Accountant Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 54K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$79,000
$37.98/hr
vs National Average
$82,597
-4.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $130K
54K employed in Pennsylvania
Curious about the Accountant salary in Pennsylvania? The median annual wage for accountants in the Keystone State stands at $79,000, placing it slightly below the national average, specifically 4% lower. With approximately 54,290 individuals employed in this field across Pennsylvania, understanding the compensation landscape is crucial for both aspiring and established professionals in this vital financial sector.
Several factors can influence your Accountant salary in Pennsylvania, affecting where you fall within the reported range of $50,680 to $130,270. Location within the state, whether it's a major metropolitan area or a smaller town, plays a significant role. Experience level, specialized certifications, and the specific industry or size of the company you work for are also key determinants of earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Accountant in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,680 |
| 25th percentile | $62,330 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,000 |
| 75th percentile | $99,990 |
| 90th percentile | $130,270 |
Top H-1B Employers for Accountant in Pennsylvania
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Pennsylvania — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ernst & Young U.S. LLP | 18 | $95,259 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Accountant H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Pennsylvania
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Pennsylvania.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $61,482 | 6 |
| Level II | Qualified | $83,525 | 14 |
| Level III | Experienced | $103,246 | 11 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $150,000 | 7 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Accountant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Accountants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Accountants in Pennsylvania tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $106,050 | 8K |
| Information | $99,430 | 35K |
| Utilities | $98,130 | 8K |
| Finance and Insurance | $93,290 | 119K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $91,940 | 105K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Accountant in Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,730 |
| 2023 | $75,370 |
| 2024 | $77,330 |
| 2025 | $79,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,706 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,730 | $73,060 |
| 2023 | $75,370 | $76,751 |
| 2024 | $77,330 | $79,712 |
| 2025 | $79,000 | $82,597 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,706 | $84,381 |
Accountant Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,330 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $99,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $130,270 |
Accountant Salary in Other States
Related Accountant Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Accountant ($79,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Accountant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in PA | $145,610 | +84.3% | $70.00/hr |
| Actuary in PA | $125,040 | +58.3% | $60.12/hr |
| Economist in PA | $115,000 | +45.6% | $55.29/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in PA | $105,200 | +33.2% | $50.58/hr |
| Compliance Officer in PA | $85,580 | +8.3% | $41.14/hr |
| Financial Analyst in PA | $84,460 | +6.9% | $40.61/hr |
| Budget Analyst in PA | $84,240 | +6.6% | $40.50/hr |
| Credit Analyst in PA | $80,280 | +1.6% | $38.60/hr |
| Tax Examiner in PA | $78,610 | -0.5% | $37.79/hr |
| Financial Examiner in PA | $78,500 | -0.6% | $37.74/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in PA | $73,370 | -7.1% | $35.27/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in PA | $71,840 | -9.1% | $34.54/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do accountants make in Pennsylvania?
- The median salary for accountants in Pennsylvania is $79,000 per year, which breaks down to about $38 per hour. Most accountants in the state earn between $50,680 and $130,270 annually.
What is the average hourly wage for an accountant in Pennsylvania?
- Accountants in Pennsylvania typically earn around $38 per hour. This figure is based on a median annual salary of $79,000 for the profession.
How does the accountant salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
- Accountants in Pennsylvania earn 4.4% less than the national average. The median salary here is $79,000 annually, while the national median is higher.
What is the typical salary range for an accountant in Pennsylvania?
- The salary range for accountants in Pennsylvania is quite broad, with most earning between $50,680 and $130,270 per year. This means entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals can command significantly higher salaries.