Finding accurate data on accounting salaries in Pennsylvania can be challenging for finance professionals.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of accountant compensation across the Keystone State, including average salaries by city, experience level, and specialty.
You'll discover how factors like location, credentials, and role impact earnings potential in PA, helping you benchmark your salary and negotiate better pay.
Introduction to Accounting Salaries in Pennsylvania
Accounting is a stable and lucrative career path in Pennsylvania. As a major business and financial hub on the East Coast, the state offers competitive salaries and ample job opportunities for qualified accounting professionals.
The Keystone Cash Landscape: Understanding Pennsylvania's Accounting Salaries
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Pennsylvania's accounting job market is thriving, with over 50,000 accountants and auditors employed statewide as of 2021. This number is projected to grow by nearly 8% over the next decade.
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Major employers of accountants in PA include large corporations, accounting firms, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and more. Industries like finance, insurance, professional services, and manufacturing have particularly high demand.
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Salaries for accountants in PA tend to be higher than national averages. The average annual salary for an accountant in the state is over $77,000 as of 2021.
Navigating the Salary Trajectory of an Accounting Career in PA
As accountants gain more experience and qualifications in Pennsylvania, their earning potential increases steadily:
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Entry-level accountants in PA earn an average of $45,000 per year. Within 1-4 years, salaries typically rise to $55,000 - $75,000.
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Mid-career accountants with 5-9 years of experience average around $70,000 - $90,000 annually. Some earn over $100k in public accounting or corporate finance roles.
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Late-career accountants in leadership or advisory positions can make $100,000 - $150,000 per year or more. Chief Financial Officers and Partners at top firms earn well into the six figures.
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Accountants in Pennsylvania
According to Pennsylvania's State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, the median annual salary for accountants and auditors specifically was $77,920 as of May 2021. The top 10% earned above $129,950.
Salaries vary based on role, with financial managers earning a very high median wage of $137,720 in Pennsylvania. Bookkeepers and accounting clerks fall on the lower end at $42,630 median annually.
These figures demonstrate the earning potential Pennsylvania offers accounting professionals across all career levels and specializations.
What is the average salary for a staff accountant in PA?
The average annual salary for a staff accountant in Pennsylvania is $64,927, which equates to an hourly wage of around $31. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on factors like location and experience.
Here's a breakdown of typical staff accountant salary ranges in Pennsylvania:
- Top 25% (75th percentile): $72,700 per year or $35 per hour
- Average: $64,927 per year or $31 per hour
- Bottom 25% (25th percentile): $55,100 per year or $26 per hour
Staff accountants in major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh typically earn higher salaries compared to smaller cities. Those working in accounting services or in industries like finance and insurance also tend to be on the higher end of the pay scale.
As staff accountants gain more experience, their salaries also tend to increase. Entry-level positions may start below $50,000, while accountants with 5+ years under their belt can earn over $75,000 on average.
Some factors that can increase a Pennsylvania staff accountant's salary potential include:
- Certifications like CPA, CMA, CIA
- Advanced expertise in areas like financial reporting, budgeting, payroll
- Strong technical skills in accounting software, Excel
- Proven ability to handle high-volume workloads
- Leadership experience managing teams or projects
Knowing the salary landscape can help staff accountants benchmark their earnings and negotiate better compensation over their career in Pennsylvania.
What is the highest paid area of accounting?
Some of the highest paying accounting jobs include:
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Accounting Professor: Average salary of $77,400. Accounting professors work in universities teaching various accounting topics to students. They conduct research and publish academic papers as well.
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Director of Finance & Administration: Average salary of $88,900. This position oversees the financial and administrative operations of an organization. Responsibilities include financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, etc.
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Corporate Controller: Corporate controllers manage all accounting functions and financial reporting for a company. They oversee the preparation of financial statements, maintain internal controls, and advise executives on financial matters. The average salary is $97,000.
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Internal Auditing Manager: Internal auditors evaluate organizational risks and internal controls. As a manager, responsibilities include planning audits, managing teams, presenting findings to executives, and recommending improvements. Average salary is $94,000.
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Investment Banker: Investment bankers help companies and governments raise capital through client financing and advisory services. Average salary exceeds $100,000.
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Financial Planning & Analysis Manager: FP&A managers create financial models, conduct analysis to guide business decisions, prepare budgets and forecasts, and report on company performance. Average salary is $103,000.
In summary, director and manager level finance positions at large corporations tend to offer the highest accounting salaries. Investment banking also remains a very lucrative career path.
What is the highest paid accountancy?
The highest paid accounting jobs typically require significant education and experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the top paying accounting roles include:
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Economist - Economists analyze data and trends to advise organizations and develop policies. They earn a median salary of $105,020 per year.
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Chartered Accountant - Chartered accountants provide financial reporting, budget analysis, financial modeling and more. Their median salary is $94,956 per year.
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Investment Consultant - Investment consultants develop investment strategies and solutions for clients. They have a median pay of $93,644 annually.
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Portfolio Manager - Portfolio managers supervise investment portfolios for clients to achieve financial goals. They make a median salary of $93,510.
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Forensic Accountant - Forensic accountants investigate financial crimes. They have a median income of $83,717 per year.
Other high paying accounting roles include financial controllers, directors, CFOs and more. Extensive expertise, certifications like CPA, CFA, and proven leadership can boost salaries above $150,000 per year.
The highest paid accountants leverage niche specializations and managerial expertise to advance their careers and earning potential over time. Developing a strong professional network also enables access to the most lucrative job opportunities.
How much does a senior staff accountant earn in Pennsylvania?
The average salary for a Senior Staff Accountant in Pennsylvania is $94,590 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on the specific location within the state.
Here's a breakdown of average Senior Staff Accountant salaries in some of the major metro areas of Pennsylvania:
- Philadelphia: $94,590
- Pittsburgh: $91,170
- Allentown: $88,960
- Erie: $85,150
- Harrisburg: $93,280
Salaries also range based on years of experience:
- Entry Level (0-2 years): $55,000 - $75,000
- Mid-Level (3-5 years): $75,000 - $95,000
- Experienced (5+ years): $95,000 - $120,000
Factors that can influence higher or lower pay include:
- Cost of living in the city
- Level of education and certifications
- Specific accounting specialization
- Size and type of company
- Number of direct reports
When negotiating salary as a Senior Staff Accountant in Pennsylvania, keep in mind that the average pay is around $94,590 statewide. Use Glassdoor and Payscale to research salaries at specific companies. Leverage competing job offers and highlight relevant certifications.
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Keystone (PA) Salaries by City
Compare average accounting salaries across major metro areas in Pennsylvania such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and others.
Philadelphia Accounting Salaries: City of Brotherly Pay
The average salary for an accountant in Philadelphia is $65,000. Entry level positions start around $45,000, while more experienced accountants can make over $90,000 per year. Key factors that impact salaries include:
- Years of experience
- Certifications like CPA or CMA
- Type of accounting role (tax, audit, financial reporting)
- Company size and industry
Some top paying accounting jobs in Philadelphia include controllers at $120,000 and finance managers at $135,000.
Accounting Compensation in Pittsburgh: Steel City Salaries
Pittsburgh accounting salaries average $62,000 annually. Entry level bookkeepers earn approximately $38,000, while senior accountants make $75,000 or more. Specific salary ranges include:
- Staff Accountant: $45,000 - $65,000
- Senior Accountant: $65,000 - $85,000
- Accounting Manager: $80,000 - $110,000
The highest paying accounting jobs in Pittsburgh are Chief Financial Officers at over $150,000 per year.
Accounting Earnings in Harrisburg: Capital City Cash
In Harrisburg, accountants earn an average base pay of $60,000. However, total compensation can be higher with bonuses and profit sharing.
- Entry Level Accountant: $40,000 - $55,000
- Staff Accountant: $50,000 - $70,000
- Accounting Manager: $70,000 - $100,000
Harrisburg accounting salaries are on par with state averages, with senior level positions paying over $85,000.
Allentown Accountant Pay: Lehigh Valley Ledger
Allentown has average accounting salaries of $63,000. Pay is slightly above state-wide averages.
- Bookkeeper: $38,000
- Financial Analyst: $60,000
- Controller: $95,000
Bonuses can add $5,000 - $15,000 for roles like senior accountants and managers. Profit sharing and 401K matching also boost total comp.
Erie's Accounting Employment Earnings: Lakefront Ledger
In Erie, accountants make approximately $57,000 on average. However, salaries range widely based on position and experience.
- Entry Level Staff Accountant: $36,000
- Senior Accountant: $65,000
- Accounting Manager: $78,000
Erie accounting salaries are 5-10% below state averages. But low cost of living helps offset lower pay.
Accounting Salaries by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
Accounting is a stable and lucrative career path in Pennsylvania. Salaries tend to rise steadily with years of experience across various roles. Here's an overview of typical earning potential at different career stages for accountants in the Keystone State.
Entry-Level Accounting Salaries: The Starting Line in PA
Recent graduates just entering the accounting field in Pennsylvania can expect entry-level salaries between $40,000 and $55,000 on average. Those with internship experience or specialized certifications may land towards the higher end.
Common entry-level accounting jobs and salaries in PA include:
- Staff Accountant: $45,000 - $53,000
- Accounts Payable Clerk: $36,000 - $43,000
- Accounting Assistant: $38,000 - $47,000
Early Career Accountant Compensation: Advancing in the Keystone State
With 3-5 years of experience under their belt, accountants in Pennsylvania see increased earning potential in the $55,000 - $75,000 range on average. Continuing education and certifications can boost salaries.
Typical early career accounting salaries in PA:
- Senior Accountant: $60,000 - $70,000
- Payroll Manager: $62,000 - $68,000
- Financial Analyst: $65,000 - $73,000
Mid-Career Accounting Pay: The Keystone Climb
Around the 10 year mark, skilled Pennsylvania accountants often step into supervisor, manager, and senior analyst roles commanding $80,000 - $110,000 per year. Specialized expertise and an MBA can push salaries higher.
Common mid-career accounting salaries in PA:
- Accounting Manager: $95,000 - $105,000
- Budget Analyst: $85,000 - $100,000
- Financial Reporting Manager: $90,000 - $107,000
Senior Accountant and Managerial Salaries: The Experienced Elite in PA
With 15+ years under their belt, seasoned accountants in PA take on senior and executive positions earning $120,000 - $200,000+ per year on average. Those with Big Four experience and CPA certification tend to land the top salaries.
High-level accounting roles and salaries in PA include:
- Chief Financial Officer: $150,000 - $190,000
- Controller: $130,000 - $170,000
- Director of Finance: $140,000 - $180,000
In summary, Pennsylvania offers stable accounting careers with salaries that grow substantially over time. Both private and public sector accountants can realize strong earning potential through dedication and skill development.
Specialized Accounting Salaries in Pennsylvania
Accounting is a broad field with professionals specializing in various areas. Salary can vary significantly depending on the specific accounting focus. Here is a breakdown of compensation levels for some key accounting roles in Pennsylvania:
General Ledger Accounting Compensation in PA
General ledger accountants are responsible for recording day-to-day financial transactions and ensuring the accuracy of the general ledger. According to PayScale, general ledger accountants in Pennsylvania earn:
- Entry level (0-5 years experience): $41,000 - $55,500
- Mid-career (5-10 years): $47,500 - $71,500
- Experienced (10-20 years): $55,000 - $85,000
Financial Reporting Salaries: The Numbers Behind the Numbers
Financial reporting accountants produce financial statements, ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and regulations. Average salaries include:
- Entry level financial reporting accountant: $45,000
- Senior financial reporting accountant (5+ years): $60,000 - $75,000
- Manager/supervisor (7+ years): $75,000 - $95,000
Payroll Administration Pay in Pennsylvania
Payroll administrators handle paycheck calculations, tax payments, record-keeping and compliance. Typical payroll salaries in PA:
- Entry level payroll administrator: $36,000
- Payroll manager (5+ years): $45,000 - $60,000
Auditing Salaries: Uncovering Earnings in PA
Auditors assess financial records for accuracy, compliance and risk. Auditing salaries in Pennsylvania:
- Staff auditor: $50,000 - $60,000
- Senior auditor (3+ years): $60,000 - $80,000
- Audit manager (7+ years): $80,000 - $110,000
Salaries vary based on location, qualifications, experience and employer. But this breakdown gives an overview of earning potential for some accounting specializations in the state.
How to Negotiate Your Accounting Salary in Pennsylvania
Understanding Your Worth: Evaluating Skills and Contributions
When preparing to negotiate your accounting salary in Pennsylvania, the first step is to thoroughly evaluate your skills, experience, credentials, and impact. Consider key factors like:
- Years of experience in accounting and finance roles
- Specific expertise such as budget analysis, financial reporting, payroll, etc.
- Professional certifications earned like CPA, CMA, CIA, CFE, etc.
- Scope and scale of projects delivered and contributions made
- Both hard and soft skills developed over your career
Benchmark your skills and accomplishments against job descriptions to quantify your value. This gives you solid data to support requesting higher compensation.
Using a Salary Calculator: Benchmarking Against the PA Market
Next, leverage online salary calculators to benchmark competitive salary ranges for accounting roles in Pennsylvania based on your credentials and experience. Resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Salary.com, Glassdoor, and PayScale provide localized data on average, median, and range of salaries in your profession.
Compare your skills and experience to the market rates to gauge what constitutes fair compensation. This market research helps you set appropriate expectations and targets for salary negotiations.
Timing Your Salary Negotiation: Maximizing Your Leverage
When negotiating a salary, timing is critical for maximizing your leverage. The optimal times to address compensation are:
- After receiving a promotion or expanded responsibilities
- Upon completion of a major project that positively impacted the company
- After attaining an advanced certification or degree
- During annual performance reviews
Capitalize on these pivotal career moments to highlight your growing value and make a strong case for a pay increase commensurate with your contributions.
Addressing Pay Equity: The Gender Pay Gap in Accounting
Unfortunately, pay inequity still persists within the accounting field. On average nationwide, female accountants and auditors earn 80-85% of what their male peers earn in comparable roles.
When negotiating your salary in Pennsylvania, be aware of this gap. Thoroughly research competitive market rates, focusing specifically on gender breakdowns. Use this data to build an evidence-based case for equitable pay aligned to your skills, not biased by gender.
Accounting Compensation & Benefits Beyond Salary in PA
Healthcare, Retirement, and Time Off: The Full Compensation Package
In addition to salary, accountants in Pennsylvania can expect strong benefits packages from most employers. This includes:
- Healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Many firms offer high-quality plans that cover a significant portion of costs.
- Retirement planning through 401(k) plans with employer matching contributions up to 5% of salary or more.
- Paid time off policies averaging 10-20 days per year. Larger firms may offer upwards of 30 days off.
- Parental leave is becoming more common, with larger firms offering paid leave for new parents.
- Wellness benefits like gym memberships and health screenings may be included in some compensation packages.
With the war for talent in accounting heating up, firms leverage robust benefits offerings to attract top candidates. Carefully reviewing the complete compensation and benefits package is advised when evaluating job offers as an accountant in Pennsylvania.
Bonus Structures and Performance Incentives
Beyond base pay and benefits, Pennsylvania accounting professionals have significant bonus earning potential tied to performance:
- Individual bonuses are common, ranging from 5-15% of salary based on exceeding targets. High performers can earn 20% or more.
- Firm profit-sharing gives accountants a cut of overall earnings. Larger firms may put over 10% of profits back into employee bonus pools.
- Commission structures are sometimes available for client-facing roles that reward securing new business and advisory services billings.
- Spot bonuses for completing special projects or meeting key deadlines are used to incentivize short-term goals.
With so much bonus potential linked directly to output and firm success, Pennsylvania accountants have major influence over their total compensation.
Professional Development Opportunities and Reimbursements
Investing in an accountant's growth and education pays dividends in performance and loyalty. Pennsylvania firms actively fund professional development:
- Continuing education is encouraged, often with full tuition reimbursement. Time off for courses related to licensing/certifications is common.
- Conferences and seminars deliver networking and learning opportunities. Attendance and travel expenses may be fully covered.
- Skill-building programs offer hard and soft skills enhancement with tuition reimbursement available.
- Leadership/management training prepares high-potential accountants for advancement.
The path to higher salaries includes expanding capabilities and specializations. Seizing development opportunities helps Pennsylvania accountants climb the career ladder faster while avoiding out-of-pocket education costs.
Conclusion: Navigating the Accounting Salary Landscape in Pennsylvania
Summarizing the Salary Trajectory for Pennsylvania Accountants
Accounting salaries in Pennsylvania typically start around $45,000 for entry-level positions and can reach over $120,000 for experienced managers and directors. Key things that impact salary growth over an accounting career include:
- Gaining professional certifications like CPA, CMA, CIA, etc.
- Specializing in high-demand areas like financial analysis, budgeting, auditing, etc.
- Taking on greater job responsibility and leadership roles
- Switching companies every few years to leverage new job offers
So while entry-level accountants in Pennsylvania make average salaries, there is significant potential to earn well above-average pay through focused career development.
Reflecting on Regional Salary Variations
Within Pennsylvania, accounting salaries can vary greatly by region. Major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tend to pay 20-30% higher for accounting roles than smaller cities and rural areas. Some key regional differences include:
- Philadelphia: The highest accounting salaries in PA, averaging $75,000. Lots of large corporations and financial services firms.
- Pittsburgh: Above-average salaries, averaging $65,000. Home to major companies in healthcare, tech, manufacturing.
- Harrisburg: Average state capital salaries around $60,000. Many government and public sector roles.
- Smaller regions: Generally lower salaries near $50,000, but often better work-life balance.
So location is a key factor in compensation, with major metro areas paying the most but having higher costs of living.
The Impact of Specialization and Certification on Salaries
Specializing in high-value skills like financial reporting, budget analysis, auditing, and developing key certifications can boost Pennsylvania accounting salaries by $10,000 to $30,000+. Some top paying accounting niches include:
- Auditors: Average around $70,000. CPA certification key.
- Budget analysts: Average $75,000+. CGFM certification valued.
- Financial analysts: Average around $80,000. CFA charter optimal.
So developing expertise in key areas and earning credentials like CPA, CMA, CIA, CGFM etc. can really pay off with substantially higher salaries over a general accounting role.
