Accounting Assistant Salary in USA 2025
Entry-level accounting career path to CPA
Accounting Assistant Average Salary
How Much Do Accounting Assistants Earn in 2025?
Accounting assistants are entry-level accounting professionals who support accounting departments by maintaining financial records, processing transactions, reconciling accounts, and assisting with bookkeeping tasks.
2025 accounting assistant salaries show accessible entry-level compensation: average $40,000–$50,000 annually, with entry-level starting at $35,000–$42,000 and experienced assistants earning $48,000–$58,000.
The career progression potential is excellent—accounting assistants can advance to bookkeeper, staff accountant, and eventually CPA positions earning $60,000–$100,000+. This position offers hands-on experience with accounting software, financial processes, and professional skills that support upward mobility in finance careers. For related roles, see our accountant salary guide and CPA salary guide. For context, see the average salary in the US.
Accounting Assistant Salary by Experience
Experience drives salary progression:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0–2 years) | $35,000–$42,000 | $17–$20/hour |
| Junior (2–3 years) | $42,000–$48,000 | $20–$23/hour |
| Experienced (3–5 years) | $48,000–$58,000 | $23–$28/hour |
| Senior (5+ years) | $52,000–$62,000 | $25–$30/hour |
Entry-Level Accounting Assistant (0–2 Years)
Salary range: $35,000–$42,000 annually
Focus: Learning accounting basics, data entry, invoice processing, filing.
Junior Accounting Assistant (2–3 Years)
Salary range: $42,000–$48,000 annually
Focus: Independent transaction processing, basic reconciliations, accounts payable/receivable.
Experienced Accounting Assistant (3–5 Years)
Salary range: $48,000–$58,000 annually
Focus: Complex reconciliations, month-end close support, training junior staff.
Senior Accounting Assistant (5+ Years)
Salary range: $52,000–$62,000 annually
Focus: Senior-level accounting support, supervisor role, project coordination.
Accounting Assistant Salary by Role Type
Entry-level accounting positions vary in focus and compensation:
| Role Type | Salary Range | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting Assistant/Clerk | $40K–$50K | General support, data entry |
| Accounts Payable Clerk | $38K–$48K | Vendor invoices, payments |
| Accounts Receivable Clerk | $38K–$48K | Customer billing, collections |
| Bookkeeper | $42K–$55K | Full-cycle bookkeeping |
| Payroll Clerk | $40K–$52K | Payroll processing, taxes |
| Staff Accountant (entry) | $50K–$65K | GL, statements, audits |
| Auditing Clerk | $45K–$58K | Verification, compliance |
Accounting Assistant / Accounting Clerk
Salary: $40,000–$50,000
Focus: General accounting support, data entry, filing, basic bookkeeping. Broadest entry-level accounting position.
Accounts Payable Clerk
Salary: $38,000–$48,000
Focus: Processing vendor invoices, payment runs, expense reports, vendor relations. High transaction volume, accuracy critical.
Accounts Receivable Clerk
Salary: $38,000–$48,000
Focus: Customer invoicing, payment processing, collections, cash application. Requires customer service skills.
Bookkeeper
Salary: $42,000–$55,000
Focus: Full-cycle bookkeeping, journal entries, bank reconciliations, financial reports. More independent than assistant roles.
Staff Accountant (Entry-Level)
Salary: $50,000–$65,000
Focus: General ledger, reconciliations, financial statements, audit support. Typically requires bachelor's degree in accounting.
Career Progression from Accounting Assistant
Clear advancement pathways from accounting assistant:
| Career Stage | Position | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Accounting Assistant | $40K–$50K |
| Junior | Senior Assistant/Bookkeeper | $48K–$58K |
| Professional | Staff Accountant | $50K–$65K |
| Certified | CPA (entry) | $70K–$85K |
| Senior | Senior Accountant/Manager | $80K–$110K |
| Executive | Controller/CFO | $100K–$300K+ |
Immediate Advancement (1–3 years)
Senior Accounting Assistant: $48,000–$58,000 (+$8K–$13K)
Bookkeeper: $42,000–$55,000
Staff Accountant (with degree): $50,000–$65,000
Mid-Term Progression (3–6 years)
Senior Bookkeeper: $52,000–$68,000
Accounting Manager: $60,000–$85,000
Accountant (CPA track): $60,000–$75,000
Long-Term Career Paths (5–10+ years)
CPA (Certified Public Accountant): $70,000–$120,000+
Controller: $80,000–$130,000
CFO (ultimate goal): $120,000–$300,000+
Education Path to CPA
1. Start as Accounting Assistant (no degree required)
2. Earn associate's degree while working (community college, part-time)
3. Promote to Staff Accountant (bachelor's degree in progress)
4. Complete bachelor's in accounting (150 credit hours for CPA)
5. Pass CPA exam (four parts, rigorous)
6. Gain required experience (1–2 years under CPA supervision)
7. Become CPA with significant salary increase
What Accounting Assistants Do: Role and Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Data entry of financial transactions, processing invoices and payments, maintaining vendor/customer files, reconciling bank statements, preparing reports, filing documentation, and assisting with month-end close.
Software and Tools
QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Microsoft Excel, ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), and accounts payable/receivable systems.
Skills Required
Attention to detail, basic accounting knowledge, organizational skills, communication, confidentiality, and proficiency with spreadsheets.
Work Environment
Corporate accounting departments, small businesses, accounting firms, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Job Outlook and Opportunities
Solid Outlook
Accounting support roles remain stable despite automation, as human oversight is still required. Entry-level accessibility makes these roles attainable starting points.
Automation Impact
Routine tasks are being automated, but complex reconciliations and judgment still need humans.
Career Strategy
Use accounting assistant as stepping stone to professional accounting, not long-term endpoint. Many employers offer tuition assistance for employees pursuing accounting degrees.
How to Increase Your Accounting Assistant Salary
Gain Experience
Senior assistants earn $52K–$62K versus entry $35K–$42K (+50%).
Learn Accounting Software
QuickBooks, Xero, SAP proficiency increases value.
Earn Certifications
Certified Bookkeeper adds $5K–$10K to salary.
Pursue Bachelor's Degree
Opens staff accountant roles at $50K–$65K.
Target CPA Path
CPAs earn $70K–$120K+, double accounting assistant compensation.
Specialize in Area
Payroll, AP/AR specialization can increase compensation.
Work in High-Paying Industries
Finance, tech, and healthcare pay more than retail/hospitality.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average accounting assistant salary in 2025?
Accounting assistants earn $40,000–$50,000 on average. Entry-level earns $35,000–$42,000, experienced assistants $48,000–$58,000, and senior assistants $52,000–$62,000.
Do you need a degree to be an accounting assistant?
No degree is required for entry-level accounting assistant positions. High school diploma with basic accounting knowledge is typically sufficient. However, a degree opens advancement to staff accountant ($50K–$65K) and CPA ($70K–$120K+) positions.
What's the difference between an accounting assistant and bookkeeper?
Accounting assistants ($40K–$50K) provide general support with data entry, filing, and basic tasks. Bookkeepers ($42K–$55K) handle full-cycle bookkeeping including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reports independently. Bookkeepers have more autonomy and responsibility.
Can accounting assistants become CPAs?
Yes, with education. CPA requires bachelor's degree (150 credit hours), passing the CPA exam, and supervised experience. Many accounting assistants work while completing their degree, then pursue CPA certification. The path takes 6–8 years but leads to $70K–$120K+ salaries.
How much do accounts payable clerks make?
Accounts payable clerks earn $38,000–$48,000 annually. The role focuses on processing vendor invoices, payment runs, and vendor relations. AP Manager positions pay $55,000–$75,000.
Is accounting assistant a good entry-level career?
Yes, excellent entry point. Accessible without degree, provides hands-on accounting experience, clear career progression to bookkeeper ($42K–$55K), staff accountant ($50K–$65K), and CPA ($70K–$120K+). Many employers offer tuition assistance for advancement.