Accountant Salary in USA 2025
CPA vs non-CPA, experience levels, and state comparison
Average Annual Salary (All Accountants)
How Much Do Accountants Earn in 2025?
Accountants are financial professionals who prepare, analyze, and verify financial records, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide financial guidance to organizations and individuals. It's a profession with clear career paths, strong demand, and compensation that rewards credentials and experience.
National data for 2024–2025 shows varied averages depending on source and methodology: some cite overall accountant pay around $60,000–$76,000 per year, while industry-specific surveys report averages closer to $77,000–$85,000. The variation reflects differences in experience levels, credentials, industries, and geographic locations included in different surveys.
The biggest differentiator in accounting compensation is the CPA credential. Certified Public Accountants earn approximately 20% more than non-CPAs—with CPAs averaging $93,000–$101,000 compared to non-CPAs around $79,000–$81,000. Senior roles like Controller and CFO push into jobs that pay $100K+ territory. For broader context, see the average salary in the US.
National Average Salary: Base Pay Ranges
Accountant compensation varies significantly by experience level:
| Experience Level | Approximate Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0–2 years) | $57,000–$66,000 |
| Early career (1–4 years) | $64,000–$70,000 |
| Mid-career (5–9 years) | $75,000–$85,000 |
| Experienced (10–19 years) | $90,000–$110,000 |
| Late career (20+ years) | $100,000–$128,000+ |
| Average across all levels | $75,000–$85,000 |
These figures represent base salary for general accounting roles. Specialized positions (tax, audit, forensic) and management roles typically pay more at each experience level. For context, the average US salary is approximately $60,000–$65,000—making accounting a solidly above-average profession.
CPA Salary vs. Non-CPA Accountant Pay
The CPA credential is the single most impactful factor in accounting compensation. CPAs can perform services non-CPAs cannot (audit opinions, certain tax representations), making them more valuable to employers and clients.
| Credential Level | Average Salary | 5-Year Experience | 10+ Year Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's in Accounting (no CPA) | ~$79,000 | $60,000–$75,000 | $85,000–$120,000 |
| Master's in Accounting (no CPA) | ~$81,000 | $65,000–$80,000 | $90,000–$130,000 |
| CPA Certification | $93,000–$101,000 | $75,000–$95,000 | $110,000–$180,000+ |
The CPA Premium
On average, CPAs earn approximately 15–20% more than non-CPA accountants at comparable experience levels. Over a career, this compounds significantly:
Entry-level: CPA might start at $65,000 vs. $58,000 for non-CPA (~12% premium)
Mid-career: CPA might earn $95,000 vs. $78,000 for non-CPA (~22% premium)
Senior level: CPA might earn $150,000+ vs. $110,000 for non-CPA (~36% premium)
Why CPAs Earn More
CPAs have exclusive authority to: sign audit opinions, represent clients before the IRS in certain matters, and provide attestation services. This regulatory moat creates demand and justifies premium compensation. Additionally, many senior positions (partner, controller, CFO) require or strongly prefer CPA certification.
Accountant Salary by Experience Level
Accounting offers predictable salary progression tied to experience and advancement.
Entry-Level / Staff Accountant (0–2 Years)
Fresh accounting graduates typically start at $57,000–$66,000. Big Four firms and major corporations often pay toward the higher end, while small firms and rural areas pay less. Entry-level work involves transaction processing, reconciliations, and supporting senior staff.
Early Career (1–4 Years)
After initial experience, accountants commonly earn $64,000–$70,000. This stage involves increasing independence, taking ownership of accounts or clients, and potentially beginning CPA exam preparation.
Mid-Career / Senior Accountant (5–9 Years)
Mid-career accountants reach $75,000–$85,000, with CPAs and specialized roles exceeding this range. Senior accountants review junior staff work, handle complex accounts, and often supervise small teams.
Experienced / Manager Level (10+ Years)
Experienced accountants and accounting managers commonly earn $90,000–$128,000+. At this level, responsibilities include managing departments, overseeing audits or tax engagements, client relationship management, and business development.
Executive Level
Controllers, Directors of Accounting, and CFOs earn $120,000–$250,000+, with CFOs at large companies exceeding these ranges significantly. Executive roles require both technical expertise and business leadership skills.
Accountant Salary by State and Metro Area
Geographic location significantly impacts accountant compensation.
Highest-Paying States for Accountants/CPAs
Washington: ~$104,000 average (Seattle metro drives high pay)
District of Columbia: ~$104,000 average (federal agencies, lobbying firms)
New York: ~$100,000 average (Wall Street, corporate headquarters)
Massachusetts: ~$100,000 average (Boston financial sector)
California: ~$97,000 average (tech companies, Bay Area premium)
Alaska: ~$99,000 average (location premium)
Lower-Paying States
Southern and rural states typically pay less, with averages around $60,000–$70,000 for general accountants. However, cost of living is correspondingly lower, potentially offering similar or better purchasing power.
Metro Area Impact
Within any state, major metropolitan areas pay 10–30% above state averages. New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston offer the highest metro premiums—but also the highest costs of living.
Accountant Salary by Role and Specialization
Career path and specialization significantly impact compensation:
| Role / Specialization | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Staff Accountant | $57,000–$68,000 |
| Senior Accountant | $75,000–$95,000 |
| Accounting Manager | $85,000–$105,000 |
| Tax Accountant | $65,000–$95,000 |
| Tax Manager | $100,000–$130,000 |
| Audit Manager | $95,000–$125,000 |
| Forensic Accountant | $85,000–$130,000 |
| Financial Controller | $110,000–$160,000 |
| Director of Accounting | $130,000–$175,000 |
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | $165,000–$300,000+ |
High-Demand Specializations
Forensic Accounting: Investigating fraud and financial crimes. Requires analytical skills and attention to detail. Growing demand from legal firms, government, and corporations.
Tax Specialization: Complex tax code creates ongoing demand. International tax expertise commands premium pay.
Technical Accounting: GAAP/IFRS expertise, revenue recognition, lease accounting. Critical for public companies.
What Accountants Do: Role and Work Environment
Understanding the work helps contextualize compensation and career fit.
Core Responsibilities
Accountants: prepare and examine financial statements, ensure compliance with tax laws and financial regulations, manage budgets and financial planning, conduct internal and external audits, analyze financial data for decision-making, and provide financial advice to management or clients.
Work Settings
Public accounting firms: Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), regional firms, local practices. Work involves multiple clients, often audit and tax focus.
Corporate accounting: Internal finance departments at companies of all sizes. Focus on internal reporting, budgeting, and compliance.
Government: Federal, state, and local agencies. Often focused on compliance, auditing, or budgetary work.
Nonprofit: Mission-driven organizations with specific compliance requirements.
Self-employment: CPA firms, tax practices, consulting.
Work Style
Accounting work is often deadline-driven: tax season (January–April), quarter-end, year-end closes. Busy seasons require longer hours. The work demands strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and increasingly, technology proficiency.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Accounting offers stable demand with opportunities for advancement.
Employment Projections
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 4–6% growth for accountants and auditors over the decade—about as fast as average for all occupations. This translates to thousands of new positions annually, plus significant replacement demand from retirements.
Demand Drivers
Regulatory complexity: Increasing compliance requirements create demand for expertise.
Business growth: New and expanding businesses need accounting services.
Financial transparency: Stakeholder demand for clear financial reporting continues growing.
Retirement wave: Baby boomer accountants retiring creates openings.
Strongest Outlook Areas
CPAs, forensic accountants, tax specialists, and those with technology/data analytics skills have the strongest job prospects. Government and healthcare accounting also show above-average growth.
How to Increase Your Accountant Salary
Several strategies can significantly boost accounting compensation.
Earn CPA Certification
The CPA credential adds approximately 15–20% to salary on average—the single highest-ROI investment in an accounting career. Requirements include 150 credit hours of education, passing the four-part CPA exam, and meeting experience requirements.
Specialize
High-demand specializations command premium pay: tax (especially international), forensic accounting, technical accounting (revenue recognition, lease accounting), and M&A due diligence. Build expertise through work experience and continuing education.
Advance to Management
Progress through the hierarchy: Staff → Senior → Manager → Director → Controller → CFO. Each step brings significant salary increases. Management skills (leadership, communication, business acumen) become as important as technical skills.
Relocate Strategically
Moving to high-pay states (Washington, DC, New York, Massachusetts) or major financial centers can increase compensation 20–40%. Weigh against cost of living.
Pursue Advanced Education
Master's degrees (MAcc, MBA) can open doors to management roles and increase earning potential, though the ROI is less clear-cut than CPA certification.
Develop Technology Skills
Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite), data analytics tools, and automation increases marketability. Accountants who can bridge finance and technology are increasingly valuable.
Negotiate Effectively
Know your market value and negotiate accordingly—especially when changing jobs or accepting promotions. See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average accountant salary in 2025?
The average accountant salary in 2025 is approximately $75,000–$85,000, with significant variation by experience, credentials, and location. Entry-level accountants earn $57,000–$66,000, while experienced CPAs often exceed $100,000.
How much more do CPAs make than non-CPAs?
CPAs earn approximately 15–20% more than non-CPA accountants at comparable experience levels. Average CPA salary is $93,000–$101,000, compared to ~$79,000–$81,000 for non-CPAs. The premium increases with seniority—senior CPAs may earn 30–40% more than non-CPA counterparts.
What is the entry-level accountant salary?
Entry-level accountants (0–2 years experience) typically earn $57,000–$66,000 per year. Big Four firms and major corporations pay toward the higher end, while smaller firms and rural areas pay less. Entry-level CPAs start slightly higher.
Which states pay accountants the most?
Highest-paying states for accountants include: Washington and DC (~$104,000 average), New York (~$100,000), Massachusetts (~$100,000), Alaska (~$99,000), and California (~$97,000). Major metropolitan areas within any state typically pay above state averages.
How can I increase my accountant salary?
Top strategies: earn CPA certification (15–20% premium), specialize in high-demand areas (tax, forensic, technical accounting), advance to management roles, relocate to high-pay markets, develop technology skills, and negotiate effectively when changing jobs or accepting promotions.