The median accountant salary in the United States was $83,680 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% of accountants and auditors earned less than $56,020, while the top 10% earned more than $144,090. Credentials, specialty and the type of employer explain most of that difference.
Accountant salary at a glance
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Median annual pay | $83,680 |
| Median hourly pay | $40.23 |
| Lowest 10% | under $56,020 |
| Highest 10% | over $144,090 |
| Jobs in the U.S. (2025) | 1,595,200 |
| Projected growth 2025–35 | 5% (faster than average) |
Source: BLS, accountants and auditors.
Accounting is a huge profession, with well over 1.5 million jobs in the U.S. alone, so there are openings in every region and industry.
What affects an accountant’s pay
1. The CPA licence
In the U.S., becoming a Certified Public Accountant is the single biggest pay lever for many accountants. It’s required to sign audit opinions and is preferred for senior roles. Requirements vary by state but include education, the CPA exam and experience. Outside the U.S., equivalent qualifications include the ACCA, ICAEW (ACA), CIMA and CPA Canada/Australia.
2. Type of accounting
| Path | What it involves | Pay pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Public accounting (audit, tax) | Serving clients at accounting firms, including the Big Four | Structured ladder; strong pay from manager level |
| Corporate accounting | Accounts, reporting and controls inside a company | Steady pay, better hours; controller and CFO roles at the top |
| Management accounting / FP&A | Budgets, costing, forecasting | Often pays above general accounting |
| Forensic accounting | Investigating fraud and disputes | Specialist premium |
| Government accounting | Public sector finance and audit | Lower pay, strong benefits |
3. Seniority
Staff accountant → senior accountant → accounting manager → controller → CFO. Financial managers, which includes controllers, earned a median of $166,570 in May 2025, roughly double the accountant median.
4. Location and industry
Large cities and industries such as finance, technology and energy pay more. Remote work has narrowed some regional gaps.
Starting salaries
New graduates usually start below the median. Big Four and large-firm graduate programmes often pay a little more than small firms, and many sponsor professional exams. Expect meaningful raises after passing the CPA (or equivalent) and again when promoted to senior and manager.
How to increase your accountant salary
- Qualify (CPA, ACCA, ACA or CIMA) as early as you can.
- Specialise in tax, technical accounting, forensic work or systems.
- Learn data and automation tools: Excel at an advanced level, ERP systems, Power BI, and AI tools used in audit and reporting.
- Move into FP&A or financial management, where pay rises faster.
- Get management experience leading a small team or a month-end close.
Accountant vs auditor pay
BLS groups them together. Auditors in public accounting often start at similar pay to corporate accountants, but the audit route offers quick exposure to many businesses, which helps later moves into senior corporate roles.
For related paths see our financial analyst salary guide and financial analyst career guide.
FAQ
Do accountants make good money?
Yes. The median is far above the national median for all workers ($50,980), and qualified accountants in management roles earn much more.
How much more do CPAs earn?
It varies by employer and region, but holding the CPA usually brings higher starting offers and is required for many senior and partner-track roles.
Is accounting being replaced by AI?
AI is automating routine bookkeeping and parts of audit testing, but demand for qualified accountants who can interpret results, advise and handle complex judgement remains strong. BLS still projects 5% growth to 2035.
*Figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025.*
