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HOURLY WAGE INDEX

Let’s talk wages in Pennsylvania

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$7.25

What is the minimum wage in Pennsylvania?

The minimum wage in Pennsylvania is $7.25 per hour. This is the same as the federal minimum wage set by the U.S. government, which has not been increased since 2009. Some municipalities have set their own minimum wage rates, but they must be at least as high as the state minimum wage. Tipped employees must be paid at least $2.83 per hour. It is important to note that Pennsylvania lawmakers have been discussing potential increases to the Pennsylvania minimum wage in recent years.
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$29.77

What is the average wage in Pennsylvania?

The average hourly wage in Pennsylvania is $29.77. However, this can vary depending on factors such as location, industry, and job title. For example, the average hourly wage for jobs in the Philadelphia metropolitan area is generally higher than in other parts of the state. Additionally, average wages in certain industries, such as healthcare and education, tend to be higher than in other industries.
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$33.69

What is the living wage in Pennsylvania?

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$15.00

What is the minimum wage in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

As of January 2022, the minimum wage in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $15 per hour for all employees. This rate is higher than the state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour and is set to increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index. Tipped employees must be paid at least $7.50 per hour.

Wages aren’t everything!

While pay is one of the main factors that hourly employees consider when choosing to join (or stay at) a company, it’s not the end all be all. Research shows that advancement opportunities, supportive management, and schedule flexibility are all incredibly important as well.

Want to learn more about this trend? We dive deep into the data behind which perks and benefits matter most to hourly workers. Check out our full conversation with expert Sara Wasserteil of Cara Collective.

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A guide to hourly labor laws in Pennsylvania

Verified by Legal Counsel Brooke Davis

  • Final Paychecks: By the next regular payday (43 Pa. Stat. § 260.5).
  • Wage Payment Frequency: Wages must be paid regularly (43 Pa. stat. § 260.3).
  • Paid Sick Leave: No state/federal law, but check local ordinances. Policies are determined by the employer or through collective bargaining agreements (DoL).
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave: No paid leave. Up to 12 unpaid weeks in one year for eligible employees (FMLA).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children Under 16:
    • School session: No working during required school hours; up to three hours per day and 18 hours per week.
    • Non-school session: Up to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week.
    • Working hours: Only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extended until 9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day. Limited exceptions (43 Pa. Stat. § 40.3) (29 C.F.R. § 570.35).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children 16 and 17:
    • School sessions: No working during required school hours. Up to eight hours per school day and 28 hours per school week. Only between 6 a.m. and midnight.
    • Non-school sessions: Up to 10 hours per day and 48 hours per week, so long as the minor voluntarily agrees to hours beyond 44. Only between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. (43 Pa. Stat. § 40.3) (29 C.F.R. § 570.35).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?

It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.

What is a good hourly wage?

This question is a difficult one to answer, as a "good hourly wage" is highly subjective according to experience, work responsibilities, cost of living, and other factors. We recommend using Hourly Wage Index data as a starting point. Once you have established a baseline for certain positions, do further research into similar businesses in your area.

Lastly, consider surveying your employees. They're the best resource to help you know what is a good hourly wage, what competitive pay looks like in your location, and how competitive wages change in your industry over time.

Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?

We know that getting applicants to pay attention to your business can be extremely challenging, and that offering competitive pay is a huge part of that. Wages aren’t everything, however! Applicant experience is another important factor that can help set you apart from your competition. A few examples include:

  • Short, easy to understand job descriptions
  • Mobile-friendliness
  • Quick communication
  • Streamlined interview stages
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Learn about wages in your city

Philadelphia Minimum Wage