Careers in State College, PA
Part of Pennsylvania.
State College, PA’s regional price level is below the national average (index 96.762, where 100 = U.S. average, 2024 BEA data).
Unemployment rate: 3.2% · 73,233 people employed (2026-06, BLS LAUS, not seasonally adjusted).
Highest-Paying Careers
See full list →- 1Chief Executives$203,960
- 2Dentists, General$168,340
- 3Architectural and Engineering Managers$150,520
- 4Pharmacists$135,010
- 5Veterinarians$131,500
Largest Occupations
See full list →- 1Fast Food and Counter Workers2,320 employed
- 2Retail Salespersons1,710 employed
- 3General and Operations Managers1,470 employed
- 4Office Clerks, General1,460 employed
- 5Home Health and Personal Care Aides1,380 employed
Highest Concentration
See full list →- 1Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other5.39× national avg
- 2Correctional Officers and Jailers4.55× national avg
- 3Biological Technicians4.22× national avg
- 4Crossing Guards and Flaggers4.00× national avg
- 5Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys3.98× national avg
Best Purchasing Power
See full list →cost-of-living adjusted
- 1Chief Executives$210,785
- 2Dentists, General$173,973
- 3Architectural and Engineering Managers$155,557
- 4Pharmacists$139,528
- 5Veterinarians$135,900
Sources
Wage and employment data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities. Unemployment rate: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS). Opportunity Score isn’t available at the metro level yet — see Pennsylvania state page.