High Priority Occupations (HPOs) are one component of Advance Central PA’s industry-driven approach to workforce development. The purpose of the HPO lists is to align workforce training and education investments with occupations that are in demand by employers, have higher skill needs, and are most likely to provide family sustaining wages. Combining statistical data with regional expert input allows for a complete picture of the actual workforce needs of Central Pennsylvania.
2023 High Priority Occupations for the Central PA Workforce Development Area
– Effective from August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2024
| wdt_ID | SOC Code | SOC Title | Educational Attainment | Entry Level Wages (2022) | Annual Average Wages (2022) | Exper. Level Wages (2022) | Employment Estimated 2020 | Employment Projected 2030 | Employment Percent Change | Employment Annual Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC Code | SOC Title | Educational Attainment | Entry Level Wages (2022) | Annual Average Wages (2022) | Exper. Level Wages (2022) | Employment Estimated 2020 | Employment Projected 2030 | Employment Percent Change | Employment Annual Demand |
Educational Attainment Abbreviations:
Short-term or Moderate-term training (ST OJT or MT OJT) – basic tasks and skills are learned through a period of on-the-job training. A high school diploma may be required.
Long-term training (LT OJT) – a high school diploma and at least one year of on-the-job training or an apprenticeship.
Related work experience (WK EXP) – a high school diploma and training gained through hands-on work in a similar occupation.
Postsecondary training (PS or PS+) – training is gained through a postsecondary training program. Some period of related work experience may be required.
Associate Degree (AD or AD+) – degree completed after two years of full-time schooling beyond high school. Some period of related work experience may be required.
Bachelor’s Degree (BD or BD+) – degree completed after four years of full-time schooling beyond high school. Some period of related work experience may be required.
Master’s Degree (MD or MD+) – degree completed after two years of full-time schooling beyond a bachelor’s degree. Some period of related work experience may be required.
Doctoral (PhD) or First Professional Degree (PROF) – degree programs requiring 3-6 years of education at the college or university level beyond a four-year bachelor’s degree.
For questions about this HPO list or to get information for other occupations, please email: Advance Central PA at hello@AdvanceCentralPA.org or call (570) 568-6868