Accountant in Reading, PA

Here is a complete career guide for Accountants considering a move to Reading, PA.

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The Salary Picture: Where Reading Stands

Reading, Pennsylvania, offers a stable, if modest, accounting job market. The median salary for an Accountant in the Reading metro area is $85,047/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.89/hour. This figure sits just slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, a common pattern for mid-sized, lower-cost-of-living markets. The Reading metro area supports 189 accounting jobs, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn't a boomtown for the profession; it's a steady, reliable market where experience and local connections count for a lot.

To understand where you might fit into this landscape, let's break it down by experience level. These ranges are estimates based on local market data and the provided median, accounting for the typical progression in the field.

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Reading, PA)	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, basic tax prep, data entry. Often at local firms or as a staff accountant at a mid-sized company.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$68,000 - $82,000	Full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, more complex tax work, some supervisory duties. A common range for Senior Accountants.
Senior-Level (7-15 years)	$82,000 - $98,000	Team leads, controllers, managers. Deep expertise in GAAP, tax strategy, or internal audit. The median of $85,047 is heavily influenced by this group.
Expert/Partner Track (15+ years)	$98,000+	Controllers, CFOs, audit partners at local CPA firms. Compensation can include significant bonuses and profit-sharing.

Comparison to Other PA Cities: Reading's accounting salaries lag behind major metros like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where the cost of living is substantially higher. It's more on par with cities like Bethlehem or Lancaster. For an accountant seeking a balance between salary and affordability, Reading presents a compelling case.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base $85,047 median. At larger local employers like Boscov's or the Berks County government, structured bonus plans and additional benefits (like a pension) can put total compensation several thousand dollars above the base salary.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be practical. A salary of $85,047 in Reading provides a solid middle-class lifestyle because the cost of living is low. The Cost of Living Index for Reading is 96.0, meaning it's 4% cheaper than the U.S. average. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is just $1,041/month.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for an accountant earning the median $85,047/year. This assumes single filer status with standard deductions.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,087	Based on $85,047/year / 12
Taxes & Deductions (Estimated)	$1,650	Includes federal, state (3.07% flat), FICA. This is a conservative estimate.
Net Take-Home Pay	$5,437	Your actual cash-in-hand.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,041	A decent, modern apartment in a safe area.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$180	CTI or UGI for gas/electric, Comcast/Xfinity for internet.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assuming a moderate car payment and PA's average insurance rates.
Groceries & Household	$350	Weis, Giant, or local markets.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$300	Varies widely by employer.
Discretionary/Savings	$3,116	This is the key. After core expenses, you have substantial room for savings, debt, or lifestyle.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Berks County is around $220,000-$250,000. With a healthy down payment, a mortgage on a starter home would likely be $1,400-$1,600/month, including taxes and insurance. This is less than 30% of your gross pay, fitting within standard affordability guidelines. Neighborhoods like Spring Township, Exeter Township, and parts of Muhlenberg are popular with young professionals for this reason.

Where the Jobs Are: Reading's Major Employers

Reading's job market for accountants is anchored by a mix of large local corporations, healthcare systems, and government entities. It's less dominated by Big 4 CPA firms and more by stable, long-term employers.

1. Boscov's Department Stores: A hometown giant with its headquarters in Reading. They hire corporate accountants, financial analysts, and internal auditors. They are known for stability and offer a strong benefits package, including a pension. Hiring trends: Steady, with openings often posted on their corporate site.
2. Berks County Government & School Districts: The largest public sector employer. The County Controller's office, as well as the finance departments of the Reading School District and other county municipalities, hire accountants and budget analysts. These jobs offer exceptional job security and benefits, though starting pay can be lower than the private sector. Check BerksCountyPA.gov for openings.
3. Reading Hospital (Tower Health): A major healthcare system and a huge employer. They need accountants for revenue cycle management, cost accounting, and financial reporting. Healthcare finance is a growing specialty. Hiring has been active as the hospital system invests in local facilities.
4. Lanco Federal Credit Union & regional banks (like Mid Penn Bank): Banks and credit unions require accountants for internal financial reporting, compliance, and loan accounting. These roles often emphasize attention to detail and regulatory knowledge.
5. Miller Chemical & Fuel Corp. (based in Hanover, but a major regional employer): Many accountants from Reading commute to this manufacturing firm. It's an example of the industrial backbone of the region, offering roles in cost accounting and corporate finance.
6. Local CPA Firms (e.g., Maillie, LLP, Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz): These mid-sized firms are the primary hires for public accounting. They offer a path to a CPA license through audit and tax work. Hiring is cyclical, often ramping up before tax season.

Insider Tip: Many of the best opportunities aren't advertised. Networking with professionals through the Berks Chapter of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) is crucial. It's the fastest way to learn about openings at these major employers.

Getting Licensed in PA

To advance beyond staff accountant roles, especially in public accounting or as a Controller, you'll likely want your CPA license. Pennsylvania's requirements are set by the State Board of Accountancy.

Requirements:

• Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor's degree with 24 credits in accounting and 24 credits in general business.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can sit for the exam with 120 hours, but the full license requires 150.
• Experience: One year of qualifying work experience (2,000 hours) under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
• Ethics Exam: Pass the Pennsylvania-specific ethics exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,000-$1,200 for all four sections (varies by state, but this is a good estimate).
• Study Materials: A comprehensive review course like Becker or Roger is essential and can cost $1,500-$3,000.
• Application/License Fees: ~$200-$400.
• Timeline: From starting your 150-hour education to passing exams and gaining experience, expect a 3-5 year journey. Many employers in Reading (like Boscov's and local CPA firms) offer tuition reimbursement to help with the cost.

Resource: The Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs (PICPA) and the PA State Board of Accountancy websites are your definitive sources for rules and forms.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Reading depends on your lifestyle and commute. The city is divided into distinct neighborhoods and surrounding townships.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Approx. 1BR Rent	Best For...
West Reading	Walkable, urban revival. Cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. Close to Reading Hospital.	$1,100 - $1,300	Young professionals who want a neighborhood feel and a short commute to the hospital or downtown.
Shillington/Robeson Township	Classic suburban, family-oriented. Safe, quiet, with good school districts.	$1,000 - $1,200	Those seeking a traditional suburban lifestyle with easy highway access (Rt. 222).
Spring Township	Dense suburb, very popular with young families and professionals. Lots of shopping (Wegmans).	$1,050 - $1,250	The quintessential "safe, affordable suburb." Great for commuting to anywhere in the metro.
Muhlenberg Township	Diverse, affordable, with pockets of new development. Borders the city to the north.	$900 - $1,100	Budget-conscious professionals who want proximity to Reading without the city price tag.
Exeter Township	Quiet, residential, with a small-town feel. A bit further out but very affordable.	$850 - $1,050	Those who prioritize space and a quieter lifestyle and don't mind a 15-20 minute commute.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Reading is generally minimal, but the "Berks Exit" on I-78 and the congestion around the Reading Mall area can get busy during rush hour. If you work downtown or at Boscov's HQ, living in West Reading or Muhlenberg offers an easy, under-15-minute commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% 10-year job growth indicates a mature market. Growth comes from replacing retirees and from specialization, not from an explosion of new firms.

• Specialty Premiums: In Reading, you'll earn a premium by mastering a niche. Healthcare accounting (at Reading Hospital) and cost accounting (in manufacturing) are the most in-demand. IT auditing and data analytics skills are also increasingly valuable, even in smaller markets.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is from Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager/Controller. In public accounting, the path is Staff → Senior → Manager → Partner/Principal. For many, the fastest growth comes from moving between employers every 3-5 years for increased responsibility.
• 10-Year Outlook: The field will continue to see automation of routine tasks (data entry, basic bookkeeping). The demand will shift toward accountants who can analyze data, provide strategic insight, and communicate financial concepts to non-finance leadership. Those who get their CPA and specialize will see the most stable growth and highest earning potential, likely exceeding the $98,000 expert range.

The Verdict: Is Reading Right for You?

Pros & Cons of Accounting in Reading, PA

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $85,047 median salary goes much further than in Philly or NYC.	Modest Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in major metros.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by large, long-standing employers (Boscov's, County, Hospital).	Slower Job Growth: The 4% growth means fewer opportunities and more competition for the best roles.
Work-Life Balance: A 9-5 culture is common. Commutes are short.	Limited Big 4 Presence: If your goal is a career at a Big 4 firm, Reading is not the place to start.
Strong Sense of Community: Easy to get involved in professional networks like PICPA.	Proximity to Larger Markets: You're never far from Philadelphia or Harrisburg, which can be both a pro and a con.
Accessible CPA Path: Local employers (public and private) support the journey to licensure.	Urban-Suburban Divide: The city of Reading has challenges, pushing most professionals to live in the suburbs.

Final Recommendation: Reading, PA, is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize affordability, stability, and quality of life over maximizing salary potential. It's ideal for those starting their careers, looking to buy a home, or seeking a healthy work-life balance. It may not be the best fit for the ultra-ambitious who want to break into the world of Wall Street or Big 4 consulting. For a solid middle-class career in accounting, it's one of the most financially sensible places in the Northeast to build your life.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market in Reading?
It's moderately competitive. The 189 jobs in the metro are stable, but openings at top employers like Boscov's or the County are sought-after. Having your CPA and local network through the PICPA chapter significantly improves your chances.

2. Is a car necessary in Reading?
Yes, overwhelmingly so. Public transportation (BARTA) exists but is limited. Most accountants commute from suburbs to workplaces, and a car is essential for grocery shopping and daily life.

3. Can I enter the market without a CPA license?
Absolutely. Many staff and senior accountant roles in industry (at Boscov's, hospitals, manufacturers) do not require a CPA. The license becomes critical for controller roles, public accounting, and higher-level financial management.

4. What's the commute like from surrounding areas?
Very manageable. From Spring Township or Shillington to downtown or Boscov's HQ is typically a 10-20 minute drive. Even from the furthest edges of the metro, commutes rarely exceed 30 minutes without heavy traffic.

5. Are there opportunities for remote or hybrid work?
The trend is growing, especially since 2020. Larger employers like Reading Hospital and some tech-savvy CPA firms offer hybrid models. Fully remote roles are less common in the local market but exist, often with companies based outside the area.