Accountant Hourly Pay in Bethlehem, PA: $39.64 (2026)

Part-time accountants in Bethlehem working a 24-hour week can expect to see their annual take-home significantly different from full-time counterparts. For instance, while an accountant logging full-time hours may earn a stable salary, the flexibility of part-time work often comes with trade-offs, particularly in benefits. Per-diem or contract accountants tend to have higher hourly billing rates, often charging anywhere from $50 to $95 per hour, and seasoned professionals with Big 4 backgrounds can secure even higher rates from $80 to $130 during busy seasons. In specialized fields such as forensic accounting, some experts can command fees of $300 to $600 per hour in litigation contexts. Notably, hourly rates can vary greatly depending on the type of employer; while Big 4 firms generally provide higher pay, regional CPA firms and corporate finance departments might offer lower hourly rates but compensate with health insurance and benefits. Accountants looking to maximize their hourly earnings should be prepared to negotiate effectively, emphasizing their relevant skills and experience while weighing the importance of benefits against higher pay rates that may come without them.