There were 1,449,634 Philadelphians
as of July 1, 2007.
What work do Philadelphians do?
There were 1,449,634 Philadelphians as of July 1, 2007. This is a decrease of 69,916 residents since the last Census in 2000 and a decrease of 137,933 since the 1990 Census. Philadelphia has been losing population since the 1970 Census. The median age in Philadelphia in 2007 was 36 years old - 4 years younger than the median age for all of Pennsylvanians. About 51% of Philadelphia residents are between the ages of 25 and 64 years old - "prime working age". 13% of Philadelphians are 65 years old or older. (These data are from the 2007 American Community Survey and decennial Censuses).
Source: 1970-2000 Minnesota Population Center, NHGIS. 2005-2007: US Census Bureau ACS 2005-2007
The US Census Hot Report offers a population pyramid of Philadelphia and other survey data.
Source: 1970-2000 Minnesota Population Center, NHGIS. 2005-2007: US Census Bureau ACS 2005-2007
Philadelphians participate in the labor force in differing intensities. 41% of Philadelphians 16 and older do not participate in the labor force. Despite the decline in population, the employment rate has remained stable since 2000 Census. However, a larger percentage of those who want to work struggle to find work.
Employment to Population 
Source: 1970-2000 Minnesota Population Center, NHGIS. 2005-2007: US Census Bureau ACS 2005-2007
Unemployment 
Source: 1970-2000 Minnesota Population Center, NHGIS. 2005-2007: US Census Bureau ACS 2005-2007
Source: PA Department of Labor and Industry, Center for Workforce Information and Analysis
Educational Attainment and Work
As work opportunities become more knowledge based, Philadelphians increased their educational levels - but not enough to provide for greater participation in the workforce.
Source: 1970-2000 Minnesota Population Center, NHGIS. 2005-2007: US Census Bureau ACS 2005-2007
Source: 1970-1980 Minnesota Population Center, NHGIS. 1990-2007: US Census Bureau
Source: US Census ACS 2005-2007
Source: US Census ACS 2005-2007
Source: US Census ACS 2005-2007
Technological changes created a "jobless" recovery after the 2001-2003 recession. Workers without strong technological skills struggle to maintain employment in our evolving economy. Demand occupations with family sustaining yearly wages of $26,040 (as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry) require training and/or education following completion of a high school diploma. Even occupations requiring short-term on-the-job training (OJT) have entry-level skills in computers or folluwing saftery prodcedures. Below are the top 20 occupations by size in Philadelphia. Wages increase with education credentials.
Top 20 Occupations by Size in Philadelphia County, 2007
| Occupation | 2007 Jobs | 2007 Median Hourly | Education Level |
| Registered nurses | 22,055 | $32.98 | Associate's Degree |
| Office clerks (general) | 18,461 | $12.96 | Short Term On-the-Job Training |
| Retail salespersons | 16,128 | $9.67 | Short Term On-the-Job Training |
| Postsecondary teachers | 14,566 | $44.26 | Doctoral Degree |
| Cashiers, except gaming | 13,534 | $8.90 | Short Term On-the-Job Training |
| Food preparation and serving, including fast food | 12,720 | $9.12 | Short Term On-the-Job Training |
| Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping | 10,802 | $12.66 | Short Term On-the-Job Training |
| Customer service reps. | 10,217 | $14.92 | Moderate Term On-the-Job Training |
| Elementary school teachers, except special ed. | 10,196 | $30.51 | Bachelor's Degree |
| Secretaries, except legal, medical, exec. | 10,105 | $14.37 | Moderate Term On-the-Job Training |
| Waiters and waitresses | 10,018 | $8.67 | Short Term On-the-Job Training |
| Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand | 9,168 | $10.22 | Short Term On-the-Job Training |
| Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants | 9,137 | $13.43 | Postsecondary Vocational Award |
| Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks | 8,419 | $16.43 | Moderate Term On-the-Job Training |
| Lawyers | 7,943 | $54.06 | First Professional Degree |
| Accountants and auditors | 7,457 | $29.51 | Bachelor's Degree |
| Teacher assistants | 7,168 | $13.24 | Short Term On-the-Job Training |
| Maintenance and repair workers, general | 6,546 | $15.71 | Moderate Term On-the-Job Training |
| Sales representatives, wholesale and manuf. | 6,512 | $22.15 | Moderate Term On-the-Job Training |
| Receptionists and information clerks | 6,246 | $12.02 | Short Term On-the-Job Training |
Source: EMSI
The Link Between Work and the City
Employed residents pay taxes and contribute to the well-being of the city. However, income is dependent on education and training.
The Metropolitan Indicators Project provides detailed maps and data on the city's neighborhoods.