Nestled in the heart of the Northeast, Pennsylvania stands as a promising realm for business professionals navigating the intricate landscape of administration. The Keystone State boasts a diverse range of opportunities in business administration, from guiding manufacturing operations to orchestrating supply chain logistics.
Entrepreneurs carve their niches, while visionary leaders set the tone for success. In this article, we delve into the dynamic landscape of Business Administration salaries in Pennsylvania, exploring roles, industries, essential factors shaping compensation and the often-overlooked element of cost of living.
There are roughly 145,770 people employed as general and operations managers in Pennsylvania, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median wage per hour is $48 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 4.2%.
Some of the biggest employers of business administration operations managers and other leadership and supply chain managers in the state are not surprisingly focused on insurance and manufacturing industries:
Erie Insurance:
Erie, PA. A prominent player in the insurance industry, Erie Insurance often seeks experienced general and operations managers to steer its operations.
Alcoa Corporation:
Pittsburgh, PA. For supply chain managers looking to navigate the manufacturing landscape, Alcoa Corporation provides opportunities to optimize and streamline operations.
Comcast Corporation:
Philadelphia, PA. Entrepreneurial spirits in the technology sector find opportunities at Comcast Corporation, a key player in telecommunications and media.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC):
Pittsburgh, PA. Leaders in the healthcare industry can explore executive roles at UPMC, where strategic decision-makers shape the future of healthcare administration.
Pennsylvania business administration salary statistics
While the median national salary for business administration professionals—a category that includes careers in management, sales, marketing and a number of other business fields—is just over $76,850 a year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live and the cost of living, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of education.
Salaries for different business admin roles in Pennsylvania
Business administration professionals in Pennsylvania enjoy a rich tapestry of salaries influenced by roles, industries and experience. Recent BLS data suggests:
Entrepreneurs:
Venturing into entrepreneurship in Pennsylvania can yield varied financial outcomes. While startups may face initial challenges, successful entrepreneurs often realize lucrative returns, with earnings reaching into the six or seven figures.
Leadership roles:
Executives and leaders in high-ranking positions, such as Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), can anticipate salaries exceeding $180,000, supplemented by bonuses and benefits.
Operations and general managers:
These corporate helmsmen command competitive salaries, ranging from $110,000 to $140,000 annually, with variations depending on industry nuances and company size.
Supply chain managers:
The orchestrators of logistics in Pennsylvania earn substantial salaries, typically ranging between $95,000 and $120,000 annually. Manufacturing companies often offer higher compensation due to the complexities of supply chain management in this sector.
Median business administration salary in Pennsylvania
The median annual salary for general and operations managers in Pennsylvania is $99,140. Here are median salaries in different cities within the state:
General and Operations Managers
10%$47,280
25%$67,200
50%$99,140Median
75%$146,990
90%$213,640
Median Hourly Wage$48
Job growth4.2%
Total Employment145,770
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
$110,720
$54,480
N/A
Pittsburgh, PA
$101,080
$50,800
$210,690
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
$100,780
$49,500
$219,620
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
$99,150
$47,510
$207,050
Reading, PA
$98,750
$44,450
$220,120
Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA
$96,760
$47,060
$196,860
York-Hanover, PA
$95,570
$46,720
$202,730
Lancaster, PA
$94,090
$46,480
$203,280
Gettysburg, PA
$91,830
$45,500
$183,500
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA
$91,130
$45,590
$188,820
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for a business administration career in Pennsylvania
The salary range for general and operations professionals in Pennsylvania typically spans from $47,280 to well over $213,640 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration other factors such as experience, education, location and time in the position.
Pay by metro area within Pennsylvania
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say you work in operations management and you live in Pittsburgh or Erie, which have healthcare and manufacturing industries, pay may be more competitive. And, the BLS includes the Jersey City area of Pennsylvania with New York, NY, and Newark, NJ, as its number one ranked area with the highest employment level of operations and general managers. The same geographic area also ranks fifth for salaries in the U.S. for the profession, says the BLS.
Metro Area
Median Annual Salary
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$166,660
Trenton, NJ
$154,790
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
$143,250
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
$142,730
Sioux Falls, SD
$139,070
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
$138,630
Boulder, CO
$135,850
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT
$134,530
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$134,040
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
$133,220
Factors affecting business administration salaries in Pennsylvania
Several factors contribute to the varied pay scales in business administration in Pennsylvania. Industry specialization, company size and geographical location play crucial roles. In the manufacturing sector, for example, supply chain managers may enjoy higher compensation due to the intricate nature of managing logistics in a production environment. Experience and educational attainment continue to be key determinants of salary levels. Here's a breakdown of key contributors to pay level:
Experience:
More experienced professionals may command higher salaries.
Education and professional certifications:
Since business administration is generally competitive in nature, master's degrees and MBAs are usually the norm, however a bachelor's degree may qualify you for supply chain management roles.
Industry and company size:
Salaries can vary significantly across industries, with healthcare administration often offering higher compensation. The size of the company can also impact salary levels.
Geographic location and cost of living:
Salaries may vary between cities in Pennsylvania, with metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia, Pittsburg and Erie typically offering higher pay.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a business administrator in Pennsylvania?
Determining fair compensation in Pennsylvania involves comprehensive research. Explore industry-specific salary benchmarks, considering factors like experience, education, and location. Online platforms such as Glassdoor and Payscale offer insights into specific company salaries. Networking with professionals in the local business community can provide valuable context on prevailing salary norms. Some companies encourage employees to talk to HR, and being upfront about your concerns may help you understand the salary landscape in your company.
If you believe there may be pay bias in your workplace, Pennsylvania enforces state laws that protect your equal pay rights: The Equal Pay Law "prohibits the discrimination by any employer in any work environment, between employees on the basis of sex, by paying wages to any employee at a rate less than the rate at which he/she pays wages to employees of the opposite sex for work under equal conditions on jobs which require equal skills."
Supply chain managers may benefit from degrees in logistics or supply chain management, with a focus on the nuances of manufacturing processes. Entrepreneurs, while not strictly bound by educational credentials, often find value in related business degrees such as accounting or international business, if they intend to look overseas for investment. Leadership roles, particularly in large corporations, often require advanced degrees such as an MBA.
Cost of living considerations for PA
If you're thinking about working and living in Pennsylvania, it's logical to consider the cost of living and how it impacts your pay. While not as low as some Southern states, Pennsylvania offers a more affordable living standard compared to many Northeastern counterparts. Cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia provide diverse living options, with a cost of living that allows professionals to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
RentCafe says Pennsylvania is 2% lower than the national average as far as cost of living, with housing and healthcare contributing to a lower percentage bottom line.
While Allentown, Philadelphia, Harrisburg and reading are higher than the national average as far as cost of living, Pittsburg is right at the 0% mark. Cities such as Erie, Scranton, Johnstown and York all are below the national average for cost of living.
Pennsylvania professional associations
Professional associations provide opportunities to enhance your skills or learn new ones, find resources and stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in your respective field of business administration. One benefit of professional association membership is networking through conferences and assemblies that provide meetings of like-minded individuals. Here are just a few professional associations in Pennsylvania:
The Pennsylvania Business Council (PBC):
A hub for networking and professional development, PBC connects business leaders across industries in Pennsylvania.
Manufacturers' Association (MA):
For professionals in manufacturing and supply chain management, MA offers resources and networking opportunities specific to the manufacturing sector in Pennsylvania.
Entrepreneurs' Forum of Greater Philadelphia (EFGP):
Entrepreneurs can find a supportive community and resources at EFGP, fostering growth and innovation in the Keystone State.
Philly Startup Leaders:
PSL is the largest and most active community of startup entrepreneurs in Philadelphia.
Beginning (or continuing) your business administration career in Pennsylvania unveils a landscape rich in opportunities and potential. Whether steering manufacturing operations, optimizing supply chains, venturing into entrepreneurship or leading corporate healthcare strategy, the Keystone State presents a diverse array of possibilities. By understanding the nuances of salaries, educational paths, industry dynamics and the cost of living, business administration professionals can chart a course towards success in Pennsylvania's evolving business environment.
Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Find business administration salaries for other states
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—especially in business administration leadership roles—and much more.
