Accountant salary in Philadelphia, PA
Median pay, Philadelphia metro
$85,990/year
about $41.34 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $73,370 – $110,420
Half of accountants in the Philadelphia metro area earn more than $85,990 a year and half earn less. That's 3% higher than the national median of $83,680, and ranks #14 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $59,560 | $28.63 |
| 25th | $73,370 | $35.27 |
| Median (50th) | $85,990 | $41.34 |
| 75th | $110,420 | $53.09 |
| 90th (top earners) | $139,420 | $67.03 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a accountant job in the Philadelphia metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $73,370 ($35.27/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $73,370 to $110,420 ($35.27 to $53.09/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $110,420 ($53.09/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- A CPA license usually raises pay noticeably, and some employers support the exam with time off or fees.
- Busy season can mean long hours from January to April. Ask how overtime is handled for salaried roles.
- Public accounting and corporate (industry) roles often pay differently for similar titles.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Philadelphia metro. Occupation: Accountants and Auditors (SOC 13-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.