Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Pennsylvania 2024 (Inc Salaries)

With the current inflation rate of 3.5%, life is becoming increasingly expensive in the US. That's why professionals now more than ever need to consider the state's annual salaries and cost of living when looking for a job.

Pennsylvania's cost of living received a rating of 97, meaning it is lower than most states—10% lower than the national average, to be exact.

But how much do you need to earn to live comfortably in this state? Based on SmartAsset’s findings, you need to earn at least an average annual salary of $91,312 to cover your basic expenses, afford a few luxuries, and set aside some savings.

It may seem a lot for some states, but it's possible in PA.

Pennsylvania is a land of job opportunities since it's home to many Fortune 500 companies, startups, and small businesses. The best news is that plenty of high-paying jobs in Pennsylvania offer salaries that will allow you to live not just comfortably but also enjoyably in the Keystone State.

Keep reading to learn what the jobs offering the best salaries in PA are.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Pennsylvania 2024 (Inc Salaries)

1. Anesthesiologist

• Salary Range: $345,000 to $603,000, with an annual median salary of $319,800

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (1,000 employment opportunities) 

Anesthesiologists are experts in pain relief and management. They determine which type and how much anesthesia a patient should receive.

Not only that, but they also administer all types of anesthesia to patients and monitor their vital stats during surgical procedures. In addition to hospitals, their expertise is also needed in clinics and outpatient centers.

Anesthesiologists start their careers with a medical degree. After that, they have to undergo a residency program in anesthesiology. The last step is to pass the US Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) to get state licensure and the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) examination to get board-certified.

Completing fellowship training is not mandatory, but it's highly recommended for anesthesiologists who want to subspecialize and become an expert in their chosen field. 

Pittsburgh, PA, has 450 anesthesiologists, making it the 9^th metropolitan area with the highest employment level for this position.

2. Neurologist

• Salary Range: $239,000 to $432,000, with an estimated yearly wage of $237,000

• US Job Outlook (2022-2032): 3% (400 job vacancies) 

Neurologists are doctors of the nervous system, including the nerves, brain, and spinal cord. They treat disorders affecting these organs, such as stroke, movement disorders, seizure disorders, speech and language disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders.

After getting their medical degree, the next step for aspiring neurologists is to pursue further training, including a 1-year internship in Internal Medicine and a 3-year residency program in Neurology. The last steps are to get their medical license by passing the USMLE and obtaining board certification by passing the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. 

There are 1,220 neurologists in Pennsylvania, making it the state with the highest employment level for this position.

3. Physician/ Surgeon (Other medical specialties except anesthesiologist and neurologist)

• Salary Range: $238,000 to $445,000, with an average annual income of $233,800

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (24,200 job openings) 

Surgeons and physicians are medical doctors who specialize in different medical areas or niches.

However, they provide different types of medical services. Physicians provide primary and specialty care to patients through diagnostic testing, physical examinations, medications, and diet and lifestyle advice. Surgeons specialize in performing surgical procedures to treat and diagnose medical conditions and injuries.

Medical doctors can provide general healthcare services with just a medical degree and state licensure. However, they need to complete residency training and obtain board certification to specialize in a certain area of medicine. They also have to undergo fellowship training to obtain sub-specialization.

Other than neurologists and anesthesiologists, cardiologists,  surgeons, and occupational medicine physicians are the different medical specialties with the best salaries in Pennsylvania.

4. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

• Salary Range: $216,000 to $404,000, with an annual median salary of $218,500

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 5% (200 job postings) 

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists who have years of additional surgical training. This training allows them to perform basic to complex surgeries to treat and correct diseases, defects, and injuries affecting the jaw, neck, face, and mouth. In addition to their surgical responsibilities, they also conduct ward rounds and follow-up checkups to monitor their patients' recovery.

After dental schooling and obtaining their dental degrees, oral surgeons need to undergo six years of residency training, two of which are spent obtaining a medical degree. Lastly, they must pass the specialty examinations administered by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

OMS also has the option to undergo fellowship training to specialize in head and neck cancer, cosmetic surgery, craniofacial surgery, and cranio-maxillofacial trauma surgery. 

According to the BLS, Scranton—Wilkes-Barre—Hazleton, PA, is the third-highest-paying metropolitan area for oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

5. General Counsel

• Salary Range: $257,000 to $462,000, with an expected yearly income of $204,400

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 8% (39,100 employment opportunities)

*projected growth rate includes demand for all types of lawyers 

General counsels are the company’s in-house legal advisors and counselors. Their main responsibility is to ensure that all business operations and policies comply with the state law and regulations. They also handle the legal aspect of all business transactions, which may include reviewing and drafting contracts, agreements, and other paperwork. Other responsibilities include leading the company’s legal department, formulating the company's risk management policies, and handling litigation matters.

A business degree, such as a Juris Doctor (JD), is a great way to enter this industry. In addition, aspiring corporate lawyers should pass the bar exam to obtain their license to practice law. They should also earn years of experience in a corporate legal position before they can qualify for this role.

Education and experience requirements aside, the most important steps to securing this position are to develop strong leadership skills through an MBA degree, demonstrate corporate expertise through relevant certifications, and build industry connections through networking events. 

With 90,980 lawyers in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA, it is the metropolitan area with the highest employment level for this role.

6. Psychiatrist

• Salary Range: $204,000 to $381,000, with a median yearly salary of $204,200

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 7% (1,900 job vacancies) 

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are trained and educated to diagnose, treat, and manage complex behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders and conditions. In addition to prescribing medications and conducting Mental Status Examinations (MSE), psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy and other interventions, like deep brain stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy, and psychosurgery (further training is needed for this).

The first step to becoming a psychiatrist is a bachelor’s degree in psychology, biology, or other pre-med programs. After that, aspiring psychiatrists must earn their medical degree and complete a residency program in psychiatry.

The last step is to obtain a PA medical license and board certification as a psychiatrist, which involves passing the US Medical Licensing Examination and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. 

Danville is the best-paying city for psychiatrists in Pennsylvania, offering an average annual salary of 23.4% above the PA average.

7. Nurse Practitioner

• Salary Range: $122,000 to $190,000, with an average annual pay of $128,700

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 45% (118,600 job postings) 

Nurse practitioners have acquired additional training and education to take on more advanced roles than registered nurses.

Their scope of practice varies depending on state law. In PA, nurse practitioners can perform clinical assessments, order and interpret diagnostic tests, formulate and implement treatment plans, and prescribe medications, following a written collaborative agreement with a licensed medical doctor.

The minimum education requirement for nursing practitioners is a Master of Nursing (MSN) degree. However, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is fast becoming the degree of choice for this position.

After obtaining their degree, NPs must obtain state licensure by passing NCLEX-RN and getting board certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). 

There are 15,410 nurse practitioners in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA, making it the metropolitan area with the highest employment level for this position.

8. Clinical Pharmacist

• Salary Range: $112,000 to $162,000, with an estimated annual pay of $115,900

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (13,400 job postings) 

Unlike community and hospital pharmacists, whose main responsibility is to ensure the proper dispensing, handling, and storage of medications, clinical pharmacists play a proactive role in delivering care to hospital patients.

They work with physicians and other members of the healthcare team to develop treatment plans, evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of medications, and prevent potential side effects and drug interactions. They also interact directly with patients, answer any questions they might have about their health condition, and advise them on how to take their medications safely.

The minimum requirement for this position is a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD degree). Then, pharmacists must undergo specialized hospital training to gain clinical experience and pass the North American Pharmacists Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). They should also consider getting certifications offered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties to demonstrate their expertise in their field. 

With 15,230 pharmacists, Pennsylvania is the 5^th state with the highest level of employment for this position.

9. Speech Therapist

• Salary Range: $96,000 to $158,000, with an average annual income of $114,600

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 19% (13,200 job openings)

Also known as speech-language pathologists, they treat and diagnose disorders affecting the patient's speech, voice, language, and swallowing. They are responsible for helping patients improve their phonetics, accents, and fluency, strengthen their facial muscles, swallow safely, and communicate more effectively.

Becoming a speech therapist involves obtaining an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as psychology, linguistics, education, or language development. Afterward, they must earn an MS in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) and complete clinical fellowship training.

They must also take the Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology provided by the Education Testing Service (ETS). The last step is to secure a state license and the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).

According to BLS, New York—Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA, offers an hourly mean wage of $50.08 and is one of the top-paying metropolitan areas for this occupation.

10. Computer Network Architect

• Salary Range: $98,000 to $176,000, with a net income of $106,100 per year

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 4% (10,200 employment opportunities)

Computer Network Architects are responsible for designing and building all types and sizes of data communication networks, from smaller LANs to bigger and more expansive WANs.

Their responsibilities include creating detailed network diagrams, identifying, configuring, and installing the network equipment, overseeing network maintenance, and monitoring network security.

All computer network architects typically start with a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or Computer Science.

New graduates can improve their employability by obtaining relevant certifications like the CompTIA Network+, Citrix Certified Network Associate, and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert.

On the other hand, earning a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) degree can help them qualify for higher roles and advance their careers.

According to ZipRecruiter, systems architect, principal network architect, and network solutions architect are the best-paying related jobs for this role in PA.

FAQs

What is the highest paying job within Pennsylvania State in 2024?

With an average yearly salary of $319,800, anesthesiologists will have the highest pay in Pennsylvania in 2024. This occupation is followed by a neurologist and physicians in other medical specialties.

Due to the increasing need for medical care, the healthcare sector is stronger now than ever, and the high pay for medical doctors proves that. Not only did this profession garner the top three spots on this list, but it's also one of the highest-paying jobs in the US.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which Pennsylvania jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

Based on BLS’ projections, the fastest growing industries to look out for in the US are Nurse Practitioners, which will increase by 45%, and speech therapists, which will experience a growth of at least 19% in the next few years.

What is the best career path in Pennsylvania in 2024?

Considering that eight out of the ten high paying jobs available in Pennsylvania belong to the healthcare sector, we can say that it will be the best career path to explore in 2024. You may also want to look into the information technology and business industries, which are expected to also grow strong this year.

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying Pennsylvania jobs?

In addition to in-depth knowledge about your chosen industry (e.g., medical, business, legal, information technology), it's also important that you develop sought-after skills, such as a work ethic, communication skills, teamwork and collaboration, stress management, adaptability, time management, and initiative.

Above all, cultivating excellent management and leadership skills is important if you wish to advance your career. 

Download our free report here to know if you have what it takes to succeed in your chosen field.

What qualifications are required for high paying jobs in Pennsylvania?

The type of education requirement you need to fulfill varies depending on the nature of the job that you wish to apply for. For example, aspiring physicians need a medical degree, while general counsels need a Juris Doctor degree.

A master's degree is the minimum requirement for the rest of the jobs. Lastly, a master’s in Business Administration (MBA) is recommended for anyone who wishes to pursue career advancement in their chosen field.

Why is gaining a BBA/MBA degree beneficial for earning a high-paying job in Pennsylvania?

An MBA degree is an obvious choice for general counsels, but it also offers plenty of benefits for information technology and healthcare professionals.

For one, it helps professionals develop the skills they need to improve their employability and succeed in their industry. It's also a good training ground for cultivating excellent management and leadership skills, which are needed for higher positions, so it puts you in a position for career advancement.

Of course, having higher education also increases your chances of getting bigger compensation and better benefits.

Conclusion

With the cost of living increasing and the competition getting tighter, it's important to do everything possible to stand out in your industry. Getting a higher education is one of the foolproof ways of gaining that competitive edge.

That said, a business degree is a great option since it will provide you with the necessary skills and credentials to catch the eye of prospective employers. Furthermore, it allows you to diversify your skillset, which can be a valuable tool whether you want to advance in your current career or plan to make a big switch.

The best part is you now have the option to complete these degrees online. Nexford offers flexible, affordable, and customizable online BBA and MBA programs that prepare you for the workplace and help you achieve your career goals without interfering with your work schedule and savings.