Careers, Jobs and Education Resources for: Bethlehem, PA
Bethlehem is a city in Lehigh and Northampton Counties in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 71,329, making it the seventh largest municipality in Pennsylvania, after Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading and Scranton. Bethlehem lies in the center of the Lehigh Valley, a 731 square miles (1,893 km²) area that is home to more than 750,000 people. The Lehigh Valley region embraces a trio of cities (Bethlehem, Allentown and Easton) within two counties (Lehigh and Northampton), making it Pennsylvania's third-largest metropolitan area. Smaller than Allentown but larger than Easton, Bethlehem is the Lehigh Valley's second most populous city. There are three general sections of the city,... (from wikipedia)Pennsylvania Fast Facts:
Location, Location, Location…: Located in the northeastern and middle atlantic regions of the U.S., Pennsylvania has 51 miles (82 km) of coastline along Lake Erie and 57 miles (92 km) of shoreline along the Delaware Estuary. Pennsylvania was one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Cities: The capital of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg, while the state’s most populous cities are Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Behind the Name: The state’s popular nickname, “The Keystone State,” refers to Pennsylvania’s decisive vote for independence from Great Britain.
A Closer Look: Pennsylvania was originally founded by William Penn as a safe haven for Quakers suffering religious persecution; it soon became a refuge for many persecuted populations including Amish and Mennonites.
Did You Know? Happy Birthday to US…Pennsylvania is the “birthplace” of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Pennsylvania Careers and Employment:
Population: 12,448,279 (1.4% increase since 2000) - 51.3% Female, 48.7% Male (2008 U.S. Census Bureau).
Business Environment: Ranked 41st in Forbes Magazine’s “Best States for Business,” 2008.
Top Industries: In terms of paid employees, according to a 2008 U.S. Census Bureau study: (1) health care and social assistance; (2) manufacturing; (3) retail trade; (4) accommodation and food services; and (5) finance and insurance services.
Taxes: Income Tax, 3.07% and Sales Tax, 6% (Federation of Tax Administrators).
Cost of Living: 102.0 in relation to the “National Average” of 100 (Federal Cost of Living Index).
Quality of Life: Ranked 26th of 50 states by CNBC, 2009.
Weather: Average Temperature (In °F) – Jan: 25.78; Apr: 47.48; July: 70.58; Oct: 50.34 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
K-12: Ranked 14th of 50 states in “Academic Achievement” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2009.
Pennsylvania Economics:
In General: While Pennsylvania remains a notable manufacturing state, most of the workforce today can be found within the service industry.
Service Industry: Important service industry businesses include hotels, professional sports franchises, private health care and engineering and law firms.
Agriculture: Nearly three-fourths of Pennsylvania’s agricultural income is generated by livestock and livestock products, serving as a leading milk producing and egg-producing state. Pennsylvania is also a leader in producing processed foods, with the most important products including beer, bread and cakes, chocolate products and prepared meats.
Manufacturing: Pennsylvania’s leading manufactured products are chemicals including prescription drugs, paint, and petrochemicals. Many of the leading manufacturers of prescription drugs and aspirin are located in the state of Pennsylvania.
Mining: Pennsylvania is a leading coal-producing state and is the only state mining anthracite coal.
A Closer Look: Many major law firms are located in Philadelphia, while various leading engineering firms are based in Pittsburgh.
Did You Know? The first stock exchange formed in the United States -- the Philadelphia Stock Exchange -- is based in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania Education:
In General: With 262 institutions of higher learning, Pennsylvania offers one of the most varied education systems in the country. The state university system boasts 14 universities that provide affordable education to accommodate Pennsylvania residents.
In the Rankings: U.S. News and World Report rankings: National Rankings – University of Pennsylvania (#6), Carnegie Mellon University (#22), Lehigh University (#35), Pennsylvania State University, University Park (#47); Liberal Arts Rankings – Swarthmore College (#3), Haverford College (#10), Bryn Mawr College (#24), Bucknell University (#30), Lafayette College (#35).
Online Education: There are myriad accredited online universities offering degrees in the state of Pennsylvania.
A Closer Look: There are dozens of notable private liberal arts colleges and universities located throughout Pennsylvania, as well as many publicly supported community colleges.
Did You Know? The Commonwealth System of Higher Education consists of four prominent universities (Lincoln University, Pennsylvania State University, Temple University and the University of Pittsburgh), which are publicly supported but operated and controlled independently.
Sources: In addition to specific citations noted in this “Career Information” section, supplementary source materials include: the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service; Netstate.com; Education-Portal.com; USCollegeSearch.org; and Wikipedia.com.