Business & Finance Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #18 of 50

Accountant Salary in Pennsylvania

The median accountant salary in Pennsylvania is $79,880 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $79,880.

Median Salary
$79,880
vs National
+$0
State Rank
#18 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Accountant Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #18 out of 50 states for accountant compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for accountant pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $79,880 per year, accountants in Pennsylvania earn $0 more than the national median of $79,880.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning accountant salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: accountants at the 10th percentile earn $50,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $132,800 — a $82,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $84,673.

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for accountants across the country.

Accountant Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level accountant earns around $52,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,000 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,000
+$0 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $50,400
25th Percentile $62,700
Median (50th) $79,880
75th Percentile $102,400
90th Percentile $132,800

Accountant Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for accountants in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Accountant in Pennsylvania

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Pennsylvania has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Pennsylvania's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Accountant make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median accountant salary in Pennsylvania is $79,880 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $50,400 (10th percentile) to $132,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,880, a accountant in Pennsylvania earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for accountants? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #18 out of 50 states for accountant pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level accountants earn $52,000, while senior professionals earn $120,000.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for accountant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for accountants is Hawaii at $135,796. Pennsylvania's median of $79,880 ranks #18 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($80,679) and Vermont ($80,679).
What is the entry-level accountant salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level accountant in Pennsylvania earns approximately $52,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $80,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $120,000.
What city in Pennsylvania pays accountants the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for accountants, with a median salary of $84,673. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.