Pennsylvanians Favor Hometown Careers, Survey Finds

A resume.io survey of 3,052 young adults found 51% of Pennsylvanians ages 18-35 are committed to building careers where they grew up.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Jobs — General

Pennsylvanians Favor Hometown Careers, Survey Finds

Live Poll

Would you build your career in your hometown if good local jobs existed?

A resume.io survey of 3,052 adults ages 18-35 found 51% of young Pennsylvanians are committed to putting down professional roots in their hometowns. Williamsport ranked second among Pennsylvania cities where that commitment is strongest, behind Erie.

Why it matters

The findings suggest family ties and cost of living are drawing young workers to stay local or return home. Respondents who would accept lower pay to remain in their hometowns would take an average 10.5% salary cut.

The survey sampled 3,052 adults ages 18-35 and required at least 50 responses per city for inclusion in the ranking. Respondents who would accept lower pay to stay local would take an average 10.5% salary cut, and 22% plan to regularly support locally owned businesses.

The players

resume.io

An online resume-building and career platform that conducted the survey of young adults.

UPMC Williamsport

A hospital in Williamsport and the largest employer in Lycoming County, part of the UPMC health system.

The details

Respondents most often cited family as the top reason to build a working life in their hometown (20%), followed by a lower cost of living (16%). Seventy-nine percent said it is important that their career benefits the community where they grew up.

Survey fieldwork began September 30, 2026, and continued into October.
Findings were published November 6, 2026.

Market Landscape

The resume.io survey adds to a growing body of data on where younger workers choose to build careers, showing that Pennsylvania's mid-sized cities such as Erie, Williamsport and Altoona compete for talent through local ties and cost advantages. The findings position these cities as alternatives to larger metropolitan job markets for workers weighing where to live.

For young Pennsylvanians weighing job offers, the survey suggests staying local may mean accepting somewhat lower pay in exchange for family proximity and lower living costs. Job seekers in Erie, Williamsport and Altoona may find more employers prioritizing local hiring as a result.

The takeaway

Staying close to family and community can be a practical career choice, especially where living costs are lower. Workers considering a move should weigh pay against housing and daily expenses before deciding.