Salaries in Philadelphia, PA

Here’s what nobody tells you about a Philadelphia paycheck: that 3.7% unemployment rate isn’t just a number—it’s a sign of a market where skilled people are actually in demand. For a city of 1.55 million, that’s a tight labor market, and it changes how employers think about pay.

Let’s talk real purchasing power. Philly’s cost of living sits at 103.5, just a hair above the national average. That $60,302 median household income sounds okay until you realize the median one-bedroom rent is $1,451 a month. It’s not San Francisco, but it’s not a bargain either. The city’s average salary of $70,500 gets adjusted down to $68,116 in real terms. You’re not getting crushed, but you’re not exactly rolling in it, either.

So who actually thrives here? The old-school money is still in healthcare and education, with giants like the University of Pennsylvania and Jefferson Health. But the real action is in tech and pharma, with a growing cluster of software developers and life sciences roles. Marketing managers are pulling down the highest pay at nearly $159,000, but that’s a role tied to the city’s corporate HQs. Construction managers are also doing surprisingly well, which tells you the building boom hasn’t slowed down.

Here’s my honest take: wages are keeping pace with costs, but just barely. If you’re in one of those top five fields, Philadelphia is a solid play. If you’re not, you’ll need a roommate or a longer commute. It’s a city for specialists, not generalists.

The data below breaks down exactly what you can expect to earn in specific roles, adjusted for what it actually costs to live here.