Find a Job You Really Want In
When we think of Pennsylvania, we often picture its stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious food. However, the state’s economy and job market have also been thriving, with significant growth in various sectors.
At Zippia, we take a deep dive into local economies to identify which industries are leading the way. This insight can be invaluable for job seekers and those considering relocating for career opportunities.
In this article, we highlight the top industries in Pennsylvania that present the best job prospects in 2026.
After analyzing the latest data, here are the five best industries for jobs in Pennsylvania:
Continue reading to discover how we determined which industries stand out in Pennsylvania.
If you’re interested in further exploring the Pennsylvania job market, check out these resources:
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Montgomery County
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Philadelphia
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Pittsburgh
How We Identified the Best Industries in Pennsylvania
We believe that data is a more reliable indicator than subjective opinions when evaluating job markets. To uncover the best industries in Pennsylvania, we meticulously collected data across various relevant metrics.
We focused on the following criteria to identify the top-performing industries:
- Average Salary
- Job Availability
- Average Job Stress Level in the Industry
Our data sources included the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.
Job stress levels were analyzed using self-reported statistics from professionals within each industry. We ranked these industries on a scale from 1 to 21, with 1 being the most favorable.
Lastly, we averaged our rankings to create a ‘Best Industry’ index, declaring Healthcare Practitioners and Technical as the top industry in Pennsylvania.
For a detailed breakdown of the data, see the table below. Now, let’s explore why these industries excel in providing job opportunities.
Detailed List of the Best Industries in Pennsylvania
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Healthcare Practitioners And Technical | $74,590 |
| 2 | Architecture And Engineering | $77,940 |
| 3 | Legal | $102,140 |
| 4 | Education, Training, And Library | $55,760 |
| 5 | Office And Administrative Support | $36,500 |
| 6 | Community And Social Service | $42,840 |
| 7 | Production And Manufacturing | $38,130 |
| 8 | Computer And Mathematical | $81,100 |
| 9 | Business And Financial Operations | $72,010 |
| 10 | Life, Physical, And Social Science | $69,000 |
| 11 | Personal Care And Service | $25,190 |
| 12 | Transportation | $35,590 |
| 13 | Installation, Maintenance, And Repair | $45,620 |
| 14 | Healthcare Support | $29,880 |
| 15 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, And Media | $49,500 |
| 16 | Construction And Extraction | $49,610 |
| 17 | Sales | $40,850 |
| 18 | Protective Service | $43,740 |
| 19 | Food Preparation And Serving Related | $22,530 |
| 20 | Farming, Fishing, And Forestry | $31,120 |
| 21 | Building And Grounds Cleaning And Maintenance | $27,550 |
Summarizing the Best Industries in Pennsylvania
In summary, the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical industry offers the best job opportunities in Pennsylvania for 2026.
Conversely, the Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance industry ranks lowest, primarily due to lower wages and limited job openings.
For further exploration, consider these articles:
- Top 100 Companies Hiring in Pittsburgh
- The 20 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Philadelphia
- 20 Best Companies to Work For in Philadelphia
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
