👥
Sponsor this section
Put your brand in front of HR & career decision-makers
High-intent audience · Niche relevance · Brand-safe environment
→

Bookkeeper Salaries in Pennsylvania — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

The median bookkeeper salary in Pennsylvania is $47,390 per year, equivalent to $22.78/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Pennsylvania employs approximately 54,580 bookkeepers statewide.

Bookkeeper salaries in Pennsylvania are below the national average by approximately $1,351. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.

Pennsylvania's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for bookkeepers.

Pennsylvania Bookkeeper Take-Home Pay Calculator

Interactive

Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Pennsylvania after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$47,390
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$39,694

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Pennsylvania Bookkeeper Check

Interactive

Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Pennsylvania median of $47,390.

Your annual salary ($)

Bookkeeper Salary by Experience — Pennsylvania

Entry Level (0–2 years)$29,400/yr · $14.13/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Pennsylvania.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$42,177/yr · $20.28/hr
Established professional working independently in Pennsylvania. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$52,602/yr · $25.29/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Pennsylvania.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$68,200+/yr · $32.79/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Pennsylvania.
📊
Advertise on WageByState
6,200+ data pages · all 50 states · BLS-verified
Reach professionals actively researching salary & career data
→

Bookkeeper Salary Trend in Pennsylvania — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, Pennsylvania has seen 13.9% wage growth for bookkeepers — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Pennsylvania's business and financial services.

2021
$41,608
2022
$44,025
+5.8%
2023
$46,063
+4.6%
2024
$46,821
+1.6%
2026
$47,390
+1.2%

Bookkeeper Salary by City — Pennsylvania

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Philadelphia$52,600$25.29+11.0%19,103
Pittsburgh$50,250$24.16+6.0%15,282
Allentown$48,800$23.46+3.0%9,824
Erie$45,500$21.88-4.0%4,912
Reading$43,100$20.72-9.1%3,274
Scranton$41,250$19.83-13.0%2,183

Tip: Philadelphia offers the highest bookkeeper salaries in Pennsylvania at $52,600/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Pennsylvania vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Pennsylvania sits in the mid-range for bookkeepers.

Pennsylvania — 3.07% state income tax$47,390 gross~$39,694 take-home
New York — 10.9%$55,880 gross+17.9% vs PA
New Jersey — 10.75%$56,730 gross+19.7% vs PA
Delaware — 6.6%$51,590 gross+8.9% vs PA

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.

👥
Sponsor this section
Put your brand in front of HR & career decision-makers
High-intent audience · Niche relevance · Brand-safe environment
→

Bookkeeper Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
54,580Currently employed
5,458+New jobs projected

Employment for bookkeepers in Pennsylvania is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Pennsylvania job market. Pennsylvania's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for bookkeepers.

How to Earn More as a Bookkeeper in Pennsylvania

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bookkeeper in Pennsylvania typically adds $38,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the AIPB Certification (voluntary) can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Philadelphia pays bookkeepers $52,600/yr — +11.0% above the Pennsylvania average. Simply relocating within Pennsylvania can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Bookkeepers who specialise in business and financial services typically command premium rates in Pennsylvania. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. New York pays bookkeepers $55,880/yr — 17.9% vs Pennsylvania.

Find Bookkeeper Jobs in Pennsylvania

Live Listings

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a bookkeeper make in Pennsylvania?
The average bookkeeper salary in Pennsylvania is $47,390 per year, or $22.78 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $29,400 while experienced professionals earn $68,200 or more.
What city in Pennsylvania pays bookkeepers the most?
Philadelphia pays bookkeepers the most in Pennsylvania at an average of $52,600 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Pennsylvania stack up nationally for bookkeeper pay?
Pennsylvania bookkeeper salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $1,351. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.
How much do bookkeepers actually take home after taxes in Pennsylvania?
A bookkeeper earning the Pennsylvania average of $47,390 takes home approximately $39,694 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.
Are bookkeeper jobs worth pursuing in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Bookkeeper is a strong career choice in Pennsylvania with steady demand projected over the next decade. Pennsylvania's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for bookkeepers.
How do you get a bookkeeper licence in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, bookkeepers are licensed through the AIPB Certification (voluntary). Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the AIPB Certification (voluntary) for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.