HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry grew to $20.4 billion in 2024, adding thousands of jobs and outpacing national growth, according to new federal data.
What This Means for You
- Outdoor recreation is creating jobs and boosting local economies
- Tourism and outdoor businesses are expanding across the state
- State investments are supporting parks, trails, and recreation access
The Shapiro Administration said the industry expanded by $1.5 billion last year and now supports more than 177,000 jobs across the Commonwealth.
Outdoor recreation refers to economic activity tied to activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, and outdoor tourism, as well as related manufacturing and retail.
Job Growth and Wages
Officials said the sector added 9,000 jobs in 2024 and generated an additional $800 million in wages, bringing total wages tied to outdoor recreation to $9.5 billion.
The industry now accounts for about 2 percent of Pennsylvania’s total economy and grew at a rate of 2.7 percent, exceeding national growth levels.
What Is Driving the Growth
State officials credited investments in parks, trails, and outdoor infrastructure, along with support for outdoor businesses and tourism initiatives.
“Investing in Pennsylvania’s parks, trails, and outdoor recreation infrastructure is more than protecting our natural resources — it’s about creating good-paying jobs and supporting local communities,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.
Key sectors contributing to growth include manufacturing of outdoor goods, retail sales related to activities like boating and hunting, and increased tourism tied to outdoor destinations.
Expanding Industry Sectors
Officials said outdoor recreation manufacturing has grown 30 percent in recent years, contributing $3 billion to the state economy.
Retail activity tied to outdoor recreation grew 10 percent in 2024, while tourism related to outdoor activities increased 15 percent. Health and wellness-related outdoor businesses saw the fastest growth, rising 40 percent.
“Outdoor recreation is more than time spent outside — it is a thriving industry in Pennsylvania and a critical driver of economic growth,” said Nathan Reigner, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Next Steps
State officials said they plan to continue investing in outdoor infrastructure, tourism campaigns, and business development programs to sustain growth in the sector.
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