The minimum wage in Pennsylvania is $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum wage. Tipped employees must be paid at least $2.83 per hour, but employers must ensure wages and tips combined equal at least the minimum wage.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage in Pennsylvania is $26.45. Wages vary by occupation, industry, and location.
The estimated living wage in Pennsylvania is $23.32 per hour. A living wage represents the estimated hourly rate needed to cover basic living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other essential costs.
A guide to hourly labor laws in Pennsylvania
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Adults: No state or federal law requiring meal breaks. Federal law allows unpaid, non-working, bonafide meal breaks over 30 minutes; exceptions may apply (29 C.F.R. 785.19) (DoL).
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Minors: At least a 30-minute break for 5+ hours of work (43 Pa. Stat. § 40.3).
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School session: No working during required school hours; up to three hours per day and 18 hours per week.
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Non-school session: Up to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week.
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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).
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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.
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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).
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?
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.
Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?
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.
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