Average salary in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a diverse state with a range of living expenses depending on the city or county. As such, it can be difficult to determine what constitutes a "good" salary in the state. 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.
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. But which cities and counties offer the highest average salaries?
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 |
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 |
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 |
Frequently asked questions about salaries in Pennsylvania
What is the average salary in Pennsylvania by age?
Alongside location and occupation, salaries in Pennsylvania are also dependent on age, 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.
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.
What is a ‘good’ salary in Pennsylvania?
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.
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Content writer
Kate has written for leading publications and blue chip companies over the last 20 years.