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Accountant Salary in Philadelphia, PA

How much does a accountant make in Philadelphia? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Philadelphia's cost of living.

Median Salary
$84,080
per year in Philadelphia
Entry Level
$51,742
Starting salary
Senior Level
$113,185
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
113
13% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how accountant salaries break down across different pay periods in Philadelphia.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$51,742$84,080$113,185
Monthly$4,312$7,007$9,432
Biweekly$1,990$3,234$4,353
Weekly$995$1,617$2,177
Hourly$25$40$54

Philadelphia vs National Average

How Philadelphia's accountant salaries compare to national figures.

Philadelphia Salary
$84,080
COL Index: 113
National Average
$77,850
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$6,230
Higher in Philadelphia

Cost of Living in Philadelphia

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$55,824
per year
Population
1,603,797
residents
Rent % of Income
35.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 113 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Philadelphia have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Accountant

Overview

Prepare financial records, tax returns, and manage accounting systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field; CPA preferred

Key Skills

Financial AccountingTax PreparationQuickBooksGAAP

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Accountant Salary

See Accountant salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,100
+25%
Los Angeles, CA
$93,890
+12%
Chicago, IL
$81,210
-3%
Houston, TX
$81,290
-3%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,080
-5%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a accountant salary in Philadelphia.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Philadelphia.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Accountant Salary in Philadelphia, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a accountant in Philadelphia, PA is $84,080 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 113. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Philadelphia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level accountant professionals in Philadelphia can expect to earn around $51,742 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level accountants earning approximately $113,185 per year. This represents a 119% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Philadelphia's cost of living index of 113 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Philadelphia are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $77,850, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a accountant's salary in Philadelphia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 23.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Accountants are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Philadelphia, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.