With over half a million jobs, competitive wages, and deep roots across urban and rural communities, manufacturing remains one of Pennsylvania’s most important economic engines.
Pennsylvania has long been a manufacturing leader. Today it ranks 6th in the nation in manufacturing employment. The sector provides stable, well-paying careers — many of which do not require a four-year degree — and forms the backbone of supply chains that support other industries.
While healthcare, government, and retail lead in raw headcount, manufacturing punches above its weight in wages, exports, and long-term economic impact. In many smaller communities (like the 17048 zip code around Lykens), manufacturing still accounts for nearly 1 in 4 jobs.
By number of employees (latest available Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages data)
| Rank | Employer | Sector | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Federal Government | Government | — |
| 2 | State Government | Government | — |
| 3 | Wal-Mart Associates Inc. | Retail | ~57,000–61,000 |
| 4 | University of Pennsylvania | Education / Healthcare | ~53,000 |
| 5 | Amazon.com Services LLC | Transportation / Warehousing | Large & growing |
| 6 | City of Philadelphia | Government | — |
| 7 | Giant Food Stores LLC | Retail / Grocery | ~30,000 |
| 8 | United Parcel Service (UPS) | Transportation / Logistics | — |
| 9 | Pennsylvania State University | Education | — |
| 10 | School District of Philadelphia | Education | — |
| ~11–15 | UPMC (various), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pittsburgh, Target, FedEx | Healthcare, Retail, Logistics | Many in 20k–40k+ range |
Pennsylvania already has a massive, diverse manufacturing base. The challenge is not a lack of demand for skilled manufacturing talent or space — it’s access and modernization.
Large employers like Walmart, Amazon, and healthcare systems dominate raw headcount. Manufacturing jobs, however, tend to pay more and offer clearer pathways to entrepreneurship and ownership.
In rural and small-town Pennsylvania (the places losing the most young people), manufacturing remains disproportionately important. A community makerspace or manufacturing incubator gives the next generation — and existing small shops — the tools, training, and collaborative space they need to compete and grow without leaving the state.