In 2025, Philadelphia’s dynamic job market blends historic strength in healthcare, law, and education with a surge in tech, creative, and business roles. Whether you’re launching your career, aiming for advancement, or seeking a rewarding change, the best jobs in Philly offer competitive salaries, strong growth, and high employee satisfaction. This guide ranks the top 10 professions by reviews and real-world feedback, complete with typical locations and direct perspectives from Philadelphians in the field.
For workforce resources, job listings, and more city support, visit city resources and explore My Philly Connection.
Top Jobs In Philadelphia
What Makes a Job “The Best” in Philly?
The best Philly jobs combine high salaries, strong job security, positive work environments, advancement opportunities, and a sense of purpose. Sectors thriving in Philadelphia include:
- Healthcare and medical research
- Technology and data science
- Education and academic administration
- Business, finance, and legal services
- Skilled trades and construction
- Creative and cultural industries
Philadelphia’s employers are praised for robust benefits, inclusive offices, and work-life balance—factors consistently underscored in employee feedback across industries.
Top 10 Best Jobs in Philadelphia, Ranked by Reviews
1. Nurse Practitioner
Typical Location: Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), various clinics
Salary Range: $109,000–$151,400/year
Customer Review:
“Not only is the pay in Philly excellent, but working at Penn Medicine means being part of a world-renowned medical team. Management truly values professional growth and patient care.”
Nurse practitioners enjoy top reviews for autonomy, high demand, and the ability to directly impact lives. Philly’s strong hospital network and academic health systems offer excellent facilities throughout Center City and University City.
2. Software Developer
Typical Location: Comcast Technology Center (1800 Arch St), local startups, and university research labs
Salary Range: $95,000–$130,000/year
Customer Review:
“Tech in Philly is booming—at Comcast, I work on meaningful projects and have endless learning opportunities. Flexible remote options and the startup culture here keep things fresh.”
Software development leads the tech economy surge, with top satisfaction cited for compensation, innovation, and workplace flexibility.
3. Clinical Research Associate
Typical Location: Wistar Institute (3601 Spruce St), Temple University, pharma firms in University City & Navy Yard
Salary Range: $103,000–$136,000/year
Customer Review:
“My work at a cell therapy startup puts me at the center of medical innovation. Our teams are tight-knit, and Philly’s research culture is genuinely collaborative.”
Rapidly growing biopharma and life sciences in Philly mean robust demand and high salaries, plus daily exposure to breakthrough research.
4. Project Manager
Typical Location: FMC Tower (2929 Walnut St), corporate headquarters, construction and tech firms
Salary Range: $125,000–$159,000/year
Customer Review:
“Managing projects at a Fortune 500 firm downtown gives me variety—no two weeks are the same. Leadership encourages work-life balance and creative problem-solving.”
Versatile and valued, project managers are essential across tech, healthcare, and construction, lauded for advancement and workplace respect.
5. Pharmacist
Typical Location: Jefferson Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens locations
Salary Range: $136,000–$151,000/year
Customer Review:
“Pharmacy in Philly is competitive, but the community here is supportive. Continuing education and leadership pathways are a huge plus.”
With four pharmacy schools, Philadelphia delivers high satisfaction and excellent pay for pharmacists, in both clinical and retail settings.
6. Financial Analyst
Typical Location: Vanguard (Malvern—suburban campus, HQ), Lincoln Financial, Colonial Penn (Center City)
Salary Range: $108,000–$131,000/year
Customer Review:
“Working at a top investment firm means strong benefits and solid mentorship. Philly’s finance scene is collegial and filled with growth opportunities.”
Finance and business operations are a Philly stronghold, offering rewarding work in Center City’s commerce corridor and the suburban Main Line.
7. Data Analyst
Typical Location: University of Pennsylvania, Comcast, Cigna (2001 Market St), Aramark
Salary Range: $106,000–$126,000/year
Customer Review:
“As a data analyst at a university, I appreciate the salary, continued training, and strong sense of mission. Philly companies really promote from within.”
Data-driven decision-making powers every sector, and Philly companies increasingly invest in staff upskilling and analytics tools.
8. Law Clerk
Typical Location: City Hall (Broad & Market St), various Center City law firms
Salary Range: $54,000–$70,000/year
Customer Review:
“Being a law clerk in Philly puts you at the heart of the legal world. The networking and hands-on experience you get in these big firms is unmatched.”
Home to 11 of the nation’s top law firms and a vibrant public sector, the city values legal expertise and career advancement for entry-level talent.
9. Surgical Technician
Typical Location: Temple University Hospital (3401 N Broad St), Hahnemann University Hospital, Penn Medicine
Salary Range: $55,000–$64,000/year
Customer Review:
“Every day in the O.R. is different—and Philly’s big teaching hospitals offer plenty of opportunities for training and advancement.”
Surgical techs are the backbone of growing hospital networks, praised for steady, respected work and rewarding collaborations.
10. Construction Project Manager
Typical Location: Local union offices, commercial developers, Philadelphia Building Trades Council
Salary Range: $71,600–$116,500/year
Customer Review:
“There’s no shortage of big projects in Philly, from new skyscrapers to transit upgrades. The pay’s great and you see tangible results of your work in the skyline!”
Philadelphia’s construction surge means high demand for managers who want impact, stability, and top earning potential.
Insider Tips for Philly Job Seekers
- Target Major Employers: Hospitals (Penn Medicine, CHOP), tech (Comcast, GoPuff), finance (Vanguard), and law firms offer excellent career tracks.
- Leverage Education: Philly’s robust university ecosystem (Penn, Drexel, Temple) is a gateway for jobs in research, administration, and training.
- Consider Certification: Tech, business, and healthcare fields increasingly value certifications and specialized courses.
- Explore City Resources: Free job fairs, resume help, and upskilling can be found using city resources.
- Neighborhood Matters: Center City is a nexus for business and law, University City for science and healthcare, and the Navy Yard for manufacturing and startups.
Explore More Philly Career Resources
Access comprehensive job listings, career development events, and workforce guidance at My Philly Connection. The city’s ever-evolving mix of established institutions and startups creates opportunity for anyone willing to engage and upskill.
Quick Reference Table: Top Philly Jobs
Philadelphia’s best jobs in 2025 provide more than a paycheck—they offer a sense of purpose, upward mobility, and thriving professional communities. For real-time listings, training, and city support, bookmark My Philly Connection and take the next step towards your dream career in Philly!