If you are looking for an accountant salary in the USA, the amount you can earn depends on your state, experience, education, industry, and whether you become a CPA. The current median accountant salary in the United States is about $83,680 per year, or around $40.23 per hour, according to May 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accountants at the lower end of the pay scale can earn below $56,020, while the highest-paid 10% earn more than $144,090 per year. This makes accounting a solid professional career, especially for people who build experience in tax, auditing, corporate accounting, financial reporting, or move into senior and management positions.
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Accountant Salary in the USA
The accountant salary in the USA is not one fixed number for every worker. An accountant working in a small local business can have a very different salary than an accountant working for a large corporation, financial company, government agency, or major accounting firm. Location also makes a big difference because accountants in states such as New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, California and Connecticut generally have higher wage levels than many other states.
According to the latest BLS data, the median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $83,680 in May 2025. The median means that half of accountants earned more than this amount and half earned less. The median hourly wage was about $40.23 per hour.
For someone starting an accounting career, the salary can be lower than the national median in the first few years. With more experience, stronger accounting skills, industry knowledge and professional certification, earnings can move considerably higher.
Average Accountant Salary and Salary Range
When people search for the average accountant salary, they may see different numbers online because salary websites can use different methods. For this article, the main benchmark is the official BLS median wage, which gives a more useful picture of what a typical accountant earns.
The national salary range is also quite wide. BLS reports that the lowest 10% of accountants and auditors earned less than $56,020 per year, while the highest 10% earned more than $144,090 per year in May 2025.
- Lower 10%: Less than $56,020 per year
- Median: $83,680 per year
- 25th percentile: Around $67,020 per year
- 75th percentile: Around $109,810 per year
- Top 10%: More than $144,090 per year
This range shows why experience and specialization matter so much in accounting. A new accountant may be close to the lower part of the range, while a senior accountant, accounting manager, specialist or experienced CPA can move toward the higher end.
Accountant Salary Per Hour
The accountant salary per hour in the United States is about $40.23 per hour at the national median, based on May 2025 BLS data. This is a useful number for comparing accounting pay with other professional jobs.
However, hourly pay can be very different from one accountant to another. An entry-level accountant may earn closer to the lower wage range, while an experienced accountant in a high-paying state or major business market may earn significantly more than the national median.
Some accountants also work longer hours during tax season, audits, quarterly reporting and other busy periods. Because of this, the actual yearly income can include overtime or bonuses depending on the employer and position.
Accountant Salary Per Month
Based on the national median annual salary of $83,680, an accountant's gross income works out to roughly $6,973 per month before taxes, insurance, retirement contributions and other deductions.
This is only a simple monthly calculation from the annual median salary. Actual monthly pay can be different depending on how an employer structures compensation, bonuses and other benefits.
- Annual median salary: $83,680
- Monthly equivalent: About $6,973
- Weekly equivalent: About $1,609
- Hourly median: About $40.23
For people searching how much do accountants make, the important point is that these are gross earnings. Take-home pay will be lower after federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare, state taxes where applicable, health insurance and retirement contributions.
Accountant Salary by State
The accountant salary by state can vary by a large amount across the United States. Higher-paying states often have large business, finance and professional-services markets, but a higher salary can also come with a higher cost of living.
The table below uses the median annual salary for accountants and auditors in May 2025. District of Columbia is included for comparison, although it is not a state. The figures are based on BLS OEWS data.
| State | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $74,880 |
| Alaska | $83,460 |
| Arizona | $79,970 |
| Arkansas | $66,330 |
| California | $97,050 |
| Colorado | $97,030 |
| Connecticut | $97,550 |
| Delaware | $95,020 |
| Florida | $79,250 |
| Georgia | $81,900 |
| Hawaii | $74,500 |
| Idaho | $74,730 |
| Illinois | $80,230 |
| Indiana | $77,720 |
| Iowa | $77,440 |
| Kansas | $79,000 |
| Kentucky | $75,270 |
| Louisiana | $73,810 |
| Maine | $77,480 |
| Maryland | $89,370 |
| Massachusetts | $99,460 |
| Michigan | $78,820 |
| Minnesota | $81,600 |
| Mississippi | $68,100 |
| Missouri | $76,590 |
| Montana | $75,810 |
| Nebraska | $72,080 |
| Nevada | $81,600 |
| New Hampshire | $83,470 |
| New Jersey | $100,830 |
| New Mexico | $78,580 |
| New York | $102,640 |
| North Carolina | $82,050 |
| North Dakota | $75,730 |
| Ohio | $79,320 |
| Oklahoma | $79,370 |
| Oregon | $85,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $79,000 |
| Rhode Island | $95,820 |
| South Carolina | $76,560 |
| South Dakota | $78,880 |
| Tennessee | $76,840 |
| Texas | $80,920 |
| Utah | $79,990 |
| Vermont | $78,890 |
| Virginia | $93,290 |
| Washington | $96,550 |
| West Virginia | $73,320 |
| Wisconsin | $79,400 |
| Wyoming | $77,620 |
Highest Paying States for Accountants
If you are searching for the highest paying states for accountants, the latest wage data shows that several states are well above the national median. New York has a median accountant and auditor wage of about $102,640, followed by New Jersey at about $100,830 and Massachusetts at about $99,460.
California, Connecticut, Colorado and Washington are also among the stronger-paying locations. But salary alone should not decide where an accountant should work. Housing, taxes, transportation and general cost of living can change how far the salary actually goes.
- New York: $102,640 median annual salary
- New Jersey: $100,830 median annual salary
- Massachusetts: $99,460 median annual salary
- Connecticut: $97,550 median annual salary
- California: $97,050 median annual salary
- Colorado: $97,030 median annual salary
- Washington: $96,550 median annual salary
Why Accountant Salary Is Different From State to State
There is no single reason why an accountant salary is higher in one state and lower in another. The biggest factors are business demand, local economy, size of the accounting industry, experience requirements and cost of living.
Large financial and business centers normally have more companies that need accountants, auditors and financial professionals. These markets can create more opportunities for experienced accountants, especially people who can handle financial reporting, tax work, auditing, compliance or corporate accounting.
Some of the important factors affecting accountant pay include:
- State and local job market
- Years of accounting experience
- Bachelor's or master's degree
- CPA certification
- Accounting specialization
- Company size and industry
- Location and cost of living
- Management or leadership responsibilities
Entry Level Accountant Salary
An entry level accountant salary is normally below the national median because a new graduate or new accounting employee has not yet built years of professional experience. Entry-level accountants may work as staff accountants, junior accountants, accounts payable or accounts receivable specialists, or in other accounting support positions.
The exact starting salary depends heavily on the employer and location. A new accountant working in a large metropolitan market can sometimes start higher than someone doing a similar job in a smaller market.
For a person starting this career, the first job is not always about getting the highest salary immediately. Building strong experience with accounting software, financial statements, tax preparation, auditing and reporting can help increase earning potential later.
What Does an Accountant Do?
Accountants work with financial records and help businesses, organizations and individuals understand and manage their money. Their work can include preparing financial statements, checking records, handling taxes, analyzing financial information and making sure financial activities follow applicable rules.
According to BLS, accountants and auditors examine financial statements, prepare tax returns, maintain financial records, assess financial operations and identify potential financial risks. Technology is also becoming more important, with accounting professionals using tools such as AI and automation for some routine work.
- Prepare and examine financial records
- Prepare tax documents and calculate taxes
- Review financial statements
- Analyze accounting information
- Identify financial risks and errors
- Help businesses control costs
- Prepare reports for managers and clients
- Support audits and financial compliance
Because of these responsibilities, accounting is not only about entering numbers. Modern accountants often spend a significant amount of time analyzing information, explaining financial results and helping organizations make better decisions.
Accountant Salary by Experience
Accountant salary by experience can change a lot during a person's career. A new accountant normally starts below the national median, but the salary can increase as the person becomes more experienced and takes on more responsibility. Experience with financial reporting, tax, auditing, budgeting and business analysis can make an accountant more valuable to an employer.
There is no single salary level that applies to every accountant at each stage. The company, location, industry and job title also matter. Still, experience is one of the most important factors behind long-term earning potential.
- Entry-level accountant: Often starts below the national median
- Junior accountant: Builds experience with financial records and reporting
- Staff accountant: Handles more regular accounting responsibilities
- Senior accountant: Usually has stronger technical and reporting responsibilities
- Accounting manager: May supervise accountants and manage financial operations
- Controller: Senior financial leadership role with much higher earning potential
An accountant who stays in the same type of work for many years may see gradual salary growth, while someone who moves into management, specialized accounting or a high-paying industry may see a much bigger increase.
Entry Level Accountant Salary
The entry level accountant salary is usually lower than the national median because new accountants are still developing practical experience. Many people enter accounting after completing a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field.
Entry-level workers may begin with jobs such as junior accountant, staff accountant, accounting associate or similar positions. Their daily work can include reconciling accounts, recording transactions, preparing reports and supporting senior accounting staff.
The first few years can be very important. Learning accounting software, Excel, financial reporting, tax rules and audit procedures can help a new accountant qualify for better jobs later.
Senior Accountant Salary
A senior accountant salary is normally higher than the salary of an entry-level accountant because senior workers handle more complicated accounting work and often review the work of other employees.
Senior accountants may prepare and review financial statements, support audits, handle month-end and year-end closing, analyze financial information and work directly with managers or clients.
In larger companies, a senior accountant can also become a path toward accounting manager, assistant controller or controller positions. These promotions can create a significant increase in total compensation.
- Financial statement preparation
- Account reconciliation
- Month-end and year-end closing
- Audit support
- Tax and compliance work
- Reviewing junior accountant work
- Financial analysis and reporting
CPA Salary in the USA
The CPA salary can be higher than the salary of an accountant without the certification, although becoming a CPA does not automatically guarantee a specific salary. CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant, and the license can improve job opportunities and help accountants qualify for more advanced roles.
BLS says that certification in a specific field of accounting, such as becoming a licensed CPA, may improve job prospects. A CPA can work in public accounting, corporate accounting, auditing, tax, financial reporting and other areas.
The financial benefit of a CPA can become more noticeable when combined with several years of experience. For example, an experienced CPA who moves into management or a specialized tax or audit role can have much higher earning potential than a new accountant.
Accountant Salary With a CPA
People often search for accountant salary with CPA because they want to know if the certification is worth the time and effort. The answer depends on the career path. A CPA is especially useful for people who want to work in public accounting, auditing, taxation or senior financial positions.
A CPA may also give an accountant more credibility when working with business clients. However, experience still matters. A newly licensed CPA and a CPA with ten years of accounting experience should not be expected to have the same salary.
- CPA can improve job prospects
- It can help with public accounting careers
- It can support advancement into senior positions
- It can be useful for tax and audit work
- Experience remains important for higher compensation
Accountant Salary by Industry
The accountant salary by industry is another important part of understanding accounting pay. Accountants work across many industries, and some industries pay more than others.
According to BLS, accountants and auditors working in finance and insurance had a May 2025 median annual wage of $93,290. The median was $91,940 in management of companies and enterprises, while government excluding state and local education and hospitals had a median of $83,350. Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services had a median of $81,490.
| Industry | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $93,290 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $91,940 |
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | $83,350 |
| Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping and Payroll Services | $81,490 |
This difference is useful for someone choosing a career path. An accountant does not have to stay with a traditional accounting firm. Moving into finance, corporate accounting or management can create different salary opportunities.
Finance and Insurance Accountant Salary
Accountants working in finance and insurance had one of the stronger median salary levels among the major industries listed by BLS. The May 2025 median annual wage was $93,290.
These accountants can work with banks, insurance companies, investment-related businesses and other financial organizations. The work may involve financial reporting, regulatory requirements, internal controls and detailed financial analysis.
Because financial organizations handle large amounts of money and complex reporting requirements, experienced accounting professionals can be valuable in this industry.
Corporate Accountant Salary
A corporate accountant salary can vary based on company size, industry, location and job level. Corporate accountants work directly for businesses rather than providing accounting services to many outside clients.
They may be responsible for internal financial reporting, budgeting support, account reconciliation, monthly closing and helping management understand financial results.
Large companies can have several accounting departments, which gives experienced workers more opportunities to specialize. Some may move into financial reporting, tax, internal audit or management positions.
Staff Accountant Salary
A staff accountant salary is generally associated with an early or middle stage of an accounting career. Staff accountants perform many of the core accounting tasks that keep a company's financial records accurate.
The exact pay depends heavily on location and employer. A staff accountant in a large metropolitan business market may earn more than someone with the same title in a smaller market.
Common staff accountant responsibilities include:
- Preparing journal entries
- Reconciling accounts
- Maintaining financial records
- Preparing internal reports
- Supporting month-end close
- Helping with audits
- Checking accounting data for errors
Tax Accountant Salary
A tax accountant salary depends on experience, location, employer and the type of tax work being performed. Tax accountants can work with individuals, businesses, corporations or accounting firms.
Tax work can become especially busy around tax filing deadlines. An experienced tax accountant who understands complex business taxes, corporate taxes or specialized tax regulations may have stronger earning potential.
Tax accountants with a CPA license can also qualify for more advanced roles. Some eventually become tax managers, tax directors or partners in accounting firms.
Financial Accountant Salary
A financial accountant salary is influenced by the size of the company and the level of responsibility. Financial accountants are usually focused on financial reporting, accounting records and making sure financial information is accurate and useful.
In larger organizations, financial accounting can be a specialized career path. Employees may become responsible for specific reporting areas, complex transactions or company-wide financial statements.
Public Accountant Salary
A public accountant salary depends on the accounting firm, location, experience and client work. Public accountants may provide tax, audit and other accounting services to outside clients.
Public accounting can be demanding during busy periods, but it can also give accountants exposure to many different businesses. This experience can be useful later if the accountant moves into corporate accounting or financial management.
Accountant Salary in Big Companies
Working for a large company can provide accountants with more specialized career paths. A big organization may have separate teams for tax, audit, payroll, financial reporting, internal controls and corporate finance.
This means an accountant can build expertise in one area instead of handling every type of accounting task. Large companies may also offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, bonuses and paid time off in addition to base salary.
However, a bigger company does not always mean a higher salary. Job level and location still matter, so accountants should compare the full compensation package rather than looking only at the base salary.
Accountant Salary and Job Benefits
When comparing an accountant salary, it is important to look beyond the yearly number. Total compensation can include health insurance, retirement contributions, paid vacation, bonuses and other benefits.
Some accounting positions also offer hybrid or remote work. BLS Occupational Requirements Survey data shows that telework was routinely allowed for 68.4% of accountants and auditors in 2025.
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan contributions
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Performance bonuses
- Professional development
- CPA support or education benefits
- Hybrid or remote work options
For some workers, these benefits can make a job with a slightly lower salary more attractive than a job offering a higher salary but fewer benefits.
Do Accountants Need a Bachelor's Degree?
For most professional accountant and auditor positions, a bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education. BLS reports that a bachelor's degree was required for 91.3% of accountants and auditors in its 2025 Occupational Requirements Survey.
A degree in accounting is the most direct option, but some employers may also hire graduates with degrees in finance or related business fields. Students who want to become CPAs should also check the education and licensing requirements in the state where they plan to work.
How to Increase Your Accountant Salary
If your goal is to earn more than the average accountant salary, simply staying in the same position for many years may not be the fastest way. Building specialized skills and moving into positions with greater responsibility can make a bigger difference.
- Earn a CPA license when it fits your career plan
- Build strong Excel and accounting software skills
- Learn financial reporting and analysis
- Gain experience in tax or auditing
- Consider corporate accounting
- Move into higher-paying industries
- Take leadership and management responsibilities
- Consider relocating to a stronger-paying market
Technology skills are also becoming more useful. Accounting work is changing as businesses use automation, data tools and artificial intelligence for some routine tasks. Accountants who can understand both accounting and technology may have an advantage as the profession changes.
Is Accounting a Good Career in the USA?
For people who like numbers, business, financial information and structured work, accounting can be a good career in the USA. The national median salary is considerably higher than the median for all occupations, and the profession has a large number of job openings each year.
BLS projects employment of accountants and auditors to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035. It also projects about 115,300 openings per year on average during that period. Many openings are expected because workers leave the occupation or retire, not only because of new job creation.
This means accounting is not a career that depends only on rapid employment growth. Replacement demand is also an important source of future opportunities.
Accountant vs Auditor Salary
Accountants and auditors are closely related careers, but their daily work can be different. An accountant may spend more time preparing and maintaining financial information, while an auditor usually spends more time examining records and checking whether financial statements are accurate and follow applicable rules.
Both careers are included in the BLS accountants and auditors occupation. The national median annual wage for the occupation was $83,680 in May 2025, while the mean annual wage was $94,750 in the BLS OEWS data.
The salary difference between an accountant and auditor depends more on the specific job, employer, location and experience than simply the title. An experienced auditor at a large accounting firm can earn much more than an entry-level accountant, while an experienced corporate accountant can also have a very high salary.
- Accountants commonly prepare and analyze financial information.
- Auditors examine financial records and statements.
- Both careers can involve tax, compliance and financial reporting.
- CPA certification can be useful for both career paths.
- Experience and specialization can strongly affect salary.
How Much Do Accountants Make With Experience?
People searching how much do accountants make should understand that the national median is only one part of the picture. An accountant's income can increase as responsibilities become more complex and the worker moves into higher-level positions.
For example, someone may start as a junior or staff accountant and later become a senior accountant. From there, the person may move into accounting manager, assistant controller or controller roles. These positions involve more decision-making and often come with higher compensation.
Experience also gives accountants the chance to specialize. Tax, audit, financial reporting, internal controls, corporate accounting and forensic accounting can all lead to different career paths.
Can Accountants Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes, accountants can make $100,000 a year, although it is not the salary of every accountant. The national median was $83,680 in May 2025, but the highest 10 percent of accountants and auditors earned more than $144,090 per year.
Reaching a six-figure accountant salary is more realistic for workers with several years of experience, specialized knowledge, CPA credentials, management responsibilities or employment in a higher-paying industry or location.
The BLS industry data also shows why industry matters. Accountants and auditors in finance and insurance had a May 2025 median wage of $93,290, while those in management of companies and enterprises had a median of $91,940.
How to Become an Accountant in the USA
For most professional accountant jobs, a bachelor's degree is the normal starting point. The degree is commonly in accounting, but related business or finance education can also be useful depending on the employer.
BLS reports that a bachelor's degree was required for 91.3% of accountants and auditors in its 2025 Occupational Requirements Survey. Prior work experience was required for 70.7% of these jobs in the same survey.
A typical path can look like this:
- Complete a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
- Build practical accounting experience through internships or entry-level work.
- Learn accounting software, spreadsheets and financial reporting.
- Choose an area such as tax, audit or corporate accounting.
- Consider pursuing the CPA license if it fits the career goal.
- Continue gaining experience and move toward senior positions.
CPA requirements are set by individual state boards, so candidates should check the rules of the state where they want to become licensed.
Is a CPA Worth It for an Accountant?
Whether a CPA is worth it depends on the career a person wants. Someone planning to work in public accounting, auditing or advanced tax positions may get significant value from the credential.
BLS specifically notes that certification in a specific area of accounting, such as becoming a licensed CPA, may improve job prospects.
A CPA should not be viewed as a magic shortcut to a high salary. Experience, communication skills, technical accounting knowledge and the ability to handle complex financial work are still important. But when a CPA is combined with strong experience, it can make an accountant more competitive for senior opportunities.
Accountant Salary and Remote Work
Remote and hybrid work has become another factor people consider when looking at an accountant salary in the USA. Accounting work often involves computers, financial software, spreadsheets and digital records, so some positions can be performed away from the company's main office.
Not every accounting job is remote. Some employers require accountants to work in an office, especially when the role involves sensitive financial records, management responsibilities, client meetings or physical documents.
BLS reports that some accountants work from home and that accountants and auditors may also travel to clients' places of business.
- Fully remote accounting jobs
- Hybrid accounting jobs
- Office-based corporate accounting
- Public accounting with client travel
- Government accounting positions
For many workers, the flexibility of a hybrid or remote position can be an important part of total job value, even when the base salary is similar to another accounting position.
Accountant Work Hours and Busy Season
Most accountants work full time, but working hours are not always the same throughout the year. Certain periods can be much busier than normal.
Tax season can create long working hours for tax professionals and public accountants. Auditors can also have busy periods when companies are preparing annual or quarterly financial statements.
BLS notes that longer work periods are typical at certain times of the year, including quarterly audits and tax season.
Because of this, someone comparing accounting jobs should ask about normal working hours, busy-season expectations, overtime and flexibility before accepting a position.
Skills That Can Increase Accountant Salary
A strong accountant salary is not only about having an accounting degree. Employers also look for people who can understand financial information, solve problems and use technology effectively.
- Financial reporting
- Tax preparation and tax knowledge
- Auditing
- Advanced Excel skills
- Accounting software knowledge
- Financial analysis
- Data analysis
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Business and industry knowledge
Technology is becoming especially important in accounting. Automation and artificial intelligence can handle some repetitive accounting tasks, which means accountants may spend more time reviewing information, analyzing results and helping businesses make decisions.
Accountant Salary Compared With Other Business Jobs
Accounting is part of the larger business and financial occupations group. BLS reports that the median annual wage for all business and financial occupations was $82,660 in May 2025, compared with $83,680 for accountants and auditors.
This puts accounting close to the overall pay level for business and financial careers. However, individual occupations inside this group can have very different salaries depending on education, experience and responsibility.
For someone deciding between careers, salary should therefore not be the only consideration. Job stability, required education, work-life balance, career growth and personal interest are also important.
Accountant Job Outlook in the USA
The accountant job outlook in the United States remains positive. BLS projects employment of accountants and auditors to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than the average for all occupations. About 115,300 openings are projected each year on average during that period.
Not all of these openings will come from newly created jobs. A large number are expected because accountants leave the occupation, change careers or retire. This creates continued demand for new accounting professionals.
The occupation also has a large employment base. BLS reported about 1.6 million accountant and auditor jobs in 2025.
Why Accounting Jobs Are Still Needed
Businesses need accurate financial records regardless of whether the economy is growing quickly or slowly. Companies need people to prepare financial reports, handle taxes, review financial information and meet regulatory requirements.
Technology may change how accountants do their work, but it does not remove the need for people who understand accounting rules and can interpret financial information. In many companies, accountants are becoming more involved in analysis and business decisions rather than only recording transactions.
- Businesses need financial reporting.
- Companies need tax and compliance support.
- Audits require financial information to be reviewed.
- Government organizations need accounting professionals.
- Companies continue to replace accountants who retire or leave.
- Technology creates demand for accountants who understand digital tools.
How Much Can an Accountant Make in a Year?
If you are asking how much can an accountant make in a year, the answer depends on where the person is in their career. The national median annual wage was $83,680 in May 2025, while the top 10 percent earned more than $144,090.
A new accountant may earn considerably less than the median, while an experienced professional in a high-paying state, industry or management position can earn well above $100,000.
For this reason, looking only at an entry-level salary can give the wrong idea about the long-term earning potential of accounting.
What Factors Affect an Accountant Salary?
There are several factors that can change how much an accountant earns. Two people with the same degree and job title may have very different salaries because they work in different states or industries.
- Location: Salary levels vary across states and metropolitan areas.
- Experience: More experience can lead to senior and management positions.
- Education: A bachelor's degree is typical for professional accountant roles.
- CPA: A CPA license can improve job prospects in some career paths.
- Industry: Finance and insurance and company management are among higher-paying industries.
- Company size: Large organizations may offer more specialized positions.
- Specialization: Tax, audit, financial reporting and other specialties can have different pay.
- Management: Supervisory and leadership responsibilities can increase compensation.
Is Accountant a Good Career for the Future?
Accounting remains a practical career choice for people who enjoy numbers, business and detailed financial work. The profession has a strong salary level compared with many occupations, a large number of jobs and continued annual openings.
The future accountant may look a little different from the traditional accountant. Routine data entry and repetitive processes are increasingly being automated, while analytical, advisory and technology-related skills are becoming more useful.
For someone entering the profession today, learning accounting fundamentals together with technology, data analysis and communication can create a stronger career path.
Final Thoughts on Accountant Salary in the USA
The accountant salary in the USA gives this profession a strong position among business careers. The national median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $83,680 in May 2025, with the top 10 percent earning more than $144,090.
But the national number is only a starting point. Accountant salary by state, experience, CPA status, industry and job responsibilities can make a major difference. Accountants working in finance and insurance had a median wage of $93,290, while experienced professionals can move into senior, management and specialized positions.
Overall, accounting offers a reasonable combination of salary, career stability and advancement opportunities. With the right education, experience and skills, an accountant can move from an entry-level position into a much higher-paying professional career.