Jay Costa was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Costa earned his A.A. degree from the Community College of Allegheny County in 1977, his bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1979 and his J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law in 1989. His professional experience includes working as an attorney and deputy sheriff for Allegheny County. Costa worked in county government as the Register of Wills of Allegheny County from 1992 to 1996.
