SingleMothers.us
Flexible jobs for single mothers in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania still pays the federal minimum wage, but Child Care Works, Pre-K Counts and a new state earned income credit can change the sums for a working parent.
Pay in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, in effect since July 24, 2009, as the Department of Labor and Industry confirms. The state House passed a bill to raise it on March 24, 2026, but it has not become law.
Leave for parents
Pennsylvania has no state paid family leave program, and no state law requires employers to pay employees when they are not working. Eligible employees can use the federal Family and Medical Leave Act for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave.
Two cities require sick leave:
| City | What you earn | Yearly limit |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 1 hour for every 40 hours worked, paid at employers with 10 or more employees | 40 hours |
| Pittsburgh | 1 hour for every 30 hours worked | 48 hours, or 72 at employers with 15 or more employees |
Philadelphia’s leave can be used to care for a family member.
Help with child care
Child Care Works helps pay for child care for children from birth until their 13th birthday. It is run by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning through local Early Learning Resource Centers. Family income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and each adult must work or train at least 20 hours a week. You can apply online through COMPASS or through your Early Learning Resource Center.
Pre-K Counts is free for eligible children from age 3 until they start kindergarten, in families earning up to 300 percent of the poverty level, which is $96,450 for a family of four. Half-day programs run at least 2.5 hours a day and full-day programs at least 5 hours.
Tax credits
The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, created in the 2025 to 2026 budget, equals 10 percent of your federal earned income credit, up to $805. It is refundable, so you receive it even if you owe no Pennsylvania income tax.
Scheduling in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s Fair Workweek law, in effect since April 1, 2020, covers retail, hospitality and food service employers with at least 250 employees and 30 locations worldwide. They must give good-faith estimates of hours and post schedules 14 days in advance.
Getting into work
PA CareerLink helps job seekers search and apply for jobs. Insurance producers apply to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department after passing the state exam. Pharmacy technicians register with the State Board of Pharmacy.
Questions about working in Pennsylvania
What is the minimum wage in Pennsylvania?
$7.25 an hour, unchanged since July 24, 2009. The state House passed a bill to raise it in March 2026, but it has not become law.
How do I get help with child care in Pennsylvania?
Apply for Child Care Works online through COMPASS or through your local Early Learning Resource Center. Family income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and each adult must work or train at least 20 hours a week.
What is the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit?
A refundable state credit equal to 10 percent of your federal earned income credit, up to $805. You claim it by filing a federal return and a PA-40, starting with 2025 returns.
Send us the hours you can keep
Send us your hours and your Pennsylvania ZIP code. We look for flexible roles near you, or remote roles open to Pennsylvania residents.