Accountant Salary
Average $81,680/year (Business) · $39.27/hour at 40 hrs/week
On an $81,680 accountant salary, expect about $14,100 in total federal deductions (income tax, Social Security, and Medicare), leaving roughly $67,600 before state taxes. Accountant wages range from about $53,000 at entry level to over $105,000 in top-paying states like New York and New Jersey.
A bachelor's degree in accounting is the standard entry requirement, with CPA certification requiring 150 credit hours. CPAs consistently outearn non-certified accountants by 10-15% or more. Tax estimates, top-paying states, and certification details follow below.
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Estimates only. Not tax or legal advice. Consult a tax professional for accuracy.
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Accountant Salary Range
The CPA designation is the single biggest factor in accountant compensation. CPAs consistently outearn non-certified accountants by 10-15% or more. At the Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), starting salaries tend to be higher than at regional firms, though the gap narrows at senior levels.
Industry sector also matters. Accountants in finance, insurance, or professional services earn above-average salaries. Forensic accounting, tax advisory, and management consulting are premium specializations, especially during busy season.
Major financial centers like New York, New Jersey, and California offer the highest pay, but accountants in mid-size cities often enjoy strong compensation relative to cost of living. Remote and hybrid work have expanded access to higher-paying positions regardless of location.
| Level | Annual Salary | Hourly | Net (federal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | $52,780 | $25.38/hr | $44,588.73 |
| Median | $81,680 | $39.27/hr | $66,291.88 |
| Senior | $141,420 | $67.99/hr | $107,926.57 |
The progression from entry-level ($53,000) to senior ($141,000) follows a clear ladder. Staff accountants advance to senior accountant within 2-3 years, then to manager within 5-7 years, with each promotion bringing a 15-25% raise. The partner track at public accounting firms can reach $200,000-$500,000+.
In private industry, the trajectory leads from staff accountant to accounting manager to controller to CFO. Controllers at mid-size companies typically earn $120,000-$180,000, while CFOs earn $200,000-$400,000+ depending on company size.
Accounting is one of the most stable career choices in business. With 124,200 annual openings, qualified accountants rarely face prolonged job searches. Earning a CPA is the single most impactful step for accelerating salary growth.
Top-Paying States for Accountants
| State | Avg Salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $105,650 | $50.79/hr |
| New Jersey | $100,480 | $48.31/hr |
| California | $98,590 | $47.40/hr |
Education & Requirements
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. CPA certification requires 150 semester hours of education (more than a typical bachelor's).
- Bachelor's degree in accounting
- CPA license (preferred)
- 150 credit hours for CPA eligibility
- Strong analytical and math skills
Job Outlook
Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records, ensure accuracy, and verify that taxes are paid properly. They work in public accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, and as independent practitioners.
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Accountant Salary FAQ
Common questions about earning a accountant salary
What is the average accountant salary?
The average accountant salary is $81,680 per year, or about $39.27 per hour. CPAs and those in senior roles at large firms earn more, with top earners exceeding $141,000.
How much do entry-level accountants make?
Entry-level accountants typically earn around $53,000 per year ($25.38/hour). Earning a CPA designation and gaining experience at a Big Four firm can accelerate salary growth substantially.
Which states pay accountants the most?
New York leads at $105,650, followed by New Jersey ($100,480) and California ($98,590). Major financial centers offer the highest accounting salaries.
Is accounting a good career financially?
Steady demand (5% growth, 124,200 annual openings) and a clear ladder from staff accountant to partner or CFO. Getting the CPA is the single best move for salary growth in this field.