Accountant Salary in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
Accountants and auditors prepare financial records, ensure accuracy, and assess financial operations for businesses and individuals.
Median Annual Salary
$96,390
in Philadelphia · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$94,165
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#35
among cities with BLS data
Accountants in Philadelphia
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Philadelphia, PA is $96,390 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $8,033/month or $46/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($94,180), Philadelphia pays 2% more than the typical city.
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102.4 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $96,390 in Philadelphia is equivalent to $94,165 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Philadelphia metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Accountants by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark, NJ | $121,970 |
| 2 | New York, NY | $121,970 |
| 3 | Jersey City, NJ | $121,970 |
| 4 | Berkeley, CA | $119,870 |
| 5 | San Francisco, CA | $119,870 |
| 6 | Oakland, CA | $119,870 |
| 7 | Washington, DC | $108,670 |
| 8 | Arlington, VA | $108,670 |
| 9 | Alexandria, VA | $108,670 |
| 10 | Tacoma, WA | $106,100 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Philadelphia
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $131,820 |
| Registered Nurse | $97,510 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $73,980 |
| Electrician | $79,320 |
Full cost of living profile for Philadelphia
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Philadelphia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Accountant salary in Philadelphia?
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Philadelphia, PA is $96,390 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Philadelphia Accountant pay compare nationally?
Philadelphia Accountant pay ($96,390) is 2% above the median across surveyed cities ($94,180).
Does cost of living affect Accountant salaries in Philadelphia?
Yes. Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102.4 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $96,390 salary in Philadelphia has the purchasing power of approximately $94,165 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology