What Is a Good Salary in Pennsylvania?

A “good salary” is a deeply personal concept, influenced by individual financial aspirations, lifestyle choices, and geographic location. What one person considers sufficient, another might find inadequate. This article explores salary benchmarks and the economic landscape of Pennsylvania, providing data and contextual information to help readers understand common earnings and the factors that shape them within the state.

Defining Salary Benchmarks in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s economic landscape supports a diverse range of industries, each with varying salary benchmarks. The median household income in Pennsylvania was $76,081 in 2023, with the average household income reaching $104,925 annually. The per capita income for the state stood at $43,104 in 2024. These figures represent overall averages and can fluctuate based on specific roles, employer size, and individual qualifications.

The healthcare sector is a major employer in Pennsylvania. A Registered Nurse earns an average annual salary ranging from $76,000 to $76,940. Medical Doctors see average annual salaries from $149,407 to $273,615. General healthcare workers average $34,440 annually, while Healthcare Management professionals average $68,391 per year.

Manufacturing also plays a substantial role in the state’s economy. Manufacturing Production positions average $74,679 annually. General manufacturing roles earn annual earnings from $42,159 to $48,623. Higher-level positions, such as a Manufacturing Manager, command an average annual salary of $135,619, and a Manufacturing Engineer I averages $78,696 per year.

In education, the average annual salary for a teacher ranges from $46,701 to $74,945, with public school teachers averaging $53,311. Entry-level teachers start around $53,827 per year. The finance industry offers average annual salaries of $92,854 for general finance roles, while Financial Managers can earn an average of $131,410 per year.

The technology sector, particularly in software development, shows competitive salaries. A Software Engineer can expect an average annual salary ranging from $96,370 to $148,626. Entry-level IT positions average $22.72 per hour, and IT Professionals earn $83,897 annually.

Agriculture, a foundational industry, presents diverse earning potentials. An Agriculture Specialist can earn an average of $102,732 annually. General agricultural workers average $30,000 per year, with farmers averaging $46,499 annually. Accountants earn an average annual salary between $68,490 and $73,490, with entry-level Accountant I positions averaging $61,969. Electricians in the state earn an average annual salary of $61,630 to $69,768.

Cost of Living Across Pennsylvania Regions

Understanding salary figures in Pennsylvania requires considering the varied cost of living across its distinct regions. A salary that provides a comfortable lifestyle in one area might be insufficient in another due to differences in expenses. The statewide average for housing costs ranges from $872 to $1,259 per month, with utilities averaging $357 to $443 monthly. Groceries cost around $278 per person per month, or $7,200 per household annually.

Southeastern Pennsylvania, encompassing the Philadelphia metropolitan area, presents a higher cost of living. The overall cost of living in Philadelphia is 4.3% above the national average and 10.3% higher than the Pennsylvania state average. Average rent ranges from $1,751 to $2,195 per month, with studio apartments averaging $1,397 and two-bedroom units $2,204.

Utilities are higher than the national average, with monthly bills for gas, electricity, and water around $275.13, and electricity bills averaging $176 to $235 per month. Grocery prices are 3.9% to 4% higher than the national average. Transportation costs, including public transit fares and gas, are also higher compared to national averages.

Southwestern Pennsylvania, centered around the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, offers a more moderate cost of living. The overall cost of living in Pittsburgh is 1.7% to 2% lower than the national average. Housing is more affordable, with costs 5.7% to 7% less than the national average, and median home values $195,500 to $235,000. Average monthly rent can range from $1,427 to $1,772.

Utility costs can be higher than national averages, by 21.8% to 25%. Transportation expenses are also higher, 8.2% above the national average. However, grocery prices are 2% to 2.1% lower than the national average.

Central Pennsylvania, including cities like Harrisburg, boasts a lower cost of living than the state’s major metropolitan areas. Harrisburg’s overall cost of living is 4% to 5% lower than the national average. Housing is more affordable, with average monthly rents ranging from $1,211 to $1,401. Housing costs are 7% to 12% cheaper than the national average.

Utility costs are comparable to the national average, with energy bills around $204.09 per month. Grocery prices are also more favorable, 4% to 5.2% lower than the national average. Transportation costs are lower than the national average, 3.7% less.

Northeastern Pennsylvania, represented by cities like Scranton, also offers a lower cost of living. Scranton’s overall cost of living is 9% lower than the national average and 10% lower than the state average. Housing is more affordable, with costs 32% to 33% lower than the U.S. average, and average monthly rent $1,295 to $1,482.

Utility prices are higher than the national average, 2% to 3% pricier, with electricity bills averaging $146.36 per month. Grocery prices are 1% to 2% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses are 7% higher than the national average.

Rural and Northern Pennsylvania areas have the lowest cost of living within the state. The average household income in rural Pennsylvania was $87,256 in 2023, with a per capita income of $56,478. The median rural family income was $82,436 in 2022. Average monthly rent in rural areas was $980 in 2023, and the average value of an owner-occupied home was $228,972. Utility, grocery, and transportation costs are generally lower than urban and suburban areas, contributing to the lower cost of living in these regions.

Factors Shaping Individual Salaries

An individual’s salary potential in Pennsylvania is shaped by personal attributes and external market conditions. Education level influences earning capacity. Earning a bachelor’s degree opens doors to higher-paying professional and managerial roles compared to a high school diploma or associate’s degree. Advanced degrees, such as master’s or doctoral degrees, correlate with the highest earning potentials.

Years of experience in a particular field or role directly impacts salary progression. An entry-level Accountant I averages $61,558 annually, increasing to $63,571 with eight or more years of experience. An entry-level Public School Teacher starts $50,795, rising to $57,140 after eight years of experience. Farmers with under one year of experience average $42,648, growing to $50,548 with eight or more years.

Specialized skills, certifications, and technical proficiencies in high demand boost earning potential. In the technology sector, specific programming languages, cybersecurity certifications, or data analytics expertise can lead to higher salaries for software engineers and IT professionals. In healthcare, specialized certifications for nurses or advanced practice roles command higher compensation due to specific knowledge and responsibilities.

Specific job responsibilities, seniority level, and management duties lead to higher salaries. Roles with greater oversight, strategic decision-making authority, or leadership responsibilities are compensated more due to increased impact and accountability. A Financial Manager earns more than a general finance professional, and a Manufacturing Manager’s salary is higher than a production worker’s.

The type and size of the employer also play a role in salary levels. Larger companies have more structured salary bands and benefit packages. They may offer higher base salaries and more comprehensive benefits due to their greater resources and need to attract top talent. Non-profit organizations sometimes offer lower salaries compared to their for-profit counterparts for similar roles.

Interpreting Salary Data

Understanding salary data is key for assessing financial prospects in Pennsylvania. It involves distinguishing between various statistical measures and compensation components. When reviewing salary information, understand the difference between median, average, and salary ranges. The median salary represents the midpoint of all salaries, meaning half of individuals earn more and half earn less. This measure is more representative than the average (mean) salary, which can be skewed by a few exceptionally high earners. Salary ranges provide a broader picture, indicating the typical low and high ends of compensation for a particular role.

Differentiating between gross salary, net salary, and total compensation is important. Gross salary is the total amount of money earned before any deductions, such as taxes and pre-tax benefits. In Pennsylvania, a flat income tax rate of 3.07% is applied, which reduces the gross amount. Net salary, also known as take-home pay, is the amount remaining after all mandatory and voluntary deductions. Total compensation provides the most comprehensive view of an individual’s earnings, encompassing not only the gross salary but also the value of benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions (e.g., 401(k) matching), bonuses, stock options, and paid time off. Benefits can increase the overall value of an employment package, even if the base salary appears moderate.

The credibility of the source of salary data is also a consideration. Reputable sources include government statistics, such as those from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which collect wage data across various occupations and regions. Well-known survey firms and job boards that aggregate salary data from a large number of reported salaries provide insights. Relying on data from verified and large datasets helps ensure the information is reliable and reflects current market conditions.

When comparing salaries, ensure an “apples to apples” comparison. Consider positions with similar job titles, equivalent levels of experience, and comparable responsibilities. A “Software Engineer” role can vary between companies, and an entry-level position will pay less than a senior or lead role. Location within Pennsylvania is also a factor, as salaries for the same role can differ between high-cost-of-living metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and more rural regions. Account for these variables to make accurate salary comparisons.