What's the Average Salary in Pennsylvania by Age? A Complete Income Guide

Understanding how your earnings stack up against peers in Pennsylvania starts with knowing the median salary by age group. According to research from Scholaroo, the average salary in PA by age varies significantly across four main career stages. Whether you’re just starting your professional journey, hitting your stride in peak earning years, or transitioning into retirement, Pennsylvania’s wage landscape offers important insights into where you stand.

The data reveals that Pennsylvania doesn’t rank among the nation’s highest-paying states, but it offers reasonable earning potential compared to many regions. The variation between age groups is particularly striking, with significant jumps occurring between early career and mid-career stages.

Pennsylvania Income Breakdown by Age Group

When examining Pennsylvania salary data by age, the research from May 2024 provides a clear picture of earning progression:

Young Professionals (Ages 15-24): Pennsylvania’s entry-level workforce earns a median of $40,784 annually. This baseline reflects typical starting salaries in retail, food service, and entry-level administrative roles common in the state.

Early-to-Mid Career (Ages 25-44): This bracket shows a significant jump to $83,481 in median earnings. For most Pennsylvanians, this is when career specialization and advancement opportunities begin to materialize, with many moving into skilled trades, technical roles, or professional positions.

Peak Earning Years (Ages 45-64): Workers in this age bracket reach their highest earning potential at $88,589 annually. This represents the accumulated benefits of experience, tenure, and career progression over two decades.

Retirement and Beyond (Ages 65+): Income drops to $50,330 for those 65 and older, typically reflecting fixed income sources like Social Security and pensions rather than continued full-time employment.

How Pennsylvania Salaries Compare Nationally

Pennsylvania’s position in the national income hierarchy offers context for these figures. While the state’s median incomes fall below high-earners like Massachusetts ($108,536 for ages 25-44), Connecticut ($97,380), and New Jersey ($106,274), they exceed lower-income states like Mississippi and West Virginia.

The mid-career earning potential at $83,481 places Pennsylvania solidly in the middle tier nationally. States like California ($100,620) and Colorado ($99,253) show higher earning potential in the same age bracket, while Southern states typically show lower median incomes across all age groups.

For the 45-64 age group, Pennsylvania’s $88,589 again reflects middle-tier positioning nationally. High-earning states like Maryland ($119,307), Massachusetts ($115,864), and New Jersey ($117,412) substantially exceed Pennsylvania figures, while Mississippi ($60,998) and Louisiana ($64,298) fall considerably below.

Peak Earning Years in Pennsylvania

The transition between ages 45-64 represents peak income years for Pennsylvania workers, with a $5,108 increase from the 25-44 age bracket. This progression reflects career advancement, increased responsibilities, and higher skill utilization.

Interestingly, the leap from entry-level (ages 15-24 at $40,784) to early-mid career (ages 25-44 at $83,481) is more dramatic—a $42,697 jump—highlighting the substantial earning boost that typically occurs with career establishment and specialization.

The drop-off after age 65 is pronounced, reflecting the transition from active employment to retirement income sources. The $38,259 decrease from the 45-64 peak to the 65+ bracket demonstrates why retirement planning and pension management are critical for Pennsylvania workers.

Pennsylvania Workforce Demographics and Salary Trends

Pennsylvania’s economy reflects its industrial heritage and current service-sector focus. The state’s manufacturing legacy remains evident in wage patterns, with skilled trades commanding respectable salaries in the $80,000-$90,000 range for experienced workers.

The relatively modest entry-level salary of $40,784 suggests Pennsylvania’s workforce features substantial employment in service, retail, and hospitality sectors. This contrasts with states known for tech hubs (where entry-level pays can exceed $50,000) but aligns with manufacturing and agriculture-influenced regional economies.

Across generational lines, Generation X workers typically command the highest salaries nationally, though Pennsylvania data shows strong earning potential across the 25-64 age span. Young professionals entering the workforce face modest starting compensation, but the upward trajectory suggests good advancement potential over a 20-year career span.

The data reflects research conducted through May 2024, providing a snapshot of Pennsylvania’s earnings landscape. Regional variations within Pennsylvania exist, with urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh typically offering higher compensation than rural areas, though this state-level data represents averages across all regions.

Understanding where Pennsylvania salaries fit both within the state and nationally helps inform career planning, relocation decisions, and income expectations at different life stages. The average salary in PA by age shows a clear progression pattern, with meaningful growth through mid-career followed by the typical transition to retirement income sources.