by Nearly 1,000 Pennsylvania State Employees Earned $200K+ in 2024, a Record-Breaking Year
The number of Pennsylvania commonwealth employees earning over $200,000 surged in 2024, setting new records and highlighting the growing compensation gap in public service.
Leading the earnings chart were executives in higher education and healthcare, with six employees crossing the $600,000 mark — a first in state history.
What Happened
The “200K Club” — Pennsylvania’s list of state employees earning $200,000 or more — grew significantly in 2024.
A total of 981 state employees earned at least $200,000 last year, up 19% from 2023. This represents more than a 500% increase since 2020.
Higher education and healthcare professionals topped the list, driven by overtime, bonuses, and dual-role compensation.
Key Details
- Christopher Fiorentino, former West Chester University president and current state system chancellor, led the list with $661,565 in total earnings.
- Dr. Michael Brogna, supervisory physician at Danville State Hospital, earned $630,974, boosted by on-call pay and performance bonuses.
- Five of the top 10 earners were from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
- 25 employees made $400,000+, nearly double the number from 2023.
- Judges were the most represented group on the list, with 476 judicial employees crossing the $200K threshold.
- Governor Josh Shapiro earned $228,073, ranking 264th on the list — a 5% increase from 2023.
Reactions or Statements
Dan Egan, spokesperson for the Office of Administration, said high salaries are necessary to recruit and retain skilled professionals from the private sector.
“Many employees with earnings at this level work in highly skilled and professional occupations that command higher compensation,” Egan explained. “These include physicians, psychiatrists, engineers, and IT professionals.”
He also noted the average salary for state employees under the governor’s jurisdiction in 2024 was around $68,000.
Investigation or What’s Next
The trend of rising salaries among top state employees continues, especially in sectors like:
- Public universities, where student enrollment is declining.
- State hospitals, where overtime and bonuses are driving pay spikes.
Due to annual automatic raises, several elected officials — including the lieutenant governor, state treasurer, and attorney general — are expected to cross the $200,000 threshold in 2025.
FAQs
Who was the highest-paid Pennsylvania state employee in 2024?
Christopher Fiorentino earned $661,565, leading the 2024 list.
Which sector had the most $200K+ earners?
The judicial branch had the most, with 476 judges and court employees.
Why are salaries in higher education increasing?
Universities are offering higher pay to attract and retain top talent amid declining enrollment and budget challenges.
Does this include Penn State, Pitt, Temple, and Lincoln?
No. These “state-related” universities are not considered part of state government and are excluded from the data.
Will more officials earn $200K in 2025?
Yes. Due to automatic raises, more elected officials are projected to join the list next year.
Summary / Final Takeaway
Pennsylvania saw a sharp increase in high-earning public employees in 2024, with higher education and healthcare leaders dominating the top ranks.
While most commonwealth workers earn under $70,000, a growing elite class is commanding significantly more — reflecting national trends in public sector compensation and the demands of specialized roles.
As financial pressures mount on public institutions, the growth of the $200K Club raises important questions about priorities, transparency, and taxpayer value.
