
Photo Credit: Lance Anderson, Unsplash
Doing Business in Pittsburgh
Why do so many companies choose to be headquartered in Pittsburgh? Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is an iconic city and region where next is now. It is not just a place, but a community of innovators, builders, and makers who are solving the world’s toughest problems. When it comes to doing business, our people are the difference-makers.
A Top Ranking City for Doing Business
#1
Metro for College Graduates
(Trulia & LinkedIn)
#2
for Business Expansion in U.S. Northeast (Site Selection Magazine)
#3
Most Livable City in the U.S.
(The Economist)
The Best
Most Livable City in the U.S.
(The Economist)
Top 10
City Living in the Future
(CNN Tech)
2.6 million
Population
$139 billion
GDP
1.29 million
Labor force
Why Pittsburgh Now?

Shape the World.
Here you will work on solving the world’s toughest problems. Your creativity, passion, and individuality matter. Make a real impact on the issues you care about.

Live With Purpose.
Enjoy your work and love your life outside of it in a safe and healthy environment. In Pittsburgh, you live uniquely and through experiences. No matter what you want to do with your life, you can do it here.

Be Iconic.
Authenticity is in our region’s DNA. Stay true to your unique identity and be embraced by a supportive and interactive community investing in a future for all.

Build It Here.
Pittsburgh is a place where you can make your mark, whether you are a large or small business. It celebrates ingenuity and plays on a global stage. It is a place where you can make your mark and leave the world a better place if you build it here.
Fast-growing, deep-tech and research-driven companies are planting roots in Pittsburgh. Our doors are wide open to a wide range of companies, including startups, nonprofits, private companies, and public companies trading on the NYSE. A wide range of industries can find a successful transition to the Pittsburgh region, including:
- Aerospace
- AI
- Automotive
- Cybersecurity
- E-Commerce
- Energy
- Manufacturing & Distribution
- Life Sciences & Healthcare
- Creative Industries
- Real Estate
- Education
- Robotics
Pittsburgh offers a deep talent and labor pool
11
Advanced industry sectors driving region’s talent growth
(Brookings)
5th
Top U.S. city for STEM professionals
(WalletHub, 2020)
21%
Increase in tech talent labor pool since 2013
(CBRE)
44K
Graduates from 88 academic institutions, including the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University
234K
Students in Pittsburgh region + Penn State University & West Virginia University
5th largest
Share of college-educated millennials among top metros
Business Costs
When you look to build, build it in Pittsburgh.
Average Office Lease Rate (2021)
Per square foot

Average Industrial Lease Rate (2021)
Per square foot

Market Access
Get access to distribution networks, people and locations from Pittsburgh via highways, waterways, airways and railways. Any ways you need to move, we have an answer.

Expansion Support
We’re here to help you. We’ll help connect you to the best resource for your needs.
We offer:
- The competitive case for the Pittsburgh region
- Site visit planning & execution
- Economic research & data
- Access to talent partnerships
- Development funding opportunities
Our partners offer access to:
- Real estate & sites
- Funding
- Talent
- Local business network

Properties & Spaces
Make your mark here in the region. Check out the highlights of our development opportunities.
- City of Pittsburgh
- Allegheny County
- Armstrong County
- Beaver County
- Butler County
- Fayette County
- Greene County
- Indiana County
- Lawrence County
- Washington County
- Westmoreland County
Incentives
Regional Programs (Cities, Counties)
- New Markets Tax Credits
- Business Expansion Grants, Low Cost Financing and Loans
- Bond & Tax Incremental Financing
- Real Estate Tax Abatement Programs
- Talent & Workforce Investments
- Federal Opportunity Zones
Success STORIES: COMPANIES HEADQUARTERED IN Pittsburgh
Many successful companies headquartered in Pittsburgh have been headquartered in Pittsburgh for decades, including nine Fortune 500 companies. Historic Pittsburgh companies include grocery chain Giant Eagle, PNC Financial Services Group, and Westinghouse Electric Company, as well as its subdivision WESCO. Pittsburgh is also the home of PPG Industries Inc, Alcoa, GNC, Kraft Heinz, DICK’S Sporting Goods, U.S. Steel, and many more.
However, companies in a variety of industries have more recently chosen Pittsburgh as the location as their new home or for a new location. With an ideal location in western Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh area has convenient market access to several large markets, such as New York, Ohio, neighboring Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, and more. Read on to learn more about companies that recently moved to Pittsburgh.

Affirm
After a nationwide search for a second HQ, the San Francisco-based Affirm chose Pittsburgh. Affirm committed to creating 500 jobs in Pittsburgh. Founder and CEO Max Levchin, who also co-founded services company PayPal, said Affirm chose Pittsburgh because “it was important for us to be able to grow our workforce for many years to come with superb talent.”

Krystal Biotech
The rapid gene therapy manufacturer is building a 100,000-SF facility near Pittsburgh International Airport to advance first-ever topically applied gene therapy treatment to help children living with a rare skin disease called dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
Want to Shape the World?