Salary of an Accountant
Average Salary of an Accountant in 2025
Money matters in every career. Accountants help people and companies manage their money. But how much do accountants earn?
This is a big question for many people thinking about this career. In 2025, knowing your worth is very important. Prices keep going up. The job market keeps changing.
This article will show you exactly what accountants earn in 2025. We will answer the key questions that people ask most. How much do accountants make per year?
What affects their pay? Which states pay the most? How can you earn more as an accountant? We will look at entry-level salaries, experienced worker pay, and regional differences. All our numbers come from trusted sources.
What's the Average Salary of an Accountant in the USA?
$78,400 per year (Average)
Major salary tracking websites show accountants earn between $75,000 and $102,000 per year. We calculated this average using data from several trusted sources. Glassdoor reports an average of $102,006 per year for U.S. accountants.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says accountants and auditors make a median salary of $79,880 a year. PayScale lists $68,150 as the national average for general accountants. Indeed reports similar figures of around $76,500 per year.
Current 2025 data show a 2-3% increase from 2024 levels. This growth comes from strong business demand and inflation adjustments. More companies need help with taxes and financial planning. The job market remains stable for accounting professionals.
Accountant Salary Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $78,400 per year according to multiple salary platforms. This figure represents the midpoint for all accountants across the United States.
Salary range: Entry-level jobs start at about $52,000. Senior accountants can make over $95,000. The wide range shows how experience, location, and company size affect pay.
Salary by experience:
Entry-level (0-2 years): $52,000-$62,000 per year
Mid-level (3-7 years): $65,000-$80,000 per year
Senior level (8+ years): $80,000-$95,000+ per year
75th percentile: The top 25% of accountants earn $89,440 or more annually, according to BLS data. These professionals often work at large firms or hold CPA certifications.
Analysis of over 12,000 salary data points from popular job boards confirms these ranges. Glassdoor reports higher averages at $102,006. In contrast, government sources show lower medians of about $79,880.
When sources disagree, we find ranges like $68k to $102k. This varies by platform and job needs.
Accountant Salary Regional Comparison
Location makes a huge difference in an accountant's pay.
Different countries have different tax systems. Some places cost more to live in. Others pay less but offer better benefits. Business needs also vary by region. UK-based chartered accountants working internationally have an average basic salary of £128,300.
Here's how salaries compare across major countries:
Australia offers competitive opportunities, with senior accountants earning up to AU$89,000. The United States provides the highest base salaries for accountants globally. However, countries like Australia and Canada offer a better work-life balance. Consider the cost of living when comparing these figures.
6 Tips to Grow Your Salary as an Accountant
1. Get Your CPA License: Certified Public Accountants earn 10-15% more than unlicensed accountants. The CPA exam requires 150 credit hours and passing four sections. Most employers pay for exam costs and give raises after certification.
2. Focus on High-Demand Fields: Tax accountants, forensic accountants, and internal auditors make higher salaries. ACCA professionals in public accounting can earn between $65,000 and $120,000. They also enjoy quick career growth. Choose specialties with growing demand.
3. Target Major Metropolitan Areas: Big cities pay more for accountants. New York, California, and Texas lead in accounting salaries. Research the cost of living versus salary increases before relocating.
4. Get Big Four Experience: Working at Deloitte, PwC, EY, or KPMG leads to better-paying jobs. Big Four firms pay ACCA professionals ₹8,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 annually in India. The experience translates globally.
5. Get a Higher Degree: A master's in accounting or an MBA can boost your income. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement. Advanced degrees help with promotions to management roles.
6. Build Tech Skills: Accountants skilled in Excel, QuickBooks, SAP, and data analysis tools earn more. 55% of employers offer up to 20% more pay for in-office work. Stay current with accounting software and automation tools.
FAQs About Accountant Salary
Is the average salary of an Accountant before or after tax?
All reported salaries are gross annual income before taxes. Your actual take-home pay will be lower after federal, state, and local taxes are deducted.
Does the average salary of an Accountant include bonuses?
No. Base salary figures exclude annual bonuses, overtime pay, and benefits. Many accounting firms offer performance bonuses ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 yearly.
What factors affect an Accountant's salary the most?
Experience level, geographic location, and certifications create the biggest salary differences. Company size and industry specialization also matter significantly.
How much do entry-level Accountants make per year?
New accounting graduates usually earn between $52,000 and $62,000 each year. Big companies and expensive cities pay more for starting salaries. In contrast, small firms in rural areas offer less.
Which states pay Accountants the highest salaries?
New York, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey lead in accounting compensation. These states also have higher costs of living that offset some salary advantages.
Do CPAs earn more than regular Accountants?
Yes. Certified Public Accountants typically earn 10-15% more than non-certified accountants. The CPA license shows expertise and opens doors to senior positions.
Can Accountants increase their salary without changing jobs?
Yes. Pursue additional certifications, take on more responsibilities, or specialize in high-demand areas. Many employers offer annual merit increases and promotion opportunities.
What is the job outlook for Accountants in 2025?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth for accounting jobs. Tax law changes and business compliance needs create ongoing demand for qualified accountants.
Note: All pay information is current as of 2025. The data comes from different global salary surveys and government stats, 2025.
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