The document states that “after decades of economic contraction, Philadelphia has added jobs for nine straight years, an unbroken growth streak not seen since the boom years of World War II.

However, the apparent “prosperity” is only a sensation, because in the city a disproportionately larger portion of the jobs with the lowest wages has grown to US$ 35,000, a figure that is below the 25 largest cities in the United States.

The analysis of data comes from the Center City District (CCD) and Central Philadelphia Development Corporation (CPDC) .

Accurate data

The report summary can be downloaded in full PDF format at https://www.centercityphila.org, where there are some worrying facts, although their display does not constitute a negative criticism, but provides an opportunity for city debate.

In a comprehensive look at the expanding employment categories in Philadelphia, the 25 largest U.S. cities, surrounding suburbs and nationally, the report finds that “since 2009, 60.5% of jobs created in Philadelphia are in sectors that pay $35,000 or less; only 26% are in the $35,000 to $100,000 range, and 13.5% pay $100,000 or more.

The report points out that social assistance, food services and drinking places pay an average of US$35,000 or less, account for 50% of all new jobs added in Philadelphia from 2009 to 2018.

A quick conclusion

A closer view of the data shows that only 29% of the city’s adults have a bachelor’s degree. This fact explains the strong growth of jobs in home health care, individual and family services, administrative support, hospitality, retail, grocery stores, and restaurants – all industries in which a college degree is not a necessity.

In contrast, growth in jobs that pay between US$35,000 and US$100,000 per year is modest. Philadelphia is not creating enough pathways for upward mobility within the city for those seeking family-supporting jobs and for recent college graduates.

 An “interesting” figure is that city residents have an average income of US$39,000, insufficient to support a family, because it averages hourly pay below five dollars.

The report also addresses the reasons why Philadelphia has so few middle-income jobs, including educational achievements, the lack of available sites to accommodate growing sectors such as warehouse distribution and the cost of local taxes.

Translated by: José Espinoza

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