Business & Finance Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Accountant Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median accountant salary in Philadelphia, PA is $84,673 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 6.0% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$84,673
vs State Avg
+$4,793
vs National
+$4,793
Cost of Living
102%

Accountant Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median accountant salary of $84,673, which is $4,793 above the Pennsylvania state average of $79,880. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for accountants in Philadelphia spans from $53,424 at the 10th percentile to $140,768 at the 90th percentile — a $87,344 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,120, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,200. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Accountant Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level accountant earns around $55,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,120
+$3,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,800
+$4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,200
+$7,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $53,424
25th Percentile $66,462
Median (50th) $84,673
75th Percentile $108,544
90th Percentile $140,768

Accountant Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

How to Become a Accountant in Philadelphia

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open accountant positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Accountant make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median accountant salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $84,673 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $53,424 (10th percentile) to $140,768 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,673, a accountant in Philadelphia earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for accountant pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median accountant salary of $84,673 is 6.0% above the Pennsylvania state average of $79,880. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $84,673 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Philadelphia? ▼
Most accountant positions in Philadelphia 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.