Business & Finance Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Accountant Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median accountant salary in Erie, PA is $70,294 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 12% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$70,294
vs State Avg
$-9,586
vs National
$-9,586
Cost of Living
84%

Accountant Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)

Erie offers a median accountant salary of $70,294, which is $9,586 below the Pennsylvania state average of $79,880. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $70,294 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,683 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for accountants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for accountants in Erie spans from $44,352 at the 10th percentile to $116,864 at the 90th percentile — a $72,512 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Accountant Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level accountant earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $44,352
25th Percentile $55,176
Median (50th) $70,294
75th Percentile $90,112
90th Percentile $116,864

Accountant Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$84,673
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$78,282
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$77,484
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$73,490
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Accountant in Erie

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Erie and the surrounding Pennsylvania area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Erie may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Erie

Browse open accountant positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Erie

How much does a Accountant make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median accountant salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $70,294 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $44,352 (10th percentile) to $116,864 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,294, a accountant in Erie earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for accountant pay? ▼
Erie's median accountant salary of $70,294 is 12% below the Pennsylvania state average of $79,880. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $70,294 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Erie? ▼
Most accountant positions in Erie require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.