wage in Pennsylvania? The Census Bureau data finds that householders under 25 have a median household income of $37,901; householders aged 24 to 44 years old have a median income of $69,064; those aged 45 to 64 years old have a median income of $80,840; and those 65 and older have a median income of $52,934.
For comparison, you can also check out the average salary in the US by age.
What is a ‘good’ salary in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has been ranked as one of the more affordable states in the US to live in, according to a variety of sources. The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center has ranked Pennsylvania as the 19th most affordable state to live in, with a cost of living that is below the national average.
Defining a 'good' salary in Pennsylvania depends on various factors, such as location, occupation, and cost of living. The median household income in Pennsylvania is $65,579. However, it's best to consider your individual needs and expenses when determining what constitutes a 'good' salary.
What is the average salary in Pennsylvania by hour?
If Americans work an average of 1,801 hours per year — at 37.5 hours a week — then the average hourly salary in Pennsylvania is $28.45.
What is the average salary in Pennsylvania by city?
Average salaries in Pennsylvania can fluctuate greatly depending on the location. For example, cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have higher average salaries, while smaller towns and rural areas may have lower average salaries.
Average earnings by city — or any other geographical metric — is just one way of calculating wealth, and certainly shouldn’t be the only way you look at your own earning potential in a given place. It doesn’t take into account the type of jobs that people do to earn above or below this average bracket, and omits any consideration for the number of people living in a household. However, it’s certainly one way of establishing which place offers good earning opportunities.
The US Census Bureau’s latest American Community Survey has calculated the average earnings for the largest cities in Pennsylvania, which you can find ranked below.
| City | Average earnings |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $69,548 |
| Bethlehem | $62,599 |
| Pittsburgh | $63,153 |
| Allentown | $54,015 |
| Erie | $49,985 |
| Reading | $47,826 |
| Scranton | $47,471 |
What is the average salary in Pennsylvania by county?
Reviewing average salaries in Pennsylvania by city is not necessarily an adequate metric for average salaries across the state, since it’s entirely urban focused. A good idea is to weigh these figures up against the average salary in Pennsylvania by county, as this will take areas outside the main cities into account and offer a broader idea of salary ranges.
The same survey from the US Census Bureau gives further insight this way, with the average household income calculated for each county, the largest of which are:
| County | Average household income |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia County | $70,162 |
| Allegheny County | $67,462 |
| Montgomery County | $99,518 |
| Bucks County | $96,191 |
| Delaware County | $81,944 |
| Chester County | $117,801 |
What are the highest paying jobs in Pennsylvania?
There’s another weighty factor that will influence how much you earn if you live in Pennsylvania: your job type. Average salaries for various sectors and job roles can vary massively across the state, so it’s absolutely something to consider when looking at salaries by location.
Zippia has calculated a comprehensive list of annual salaries by job title. You can also find the top 10 highest-paying titles in Pennsylvania below.
| Occupation | Average salary |
|---|---|
| Staff Psychiatrist | $217,357 |
| Hospitalist Physician | $215,400 |
| Physician-Pediatrician | $200,271 |
| Md Physician-Dermatologist | $200,117 |
| Clinical Psychiatrist | $197,750 |
| Acute Care Physician | $197,404 |
| Finances Services Director | $196,753 |
| Medical Staff Physician | $192,339 |
| Chief Medical Officer | $192,114 |
| Physician | $192,043 |
Speak to a financial advisor
When creating a solid finance plan, you need to take multiple factors into account – income, spending, savings, budgeting, retirement savings, healthcare costs, insurance and more.
This can feel overwhelming at times. However, with a financial advisor helping you at every stage of the journey, this daunting task can feel more manageable.
Getting expert advice before you make significant financial decisions can really benefit you in the long term. Protect your financial future and speak to one of our financial advisors today.
Content writer
Kate has written for leading publications and blue chip companies over the last 20 years.