UPMC to Raise Minimum Starting Wage for Employees to $18 an Hour by 2025

Updated on January 15, 2023

Leading the way in efforts to support its workforce, recruit new employees and continue to be the employer of choice in health care, UPMC will increase minimum starting wages for entry-level positions to $18 an hour by January 2025 at UPMC‘s Pittsburgh hospitals* and Harrisburg and Williamsport-area hospitals** outpatient clinics, ambulatory centers and other facilities and sites. Minimum starting wages for entry-level positions at UPMC’s additional sites in Southwest Pennsylvania, Western Pennsylvania, Western Maryland and Southwest New York will reach $18 an hour by January 2026.  

This action, based on UPMC’s continual evaluation of the market, solidifies its reputation as a highly desirable employer, with industry-leading total compensation packages, a focus on work-life balance and significant opportunities for career advancement. With nearly 95,000 employees across all facilities, UPMC is the largest non-government employer in Pennsylvania.  

“In 2016, we were the first health care system in Pennsylvania to announce and achieve $15 an hour and this next step demonstrates our commitment to support our workforce and attract new talent. Once again, UPMC is the first health care employer in the state to make this commitment, and we are proud to lead the way to $18 an hour,” said John Galley, UPMC senior vice president and chief human resources officer.  

“In addition to this adjustment to our entry-level wages, we aggressively move our salary ranges each year as the market moves, to ensure we remain the health care employer of choice,” added Galley. “At $18 an hour, UPMC employees will earn more than double the current minimum wage in Pennsylvania.”  

Those making $18 an hour and taking full advantage of UPMC’s robust salary and benefits package will earn the equivalent of $27 an hour. Benefits available to UPMC employees include: 

  • retirement savings plan with a percentage match by UPMC 
  • defined benefit pension plan paid entirely by UPMC 
  • merit program rewarding eligible employees for their performance 
  • tuition assistance for employees and their families 
  • first dollar health care coverage for entry-level positions  
  • paid parental leave 
  • comprehensive health insurance 
  • generous paid time off 
  • new benefits in 2023  
  • subsidized emergency and backup child and senior care options 
  • increased fertility benefits

“We are particularly pleased to offer entry-level employment where there are many opportunities to join UPMC to build upon technical skills and training,” added Galley. “UPMC employees consistently demonstrate their commitment by providing exceptional patient care and customer service. And as part of UPMC’s dedication to our valued employees, we provide career pathways with financial support to help all employees grow and learn so that they can stretch their knowledge and skills and advance their careers.”  

Wages and benefits for UPMC employees represented by unions, will continue to be negotiated by their respective unions. 

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