As Central Pennsylvania employers prepare for the second half of 2025, labor market conditions suggest a mix of steady hiring, increased competition for talent, and shifting compensation expectations. This comprehensive guide from Abel Personnel outlines what local businesses need to know when it comes to recruiting in Q3 and Q4—including real-time salary benchmarks in the region’s most active sectors.
Why This Matters Now
As Q3 kicks off, many Central PA businesses are feeling the pressure: how do you meet rising demand without overspending on talent? With wage inflation and fierce competition for skilled workers, a strategic staffing plan is more important than ever. With over 55 years of staffing experience in Harrisburg and surrounding areas, Abel Personnel brings unmatched insight into regional hiring trends and talent availability.
The Big Picture: What to Expect in Q3 and Q4 2025
According to the Q3 2025 ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, 40% of employers globally plan to increase hiring, 42% intend to maintain staffing, and only 16% expect reductions. The Net Employment Outlook of +24% signals strong optimism in many sectors (PR Newswire, June 2025).
Seasonal Hiring Cycles Still Apply
Staffing trends tend to follow seasonal cycles: Q3 often involves planning and strategic hires, while Q4 becomes the busiest time of year for onboarding as companies rush to meet year-end goals. The American Staffing Association notes that staffing volume typically grows in Q2 and Q3 and peaks in Q4 (ASA, June 2025).
Regional Salary Insights: Central PA Compensation Trends by Field
Information Technology (IT)
- Mid-level IT professionals (e.g., systems engineers) in Central PA earn approximately $80,000–$85,000/year, with bonuses around $5,000.
- Entry-level and specialist roles typically start at $60,000–$70,000.
- Reddit forums confirm consistent salary expectations for back-office and infrastructure roles.
Call Center / Customer Service
- Total median pay including bonuses: $42,165/year (Glassdoor)
- Supervisory or manager-level roles can range from $89,000 to $115,000/year
Clerical and Administrative Support
- Administrative Assistants: $55,432/year, top earners up to $68,729 (Salary.com)
- Administrative Specialists: $57,599/year
Accounting and Finance
- Financial Accountant: $70,585/year, range $54,253–$91,833
- Standard Accountant: $64,573/year, range $44,635–$93,417
- Accounting Associate: $50,338/year
- CPA professionals often start at $83,000+, with senior roles earning $100,000+
- Reddit confirms entry-level roles in industry near $50,000–60,000, with rapid growth opportunities
Quick Salary Snapshot (Central PA)
| Role | Average Salary | Range |
| IT Systems Engineer | $80,000–$85,000 | +$5,000 bonus typical |
| Call Center Rep | $38,000–$52,000 | Managers: $89,000–$115,000 |
| Admin Assistant | $55,000 | Up to $68,729 |
| Financial Accountant | $70,585 | $54,253–$91,833 |
| CPA (entry-level to senior) | $83,000–$100,000+ |
Actionable Insights for Employers
1. Benchmark Compensation Competitively
With average regional hourly wages nearing $30/hour, your offers must be aligned with market expectations, especially for skilled roles in finance, healthcare, IT, and customer service.
2. Prepare for Q4 Talent Shortages
Start sourcing early for year-end projects and seasonal peaks. Q4 hiring often surges across all industries.
3. Invest in Temporary Staffing
Temporary staffing can provide workforce agility and cost savings while meeting project deadlines.
4. Address Equity in Pay
Use structured salary bands to address gender and experience-based pay gaps, particularly in professional and administrative fields.
5. Broaden Total Compensation Packages
Job seekers evaluate more than just salary. Benefits like healthcare, hybrid work, bonuses, and training opportunities are increasingly valued.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What industries are seeing the most hiring in Central PA for late 2025?
A: IT, accounting, healthcare, administrative support, and call center/customer service roles are all in high demand.
Q: How can I stay competitive without inflating wages too much?
A: Consider total compensation—include training, flexible scheduling, performance bonuses, and career advancement opportunities.
Q: What if I need to staff quickly for a year-end surge?
A: Use temporary and contract staffing to stay agile. Abel Personnel offers pre-vetted candidates ready to start quickly.
Conclusion: Your Staffing Partner for the Second Half of 2025
Abel Personnel is ready to help you navigate Q3 and Q4 hiring challenges with tailored staffing strategies, competitive compensation benchmarking, and access to the region’s top talent. Whether you’re expanding your IT team, filling administrative gaps, or launching seasonal customer service projects, our recruiters are here to support your success.
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Marion Adams, Director at Abel Personnel since 2013, is a master talent matchmaker known for finding “Purple Squirrel” candidates across PA, MD, and VA. She leads a dynamic team, blending tech-savvy recruiting with a personal touch to create perfect placements.