Calculating numbers is only one aspect of accounting. Every business choice, tax return, audit, and financial projection is based on it. This post explains what an accountant in the US makes and which kind of accountant makes the most money, in case you were ever curious.
In addition to listing the many accounting profession categories and highlighting the most in-demand positions right now, this article will examine the average wage for accountants in the United States and compare earnings by job title.
What Is the Average Accountant Salary in the USA?
The typical annual compensation for an accountant in the United States as of June 18, 2025 is from $60,000 to $80,000, contingent on industry, certification, and experience. The average starting salary for entry-level accountants is between $48,000 and $60,000, although those with specialisation or CPA degrees can make six figures or more.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for accountants and auditors is approximately $78,000. However, factors like your role (e.g., tax vs forensic), location, and employer size can cause significant variation.
All Types of Accountants (With Salary Range)
Accounting isn’t a one-size-fits-all career. Below is a detailed overview of the most common accounting roles in the U.S., their responsibilities, and how much they typically earn.
1. Public Accountant
Public accountants handle external financial reporting, audits, and taxes for clients. They often work at accounting firms.
- Salary: $55,000 – $85,000
- Certifications: CPA required for advancement
- Employer Examples: Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG
2. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
CPAs are licensed professionals who meet strict exam and experience requirements. They’re qualified to file reports with the SEC.
- Salary: $70,000 – $120,000+
- Certification: CPA license is mandatory
- Industry: Corporate, public firms, government
3. Corporate/Management Accountant
These accountants work inside companies and handle budgeting, forecasting, and internal reporting.
- Salary: $65,000 – $95,000
- Common Title: Financial Accountant, Staff Accountant
4. Cost Accountant
Cost accountants analyze internal costs related to manufacturing, production, and budgeting.
- Salary: $60,000 – $90,000
- Industries: Manufacturing, supply chain, logistics
5. Tax Accountant
Tax accountants prepare and file state and federal returns for individuals or corporations. They stay up to date with IRS codes.
- Salary: $55,000 – $100,000
- Busy Season: Feb–Apr (overtime expected)
6. Auditor
Auditors ensure that financial statements are accurate and compliant with GAAP or other standards. Internal auditors work for companies; external auditors for firms.
- Salary: $60,000 – $95,000
- Specialties: Internal Auditor, IT Auditor, Government Auditor
7. Forensic Accountant
Forensic accountants investigate fraud, embezzlement, and financial crime. They work with law enforcement or litigation teams.
- Salary: $70,000 – $110,000
- Employers: FBI, consulting firms, legal teams
8. Government Accountant
These professionals manage public funds, audit government agencies, and ensure compliance with federal laws.
- Salary: $60,000 – $90,000
- Agencies: IRS, GAO, local/state governments
9. Environmental Accountant
A niche role analyzing environmental costs, sustainability budgets, and carbon reporting.
- Salary: $65,000 – $100,000+
- Growth: Increasing demand due to ESG compliance
10. Staff Accountant (Entry-Level)
Typically recent grads or early-career professionals. They assist with journal entries, accounts payable/receivable, and reconciliations.
- Salary: $48,000 – $65,000
- Common Employers: Corporate finance departments
Average Salary Table by Accountant Type
Here’s a side-by-side comparison table of the most common accounting job types and their typical salary ranges:
| Accountant Type | Salary Range (USD) | Requires CPA? | Main Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Accountant | $55,000 – $85,000 | Often | Public firms, consulting |
| Certified Public Accountant | $70,000 – $120,000+ | Yes | Corporate, public firms |
| Corporate Accountant | $65,000 – $95,000 | Optional | Internal finance teams |
| Cost Accountant | $60,000 – $90,000 | Optional | Manufacturing, logistics |
| Tax Accountant | $55,000 – $100,000 | Recommended | Tax consulting, private firms |
| Auditor (Internal) | $60,000 – $95,000 | Sometimes | Public companies, gov’t |
| Forensic Accountant | $70,000 – $110,000 | Yes (often CFE too) | Legal, forensic firms |
| Government Accountant | $60,000 – $90,000 | Optional | IRS, local/state agencies |
| Environmental Accountant | $65,000 – $100,000 | Optional | Sustainability-focused firms |
| Staff Accountant (Entry) | $48,000 – $65,000 | No | Corporate finance |
Highest Paying Industries for Accountants
While accounting is needed everywhere, some industries pay more than others. Here’s where accountants earn the highest average salaries:
- Finance & Insurance – $92,000+
- Professional Services (CPA firms) – $85,000+
- Tech & Software Companies – $88,000+
- Energy Sector (Oil & Gas) – $90,000+
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals – $83,000+
- Legal & Forensic Accounting – $95,000+
Which Cities and States Pay the Most?
Location matters. Here are some of the top-paying metro areas for accountants:
| City/Region | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $96,000 |
| New York, NY | $92,000 |
| Washington, DC | $90,000 |
| Boston, MA | $88,500 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,000 |
| Austin, TX | $82,000 |
| Chicago, IL | $81,000 |
Remote roles are also growing, especially for tax, audit, and forensic jobs that require digital documentation and secure access.
Entry-Level vs. Senior Accountant Salaries
Here’s how experience affects pay:
- Entry-Level (0–2 years): $48,000 – $65,000
- Mid-Level (3–7 years): $70,000 – $90,000
- Senior/Manager (8–15 years): $90,000 – $120,000
- Director/CFO-Level (15+ years): $130,000 – $300,000+
Bonus tip: CPA-certified professionals can earn 10%–20% more on average than non-certified peers.
Day in the Life of an Accountant
Whether you’re a tax accountant at a Big 4 firm or a corporate analyst at a Fortune 500 company, the daily tasks include:
- Reviewing financial statements
- Recording transactions in ERP systems (like SAP or NetSuite)
- Preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports
- Collaborating with auditors or tax consultants
- Ensuring compliance with GAAP or IFRS
Accountants also spend time analyzing trends, flagging anomalies, and advising on financial strategy.
Career Outlook and Demand
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a steady 4% job growth for accountants and auditors over the next decade—adding over 130,000 new jobs by 2032.
Factors driving demand:
- Tax code complexity
- Growing financial regulations
- Rise of forensic accounting and fraud detection
- Increase in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting
As businesses rely more on data-driven insights, accountants with strong tech skills—especially in data analysis, Power BI, or automation software—will lead the field.
Final Thoughts
Accounting is one of the most stable and rewarding careers in the United States. With dozens of specializations, upward mobility, and competitive salaries, it’s a profession that scales with your skills.
Whether you’re starting out as a staff accountant or aiming for the CPA track, there’s a place for you in industries ranging from healthcare to high-tech, and public service to private equity.
If you value structure, financial clarity, and career security—accounting is more than a job. It’s a lifelong, high-opportunity profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?
Yes, but it’s rare. Top CFOs, partners at Big 4 firms, or forensic accountants with elite credentials can reach or exceed $500,000 per year.
2
What is a CPA salary in Michigan?
In Michigan, the average CPA salary ranges from $72,000 to $105,000, depending on city, firm size, and experience level.
3
Does an accountant make good money?
Yes. Most accountants in the U.S. earn between $60,000 and $90,000, with higher earnings possible through specialization or certification.
4
What is the average salary of an accountant in the US?
The national average salary for accountants is about $78,000 per year, based on BLS data and private sector surveys.
5
Do accountants make 6 figures?
Many senior accountants, CPAs, and financial controllers earn over $100,000 annually, especially in finance, tech, and healthcare sectors.
6
What’s the highest paid type of accountant?
Forensic accountants, tax strategists, and CFO-level roles are among the highest paid, often earning over $150,000+ per year.
7
Is accounting a 9 to 5 job?
In many firms it is. However, during tax season or audit deadlines, accountants often work overtime or extended hours.
8
What do the top 10% of accountants make?
The top 10% of U.S. accountants earn $120,000 to $200,000 annually, particularly those in executive or niche consulting roles.
9
Is there a shortage of CPAs?
Yes, there’s a growing CPA shortage in the U.S. due to retirements, fewer accounting grads, and growing demand in compliance and finance.
