As of March 2025, median annual wages of United States accountants are said to vary by source:
- ZipRecruiter provides a median annual salary of $68,326 or about $32.85 per hour, $1,313 per week, or $5,693 per month.
- Built In’s average base salary is $74,466, with average cash compensation of $6,482, for an average total compensation of $80,948.
- Glassdoor also estimates annual total compensation at $86,933 and median yearly base pay at $75,496.
- Talent.com estimates yearly salary at $70,000 or $33.65 hourly with entry-level positions for beginners at $57,076 and well-paid others at $92,548.
Determinants of accountant salaries
Following are some determinants of differences in accountant salaries:
- Experience level: Junior accountants are paid less, but as experience and responsibility expand, so does salary.
- Education and certificates: A post-secondary degree or certificate, e.g., Certified Public Accountant (CPA) status, can merit greater compensation.
- Industry: Salaries also differ according to industry, with the highest-paying jobs in finance and insurance.
- Location: Geographical location is a significant wage determinant because of cost-of-living and geographical demand differences for accounting professionals.
Salary Ranges and Percentiles
Pay scales help determine earning capacity:
ZipRecruiter also reports median accountant salaries of $53,500 (25th percentile) to $78,500 (75th percentile), top paid (90th percentile) at $95,000 annually.
US News & World Report calculates 2023 accountants’ median salary to be $79,880 per year, top 25% of $103,990, and lower 25% of $62,720.
Other pay and benefits
Besides minimum wage, accountants are also paid in other types of compensation:
- Bonuses: Accountant performance bonuses actually amount to a substantial amount of money in total pay.
- Profit sharing: Some employers provide profit-sharing schemes that distribute business profits to workers.
- Allowances and benefits: Complete benefits packages usually include health insurance, pension plans, holiday pay, and professional development allowances.
Salary trends Projected Demand for skilled accountants continues to be robust, driving salary trends: Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide says starting salaries are increasing, particularly for high-demand accounting functions, financial analysis, and general accounting roles. Accountant and auditor positions will increase 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations, so the chances of salary boosts are excellent.
