#38: Pennsylvania
Minimum wage: $7.25
In Pennsylvania, wealth is often centered around finance, healthcare, law, education, and corporate leadership, especially near Philadelphia and Pittsburgh suburbs. Affluent residents enjoy historic neighborhoods, strong school districts, and access to major cultural institutions. Many benefit from long-established industries and professional networks.

On the lower-income side, many Pennsylvanians work in retail, food service, warehousing, and caregiving. Older housing stock and rising utility costs strain budgets. In rural areas, limited job options and transportation challenges make it difficult for minimum-wage workers to improve financial stability.
