Average Accountants and Auditors Salary in Altoona, PA
Accountants and Auditors in Altoona, PA earn an average annual salary of $70,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $94,430, suggesting that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific pay rates in Altoona are influenced by the local business environment and the overall supply and demand for accounting professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $105,670.
- Outlook: The accounting and auditing job market in Altoona, PA, shows a moderate level of activity, with a total local workforce of 440 professionals in this field. A Location Quotient of 0.81 indicates that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The presence of 7.57 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports the notion of a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for accountants and auditors in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Accountants and Auditors in Altoona, PA earns-25.1%below the national average.
$34
$1,360
$5,893
Accountants and Auditors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Altoona's accounting sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts and evolving industry needs typically drive incremental increases in compensation for skilled professionals like accountants and auditors, even in smaller markets. This suggests that while current salaries may be below the national average, a gradual upward trajectory is likely.
Accountants and Auditors Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA
Career progression for Accountants and Auditors in Altoona, PA, is typically marked by increasing salary levels with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior roles, requiring specialized knowledge and extensive experience, will see significant increases. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career ladder, with experienced professionals earning substantially more than their junior counterparts, signifying opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $42,070 | $20.2 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $53,040 | $25.5 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $63,240 | $30.4 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $88,400 | $42.5 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $105,670 | $50.8 |
Detailed Accountants and Auditors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $70,720 in Altoona, PA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power effectively within the local market, offering a balanced lifestyle. While the salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay is relatively stable in terms of what it can afford locally.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
7.57
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Altoona, PA has 0.81x the national average concentration of Accountants and Auditors jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.81, Altoona, PA, presents a job market for Accountants and Auditors that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry hub. The market is likely competitive but not oversaturated, offering opportunities for skilled professionals without the intense competition often found in larger metropolitan areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Accountants and Auditors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Johnstown, PA Accountants and Auditors Salary | $72,340↑ 2% | 30 mi |
| State College, PA Accountants and Auditors Salary | $71,860↑ 2% | 35 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Accountants and Auditors Salary | $74,870↑ 6% | 56 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Accountants and Auditors Salary | $84,360↑ 19% | 70 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Accountants and Auditors Salary | $76,650↑ 8% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Accountants and Auditors make in Altoona, PA?
The median annual salary for a Accountants and Auditors in Altoona, PA is $70,720. This typically ranges from $42,070 for entry-level positions to $105,670 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 25.1% lower than the national median of $94,430.
Is Altoona, PA a lucrative place for Accountants and Auditors?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.While the average salary of $70,720 is stable due to a national average cost of living, it falls significantly short of the national average salary for Accountants and Auditors.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Accountants and Auditors?
The Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Johnstown, PA ($72,340) and State College, PA.
How does experience impact Accountant salaries in Altoona, PA?
Experience is a key driver of salary growth for Accountants and Auditors in Altoona, PA. Entry-level roles will offer lower compensation, while senior positions with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting career progression.
What is the job outlook for Accountants and Auditors in Altoona, PA?
The job outlook appears stable, with a moderate concentration of professionals and a consistent number of jobs per capita. While not a rapidly expanding market, there is a steady demand for accounting services in Altoona.
Is the cost of living in Altoona, PA a factor in Accountant salaries?
Yes, the cost of living in Altoona, PA, is at the national average (100). This means the local salary of $70,720 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a balanced financial environment despite being below the national salary benchmark.
How does Altoona's Accountant job market compare to the national average?
Altoona's job market for Accountants and Auditors is slightly less concentrated than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.81. This suggests a stable, but not overly dominant, presence of these roles within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 7.57 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Accountants and Auditors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Altoona, PA