Employment in Pennsylvania
College graduates benefit from a strong economic outlook in Pennsylvania. The state's below-average cost of living makes PA an attractive place for businesses and workers. Pennsylvania's major industries include energy, manufacturing, life sciences, and plastics. Jobs in many of the state's most common careers require a college degree.
Currently, fewer than 1 in 3 Pennsylvanians have a bachelor's degree or higher. Many of Pennsylvania's highest-paying jobs require a bachelor's degree, including careers like financial manager, construction manager, nurse practitioner, or information security analyst. All of these occupations pay average salaries of over $100,000 in Pennsylvania. Earning a college degree is a good way for Pennsylvanians to increase their earning potential and qualify for more jobs.
The highest-paying, fastest-growing careers in Pennsylvania include opportunities in healthcare, management, tech, and criminal justice. Pennsylvania's unemployment rate slightly exceeds the national average, while the average annual wage sits just above the national average.
The following information covers some of the highest-paying roles employing more than 1,000 individuals in Pennsylvania. Salary information refers specifically to Pennsylvania, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.
Highest-Paying Careers
| Career |
Annual Mean Salary (2020) |
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) |
Education Required |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians |
$251,540 |
-1% |
Doctoral |
| Chief Executives |
$227,250 |
-1% |
Bachelor's |
| Family Medicine Physicians |
$218,310 |
6% |
Doctoral |
| Psychiatrists |
$214,410 |
12% |
Doctoral |
| Nurse Anesthetists |
$185,090 |
14% |
Master's |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
The following data reflects some of the highest-paying roles employing more than 15,000 professionals in Pennsylvania. Salary figures apply specifically to Pennsylvania, while job growth data refers to the entire United States.
Most Common Careers in Pennsylvania
| Career |
Annual Mean Salary (2020) |
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) |
Education Required |
| Physicians |
$202,340 |
4% |
Doctoral |
| Financial Managers |
$153,730 |
15% |
Bachelor's |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers |
$145,460 |
10% |
Bachelor's |
| Lawyers |
$139,120 |
4% |
Doctoral |
| General and Operations Managers |
$131,060 |
6% |
Bachelor's |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Online Associate and Graduate Degrees
In addition to bachelor's programs, colleges in PA offer online associate and graduate programs. The switch to online-only education during the COVID-19 pandemic has expanded online options and led to more distance learning opportunities. Online learners at accredited Pennsylvania colleges receive the same high-quality education as those attending on-campus programs.
At the associate level, undergrads can earn degrees in business, engineering, and applied technology. These programs prepare graduates for the workforce or offer transfer credits that can be applied toward a bachelor's degree. Pennsylvania's statewide pathway program allows graduates with associate degrees to apply their credits directly to four-year degrees at other Pennsylvania schools.
At the graduate level, degree-seekers can choose from online options in fields like business, education, and nursing. For example, Penn State offers an online MBA program, and Cal U offers several online master's programs in nursing.
Online learning appeals to busy students and professionals who are seeking career advancement or changes. Working professionals may prefer the flexibility of an asynchronous learning schedule over attending in-person classes.
Some programs include in-person components, offer hybrid options, or require learners to complete practicum requirements in their local areas. For example, online nursing students and education majors often must meet practicum requirements through nearby hospitals or schools.
