The Accountant's Guide to Scranton, PA: A Data-Driven Career Analysis

So, you're an accountant looking at Scranton. Maybe you're a Scranton native, a recent grad from Marywood or UC, or maybe you're just looking for a place with a lower cost of living and a solid job market. You've come to the right place. I'm going to break down what it actually means to build an accounting career here, in the Electric City, with no fluff, just the numbers and the local intel you need.

Scranton isn't a financial hub like New York or Philadelphia. It's a regional center with a gritty, resilient economy. For an accountant, that means opportunity is present, but you have to know where to look. The numbers tell a story: a median salary that seems to stretch pretty far here, a stable but not booming job market, and a cost of living that can make a single income surprisingly comfortable. Let's get into the details.

The Salary Picture: Where Scranton Stands

First, the foundational data. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre-Hazleton metropolitan area (which is our relevant market), the numbers for accountants and auditors are as follows:

• Median Salary: $84,272/year
• Hourly Rate: $40.52/hour
• National Average: $86,080/year
• Jobs in Metro: 151
• 10-Year Job Growth: 4%

Let's put this in perspective. The Scranton median salary is slightly below the national average, but it's not a massive gap. The real story is the cost of living, which we'll get to. The job count for the entire metro area is 151 for accountants and auditors. This is not a massive pool, which means competition can be a bit more localized, but also that professional networks are tighter. The 10-year growth projection is modest, at 4%, which reflects the stable, not explosive, nature of the local economy. You're not going to see the frenetic hiring sprees of a tech boom, but you're also insulated from the drastic layoffs of a volatile market.

To give you a clearer picture of how experience translates to compensation in this market, here's a breakdown. These are estimates based on local job postings, recruiter data, and BLS percentiles, tailored to the Scranton context.

Experience Level	Typical Title Range	Estimated Annual Salary (Scranton)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic journal entries, assisting with month-end close.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	Accountant, Senior Accountant, Tax Associate	$68,000 - $85,000	Managing full-cycle accounting, preparing financial statements, tax preparation, some client management for public accounting.
Senior (8-15 years)	Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager, Controller (small firm)	$85,000 - $110,000+	Supervising teams, complex financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting, and forecasting.
Expert (15+ years)	Controller, CFO (mid-size), Partner (public accounting)	$110,000 - $150,000+	Strategic financial planning, executive leadership, investor relations, high-level tax strategy.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior is the most critical. In Scranton, senior accountants with CPA licensure and niche skills (like nonprofit or manufacturing accounting) hit the top of that mid-level range and can command over $90k, especially with established local firms.

How does Scranton stack up against other PA cities?
It's a tale of three tiers. At the top, you have the big metros: Philadelphia's median is closer to $95k, and Pittsburgh's is around $92k. Their cost of living, especially housing, is a different universe. In the middle, you have cities like Allentown, Harrisburg, and Lancaster, where salaries are comparable to Scranton ($80k - $88k), but the job market is slightly more diverse. At the bottom, smaller rural markets offer significantly lower salaries. Scranton sits comfortably in that middle-to-upper tier for a city of its size, offering a strong value proposition when paired with its low cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your paycheck. The median salary of $84,272 is a gross figure. In Pennsylvania, you're looking at a state income tax of 3.07%. Federal taxes and FICA will take another chunk. For a single filer taking the standard deduction, your estimated monthly take-home after taxes is approximately $5,100 - $5,300 (this can vary based on 401k contributions, health insurance, etc.).

Now, the big local advantage: housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Scranton is $854/month. Let's build a realistic monthly budget for our median-earning accountant.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,200	After taxes, based on $84,272 salary.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$854	City-wide average.
Utilities	$150	(Electric, Gas, Internet) – varies by season.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest car payment and PA insurance rates.
Groceries	$400	For one person, shopping at Wegmans, Weis, or local markets.
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-subsidized premium for single coverage.
401(k) Contribution	$600	~10% of gross, a smart move for long-term growth.
Miscellaneous/Discretionary	$1,446	Dining out, entertainment, hobbies, savings, etc.
Total Expenses	$4,200
Remaining/Savings Buffer	$1,000	This is a robust buffer for additional savings, travel, or debt.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and this is where Scranton becomes very attractive. With a median income and the current housing market, a single accountant is in a strong position to buy. Let's say you save a $25,000 down payment (achievable in a couple of years with the budget above). A $200,000 home with a 30-year mortgage at ~6.5% interest (current rates) would have a monthly payment (PITI) of around $1,600 - $1,700. That's less than twice your average rent. While prices have risen, the market is still far more accessible than in major metros. Many accountants in the area live in South Scranton, Green Ridge, or neighboring suburbs like Clarks Summit and own their homes.

Where the Jobs Are: Scranton's Major Employers

The job market for accountants here is anchored by several key sectors: healthcare, higher education, and a mix of local manufacturing and mid-market businesses. You won't find the Big 4 firm headquarters, but you will find robust regional offices and a strong demand for in-house accounting talent.

1. Geisinger Health System: A major regional employer with a huge footprint in Scranton (Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Community Medical Center, various clinics). They have a large, centralized finance department. Hiring trends are steady, with a focus on roles in revenue cycle, compliance, and financial analysis.
2. The University of Scranton & Marywood University: Both institutions have sizable finance and accounting offices. They offer stable, union-supported positions with excellent benefits. These roles often focus on grants accounting, student accounts, and departmental budgeting.
3. Penn State Health / St. Luke's University Health Network: With the recent expansion of St. Luke's into the Scranton area (including the new Hospital in Moosic), they are actively building their local finance teams. This represents a growing source of jobs for healthcare accounting specialists.
4. Local Public Accounting Firms: The Scranton market is served by several well-regarded regional firms. The largest is Reilly, Reilly & Scull and Lackawanna County-based firms like Carluccio, Leone, Dimon, Porcelli & Co., LLC. These firms handle a mix of local businesses, nonprofits, and individual tax clients. They are the primary path to CPA licensure and offer a clear, if traditional, career trajectory.
5. Manufacturing & Distribution: Scranton's industrial base, though smaller than in the past, still provides opportunities. Companies like Pactiv Evergreen (packaging) and a host of smaller manufacturers and distributors in the Pittston area (just south of Scranton) need accountants who understand cost accounting and inventory management.
6. Government & Nonprofits: As the county seat, Lackawanna County and the City of Scranton themselves are employers. The United Way of Lackawanna & Wayne Counties and other local nonprofits also require accounting staff, often with a mission-driven focus.

Insider Tip: The most effective way to find jobs here is through LinkedIn, but don't underestimate local networks. The Scranton Chamber of Commerce and professional associations like the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs (PICPA) Northeast Chapter host networking events that are well-attended. A face-to-face introduction can go a long way.

Getting Licensed in PA

For most professional accounting tracks, especially in public accounting, the CPA license is the gold standard. The process in Pennsylvania is straightforward but requires diligence.

Requirements:

1. Education: You need 150 semester hours of college credit. This typically means a bachelor's degree (120 hours) plus 30 additional hours. Many local accountants get their extra credits at the University of Scranton's graduate school or through online programs.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can sit for the exam in PA (testing centers in Wilkes-Barre or Scranton area) after completing your education requirements.
3. Experience: You need one year (1,600 hours) of qualifying experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This is typically gained in public accounting, but experience in government, industry, or academia can qualify if properly documented.
4. Ethics: Pass the Pennsylvania-specific ethics exam.

Timeline & Costs:

• Timeline: From starting your 150-hour plan to full licensure, expect a 2-4 year journey. A common path: graduate with a bachelor's (4 years), start working while completing a master's or extra courses (1-2 years), pass the exam (1 year), and accrue experience.
• Costs: Exam fees are approximately $1,000 - $1,200 total for all four sections. Study materials (Becker, Roger, etc.) can cost $1,500 - $3,000. Application and licensing fees to the state are a few hundred dollars. Many local firms offer tuition reimbursement or bonus structures to help cover these costs.

Insider Tip: The PICPA offers excellent exam prep resources and local study groups. Connect with them early if you're serious about licensure.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Scranton can drastically affect your commute and lifestyle. The city is very walkable in some areas, and the bus system is decent, but most people rely on a car.

1. Green Ridge: The quintessential Scranton neighborhood. Tree-lined streets, a mix of historic homes and apartments, and a strong sense of community. Commute to downtown or the South Side business district is 5-10 minutes. It's popular with young professionals and families. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
2. South Scranton: More affordable and diverse, with a mix of residential and light industrial areas. Close to the Scranton Enterprise Center and major roads (I-81, Route 6). Gentrification is happening slowly, but it's a practical choice for cost-conscious professionals. Rent Estimate: $750 - $950 for a 1BR.
3. Downtown Scranton: The place to be if you want a walkable, urban vibe. You're steps from restaurants, bars, and cultural venues like The Lackawanna County Historical Society and the Scranton Cultural Center. The downside: parking can be a challenge, and apartment options are more limited. Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,400 for a 1BR (often historic lofts or converted buildings).
4. The Hill: A steep, residential neighborhood just north of the University of Scranton. It's quiet, with stunning views of the city. It's a favorite for graduate students and university staff. Commute is easy, but the hills can be a challenge in winter snow. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
5. Clarks Summit (Borough): Technically outside Scranton city limits, this is a popular suburb for professionals seeking more space and top-rated Abington Heights school district. It has its own small downtown with shops and restaurants. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500 for a 1BR or small house.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Scranton, career advancement is often about specialization and building deep local expertise.

• Specialty Premiums: Certain niches command higher salaries. Manufacturing/Cost Accountants are in demand due to the local industrial base. Nonprofit Accountants are essential for the many community organizations. Healthcare Revenue Cycle Specialists at Geisinger or St. Luke's can earn a premium due to the complexity of medical billing and compliance.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is in public accounting: Staff -> Senior -> Manager -> Partner/Controller. In industry, you can move from Staff Accountant -> Senior -> Accounting Manager -> Controller/Finance Director. For those who stay in Scranton, the ceiling is often a Controller or CFO role at a local mid-market company or nonprofit. Many ambitious accountants use Scranton as a 5-10 year launchpad to build experience before moving to a larger, higher-cost market.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% growth projection, Scranton's accounting job market will grow slowly but steadily. The demand will be for accountants who are tech-savvy (proficient in ERP systems like NetSuite or QuickBooks Online), can analyze data for strategic insights, and understand the regulatory landscape. The aging workforce in senior roles will also create openings for mid-career professionals to step up.

The Verdict: Is Scranton Right for You?

The decision to move to Scranton for an accounting career is a value-based one. It's about trading the high salaries and cutthroat competition of a major metro for a lower cost of living, a more relaxed pace of life, and a tight-knit professional community.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: The $84,272 median goes much further here. You can save aggressively or afford a home on a single income.	Limited Job Market: Only 151 accountant jobs in the metro. You won't have the same volume of opportunities as in a larger city.
Manageable, Commutable City: No brutal 90-minute commutes. You can live in a neighborhood and be at work in 10-15 minutes.	Lower Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in major metros. You may need to leave to reach the highest earning potential.
Tight-Knit Professional Network: It's easier to build relationships with local business owners, nonprofit leaders, and fellow accountants.	Slower Pace & Fewer "Big Deals": If you thrive on the energy of major corporate headquarters or Wall Street-style finance, Scranton will feel quiet.
Gateway to the Outdoors: The Poconos, Lackawanna State Park, and the Delaware Water Gap are minutes away for hiking, skiing, and camping.	Limited International Exposure: Most local firms and businesses are regional. If you're aiming for a career in global finance, this isn't the place.

Final Recommendation: Scranton is an outstanding choice for accountants who prioritize quality of life, financial stability, and community. It's ideal for:

• Recent graduates looking to get their CPA experience without being drowned in high rent.
• Mid-career professionals seeking a less stressful environment and a chance to buy a home.
• Accountants with families who value good schools and a safe, family-friendly environment.

If your primary goal is to maximize your earning potential at all costs and you crave the energy of a global financial center, Scranton may not be the right fit. But for a balanced, data-driven career where your salary affords you a comfortable and fulfilling life, Scranton presents a compelling and often overlooked opportunity.

FAQs

Q: I don't have my CPA yet. Can I still find a good accounting job in Scranton?
A: Yes, absolutely. While the CPA is preferred for senior and public accounting roles, there are plenty of opportunities in industry, government, and non-profits for accountants with a bachelor's degree (or even an associate's for bookkeeping roles). Many companies hire staff accountants with the expectation that you will pursue your CPA over time, often with financial support.

Q: How difficult is it to commute in Scranton's winters?
A: Scranton gets a fair amount of snow, and the road network includes a lot of hills. However, the city is generally well-prepared for plowing.