Accountant in Levittown CDP, PA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Levittown CDP, Pennsylvania.

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The Salary Picture: Where Levittown CDP Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Levittown isn't a financial hub like Center City Philadelphia, but it offers a stable, practical market for accountants who value affordability and a shorter commute. The salary data reflects this reality: it’s solid, slightly above the national average, but not explosive. The key here is understanding the local cost of living, which makes your paycheck stretch further than it would in nearby metros.

First, let’s look at the raw numbers. The median salary for an accountant in the Levittown area is $86,983/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $41.82/hour. This sits just above the national average of $86,080/year. While the difference is modest, it’s meaningful when paired with Levittown’s lower housing costs compared to Philadelphia or its suburbs to the east. The job market is modest, with approximately 101 accounting jobs available in the metro area, and a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This indicates a steady, mature market rather than a high-growth, volatile one. It’s perfect for accountants seeking stability over speculative career leaps.

To give you a clearer picture of earning potential based on experience, here’s a breakdown. These figures are estimates based on the local median, BLS data, and my observations of the regional market.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$58,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, data entry, assisting with audits.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$75,000 - $92,000	Preparing financial statements, corporate tax returns, general ledger management.
Senior-Level (8-12 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000	Managing accounting teams, complex tax planning, financial reporting, internal controls.
Expert/Controller (12+ yrs)	$120,000+	CFO oversight, strategic financial planning, mergers & acquisitions, high-level consulting.

Insider Tip: Salaries in Levittown are often tied to the Philadelphia market but adjusted for cost of living. A senior accountant at a large Bristol-based manufacturer might earn closer to the top of the range, while a mid-level accountant at a local non-profit might be at the median. Experience with specific software (like NetSuite or advanced Excel macros) and industry specialization (manufacturing, healthcare administration) are the biggest salary levers here.

Comparison to Other PA Cities

To understand where Levittown stands, you have to compare it to its neighbors. It’s not the highest-paying area, but it’s also not the most expensive.

City / Metro Area	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Take-Home Feel
Levittown CDP, PA	$86,983	103.5	Good – Higher salary than national avg, moderate COL.
Philadelphia Metro	$92,500 (est.)	107.8	Moderate – Higher salary is eaten by housing & city taxes.
Allentown-Bethlehem	$82,000 (est.)	102.0	Fair – Similar COL, slightly lower pay.
Pittsburgh Metro	$88,000 (est.)	104.5	Good – Comparable to Levittown but with a different industry base.
Harrisburg-Carlisle	$79,000 (est.)	99.0	Good – Lower salary but significantly lower housing costs.

Levittown’s sweet spot is its proximity to Philadelphia without the premium price tag. You can access higher-paying Philadelphia jobs (often in consulting or Big 4) with a manageable 30-45 minute train or car commute, while living in a more affordable community.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A $86,983 salary sounds great, but what’s the bottom line? Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%, and Levittown CDP itself has no local earned income tax (though surrounding townships might). We’ll assume a single filer with no dependents, taking the standard deduction for 2024.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for an accountant earning the median salary:

• Gross Annual Salary: $86,983
• Federal Income Tax (est.): ~$12,300
• FICA (7.65%): ~$6,655
• PA State Tax (3.07%): ~$2,670
• Net Annual Income: ~$65,358
• Net Monthly Income: ~$5,446

Now, let's subtract the core living expenses. The average 1-bedroom rent in Levittown CDP is $1,190/month. We'll budget for utilities, groceries, transportation, and a standard 10% savings rate.

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Income	$5,446	After all taxes.
Rent (1BR)	$1,190	Average for Levittown CDP.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Varies by season.
Groceries	$400	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest car note and insurance.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$300	Varies widely.
Gas/Transport	$200	Commuting to Philly or local work.
Total Essential Expenses	$2,690
Remaining (Discretionary/Savings)	$2,756

Insider Tip: This budget looks comfortable, and it is. The key advantage here is housing. That $1,190 rent is for a decent apartment in a safe neighborhood like Levittown’s "Levittown" section (the original development) or nearby Fairless Hills. In a similar commute zone like Doylestown or Princeton, you’d pay $1,800+ for the same space.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely, yes. This is Levittown’s biggest draw for accountants. With the median salary, you are well-positioned for homeownership. The median home value in Levittown CDP is approximately $285,000 (as of recent data). With a 20% down payment ($57,000), your monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would likely be around $1,800 - $2,000, which is manageable on a $5,446 net monthly income. Many accountants in the area live in nearby Fallsington, Bristol, or Tullytown, where home prices are similarly moderate. Building equity here is a far more viable long-term financial strategy than renting in Philadelphia.

Where the Jobs Are: Levittown CDP's Major Employers

The job market is niche but stable. You’re not finding Fortune 500 headquarters here, but you’ll find solid roles in manufacturing, healthcare, and public accounting. The commute to Philadelphia (30-45 minutes) and Trenton (20-30 minutes) is also a major source of jobs.

1. Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) – Lawrenceville, NJ (20-min drive): While not in PA, this is a top destination for Levittown accountants. The pharmaceutical giant’s campus is a short commute over the river. They hire for corporate accounting, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), and internal audit. Hiring is steady, especially for roles requiring a CPA and 3-5 years of experience.

2. St. Mary Medical Center (Langhorne) & Jefferson Health (Bucks County): The healthcare sector is a major employer. Hospitals require robust accounting teams for billing, compliance, and financial reporting. St. Mary’s is a Level II Trauma center and part of the Trinity Health system, offering stable, union-backed positions. Look for roles in revenue cycle management.

3. Local Public Accounting Firms (Bristol & Yardley): Smaller, regional firms like KPMG’s Bristol office (though it’s part of a larger network) and local practices in Yardley serve the area’s manufacturing and small business clients. These are great for CPAs who want a mix of tax and audit work without the intensity of a Philadelphia Big 4 firm. They often have a better work-life balance.

4. Manufacturing & Industrial Firms: Levittown’s history is in manufacturing. Companies like U.S. Steel’s Fairless Works (now a logistics park) and various mid-sized manufacturers in the Bristol Industrial Park need accountants for cost accounting, inventory management, and plant-level financials. This is a specialized but in-demand niche.

5. Bucks County Government: The county seat, Doylestown, is a 25-minute drive. County government, school districts (like the Bristol Borough School District), and local municipalities hire accountants for public fund management, auditing, and budgeting. These jobs offer excellent benefits and job security, though salaries might be at the lower end of the median.

Hiring Trends: The demand is for CPA-certified professionals with 3-7 years of experience. There’s a growing need for accountants with data analytics skills. Remote work is less common here than in major cities; most employers prefer hybrid schedules, with 2-3 days in the office.

Getting Licensed in PA

To practice as a CPA in Pennsylvania, you must meet the state’s strict requirements. The Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs (PICPA) and the state board regulate this.

1. Education: You need 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree and 24 semester hours in accounting (above the introductory level) and 24 semester hours in business courses.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). This is a national exam, but the application is processed through the PICPA.
3. Experience: You need one year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, private industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 total for all four sections (varies by state).
• Application/Licensing Fees: ~$300-$500 (PICPA/State Board).
• Study Materials: $1,500 - $3,000 (Becker, Roger, etc.).
• Timeline: From starting your studies to becoming fully licensed, expect 18-24 months. If you’re already a CPA from another state, you can obtain reciprocity, which is faster but still requires paperwork and potentially the ethics exam.

Insider Tip: The PICPA has a robust network in the Levittown/Philadelphia area. Joining a local chapter is invaluable for networking and finding mentors who can guide you through the experience requirement.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Living in Levittown CDP itself is practical, but the surrounding areas offer different lifestyles. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Levittown (Original Development): The heart of the community. It’s a classic post-war suburb with small, affordable homes and apartments. The commute to Philadelphia is straightforward via I-95 or Route 13. It’s family-friendly, walkable in pockets, and has a strong sense of community. Rent (1BR): $1,100 - $1,300.
2. Fairless Hills: Just north of Levittown. Slightly more suburban feel, with newer homes and shopping centers. Home to the Oxford Valley Mall area. Commute is similar to Levittown. Rent (1BR): $1,200 - $1,400.
3. Bristol Borough: A historic river town with a charming main street, restaurants, and a direct SEPTA rail line to Center City Philadelphia (35-minute ride). It offers a more urban, walkable vibe than Levittown. Rent (1BR): $1,200 - $1,500.
4. Yardley: A bit further north, this is a more affluent, picturesque town with a canal path and a stronger dining scene. It’s a 25-minute drive to Trenton’s corporate offices (like Bristol-Myers Squibb) and 40 minutes to Philadelphia. Commute is good if you work in NJ or central PA. Rent (1BR): $1,400 - $1,700.
5. Langhorne: Home to Sesame Place and the St. Mary Medical Center campus. It’s a mix of commercial and residential. Good for healthcare accountants. Commute to Philadelphia is via I-95. Rent (1BR): $1,300 - $1,550.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Levittown is a place to build a stable, long-term career, not to make a quick million. The 4% job growth over 10 years tells you it’s a mature market.

• Specialty Premiums: In this region, CPA certification is the single biggest salary booster. Specializing in cost accounting for manufacturing or revenue cycle management for healthcare can add a 10-15% premium to your salary. Expertise in audit and compliance is also highly valued, especially with local government and hospital clients.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from public accounting (a local firm) to a senior role in private industry (e.g., a controller at a mid-sized manufacturer) or to a government position. The ceiling in Levittown is typically Controller or Director of Finance for a local or regional company. For C-suite roles (CFO), you often need to target Philadelphia-based companies, but you can live in Levittown.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand for accountants won’t disappear. Automation will handle more transactional work, but the need for strategic financial advisors, who understand local industries (manufacturing, healthcare, public sector), will remain strong. Your long-term value will be in interpreting data, not just producing it.

The Verdict: Is Levittown CDP Right for You?

For accountants who value stability, affordability, and a reasonable work-life balance, Levittown is an excellent choice. It’s a launchpad to both Philadelphia and Trenton, but with a cost of living that allows you to save money and build equity.

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power – Median salary goes far in the local housing market.	Limited high-end job market – Few Fortune 500 HQs; most senior roles are in Philly.
Strategic location – Easy commute to two major metros (Philly & Trenton).	Salary ceiling – Local salaries top out lower than in major cities.
Stable industries – Healthcare and manufacturing provide steady employment.	Suburban feel – Can lack the cultural vibrancy of a major city.
Strong community – Family-friendly, safe, and practical.	Public transit – Limited to SEPTA rail in Bristol; most rely on cars.

Final Recommendation: If you are an early-to-mid-career accountant (CPA preferred) looking to buy a home, start a family, and build a stable career without the extreme costs of coastal metros, Levittown CDP is a very smart choice. If you are an ambitious, late-career professional targeting a C-suite role at a global firm, you might use Levittown as a affordable base while commuting to Philadelphia, but the ultimate career growth will be in the city.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living really as low as it seems?
A: Yes, especially for housing. The Cost of Living Index of 103.5 is slightly above the national average, but housing is the key driver. Rent in Levittown is 20-30% lower than comparable suburbs in Montgomery or Chester counties. Groceries and utilities are about average.

Q: Do I need a car to work as an accountant in Levittown?
A: Yes, for the most part. While you can train from Bristol to Philadelphia, most local employers (manufacturers, hospitals, county offices) are not on the rail line. A car is essential for commuting to jobs in Langhorne, Fairless Hills, or Bristol Township. If you work in Philadelphia, you can rely on SEPTA.

Q: What’s the job market like for non-CPAs?
A: It’s viable but more limited. You can find bookkeeping, staff accountant, and accounts payable/receivable roles, especially in smaller companies and non-profits. However, with the median salary for the area being $86,983, most of those higher-paying roles will require or strongly prefer a CPA. Getting your license is the best career investment you can make here.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote accounting work?
A: There are some, but it’s not the norm. Many local employers, especially in manufacturing and healthcare, prefer hybrid schedules. Fully remote roles are more common with Philadelphia-based or national firms. You may need to look specifically for "remote" or "hybrid" listings during your job search, but be prepared for