Salary of a CPA in the USA

Average Salary of a CPA in the USA | 2025

Thinking about a CPA career? Or are you already in one and curious if your salary reflects your skills?

This blog will show you exactly how much CPAs earn in 2025. We'll break down salaries by experience, location, and skills. You'll learn what affects your pay and how to earn more money.

We'll answer common questions like: What do entry-level CPAs make? Which states pay the most? How can you increase your salary? Do Big 4 firms pay more? By the end, you'll know your career worth and how to grow it in 2025.

What's the Average Salary of a CPA in the USA?

$93,335 per year (Average)

Indeed reports that the average salary for a CPA is $93,335 a year. This figure comes from over 2,600 salary reports collected from job postings.

We calculated this number by looking at data from major job platforms. PayScale reports $81,870 per year for CPAs in 2025, while Glassdoor shows a higher figure of $235,281 per year. ZipRecruiter lists the average CPA salary at $91,980 annually.

The average salary of a CPA has stayed steady compared to last year. Demand for accounting professionals is high, so wages stay steady in most areas in 2025. Some areas see small increases due to new financial regulations and tax law changes.

CPA Key Metrics 2025

Average salary: $93,335 per year according to Indeed's analysis of 2,600+ job postings. This includes both new and seasoned CPAs. They work full-time in various industries and specialties.

Salary range: Entry-level CPAs start between $60,000 to $75,000 annually, according to Plutus Education. Senior CPAs can earn as much as $461,014. Most experienced ones make between $102,750 and $164,500 a year. Salary.com reports the range spans from $70,235 to $461,014 depending on experience and location.

Salary by experience: Entry-level CPAs with less than 2 years of experience earn $60,000 to $75,000 annually. Mid-level CPAs earn $74,750 to $102,000 per year. Senior CPAs with over 10 years of experience can make more than $150,000 a year, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

75th percentile: An analysis of over 8,600 salary reports from popular job boards shows that CPAs earn about $120,000 a year at the 75th percentile. This means 75% of CPAs earn less than this amount, while the top 25% earn more.

CPA Regional Comparison

Location affects CPA pay. States with high living costs and financial centers offer better salaries. Cities with big corporations pay more than smaller towns.

Here's how salaries compare across different states and regions:

Washington offers the highest salaries for CPA jobs. In contrast, Florida has the lowest salaries, according to ZipRecruiter. San Francisco pays well for accountants and auditors, with salaries reaching $114,050.

Washington and California provide the best value for salary and job opportunities. These states have strong financial sectors. They also have big companies that create steady demand for CPAs.

6 Tips to Grow Your Salary as a CPA

1. Work at Big 4 Accounting Firms: Big 4 firms typically pay higher starting salaries. Entry-level associates earn $53,000-$88,000 depending on function and city. Consulting roles pay the most at $81,000-$88,000 annually, while audit roles start at $53,000-$61,000.

2. Focus on High-Demand Areas: Senior Financial Reporting Accountants make $99,979 a year. Directors of SEC Financial Reporting earn $172,242 annually. Tax specialization and forensic accounting also command premium salaries.

3. Gain Management Experience: Senior-level management accountants with CMA certification earn between $102,750 to $164,500 per year. Leadership roles in accounting can boost salaries by 30-50% over individual contributor positions.

4. Work in High-Paying Locations: CPAs in San Francisco make an average of $114,050. This is higher than the national average. Consider relocating to Washington, California, or New York for better salary opportunities.

5. Pursue Advanced Certifications: Continuing professional education (CPE) requirements also provide opportunities to specialize. Additional certifications beyond CPA can increase earning potential by 10-20%.

6. Move to Senior Positions: CPAs with under a year of experience make $78,000 a year. In contrast, those with over 20 years earn $150,000 or more, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Experience significantly impacts earning potential.

FAQs About CPA Salary

What is the average salary of a CPA in 2025?

The average salary for a CPA is $93,335 per year, according to Indeed's analysis of 2,600+ job postings. This represents current market rates based on real job offers and salary reports.

Is the average salary of a CPA before or after taxes?

All salary numbers shown are gross annual income before taxes. You'll need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes from these amounts to get your take-home pay.

Do CPA salaries include bonuses?

No, these salary figures show base pay only. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports CPA salaries at $119,000 without bonuses. Bonuses and benefits are typically listed separately on job platforms.

How much do entry-level CPAs make?

Entry-level CPAs with less than 2 years of experience earn between $60,000 to $75,000 annually. Big 4 firms pay $53,000-$88,000 for entry-level associates, depending on the department and location.

Which states pay CPAs the highest salaries?

Washington is the highest-paying state for CPA jobs. California, especially San Francisco, offers $114,050 for accountants and auditors. New York also provides above-average CPA compensation.

Do Big 4 accounting firms pay more than other companies?

Yes, Big 4 firms typically offer competitive starting salaries. Associates earn $53,000-$88,000 annually, with consulting paying the most. However, benefits and career advancement opportunities also add value beyond base salary.

How can CPAs increase their salary?

Focus on in-demand fields like SEC reporting. Gain management experience and work at Big 4 firms. Also, think about moving to states with higher pay. Additional certifications and continued education also boost earning potential.

What affects CPA salary the most?

Experience level matters most. CPAs with 20+ years earn double what new CPAs do. Location, industry specialization, and company size also significantly affect compensation levels.

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Note: All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from different global salary surveys and government stats, 2025.