Average Salary for a CPA in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for a CPA matters a lot for career choices and planning your financial future.
"Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are the trusted money experts who help businesses and people with taxes, audits, and financial planning. They have special licenses that make them very valuable to employers."
This year brings exciting changes to CPA pay across America. Some states pay much more than others. Your experience level makes a huge difference, too. Whether you just got your CPA license or have worked for many years, knowing your worth helps you make smart job choices.
Many people wonder if becoming a CPA is worth the hard work. Others want to know which states offer the best salaries. Some CPAs think about changing jobs or moving to earn more money. These are important questions that affect your career path.
This blog will answer all your CPA salary questions.
We will show you real numbers from the 2025 data. You will learn which states pay the most. We will explain how experience changes your paycheck. Plus, you will get tips to boost your earnings as a CPA.
The job market for CPAs is strong and growing. More businesses need help with complex tax laws and financial rules. This means more job opportunities and better pay in many areas. Understanding these trends helps you plan your career moves.
CPA work offers great job security and growth potential. Many CPAs become managers, partners, or start their own accounting firms. The skills you learn open doors to many high-paying finance jobs.
Average Salary for a CPA in the USA?
$95,000 per year (Average)
Based on multiple salary surveys and job platforms, CPA salaries vary significantly across different sources. PayScale reports an average of $81,858 per year, while Indeed shows $94,792 annually, and other industry reports indicate around $95,000.
We calculated our average by combining data from several global salary surveys, government statistics, and major job platforms, including ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and various industry salary reports.
Some sources, like Glassdoor, show much higher averages at $237,547 per year, but this often includes senior management roles, bonuses, and profit-sharing.
Compared to last year, CPA salaries have increased by about 5-7% in 2025.
This growth comes from high demand for tax expertise, new accounting regulations, and a shortage of qualified CPAs. Many firms raised salaries to attract and keep good talent.
Salary for a CPA Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $95,000 per year, according to several global salary surveys and government data sources. This figure represents the middle point where half of CPAs earn more and half earn less.
Salary range: Entry-level positions start around $70,235 per year, while experienced CPAs can earn up to $461,014 annually. According to many USA data sources and surveys, most CPAs fall between $75,000-$150,000, depending on location and experience.
Salary by experience: According to our data sources, junior CPAs with less than one year earn around $78,000 per year. Senior CPAs with more than 20 years can reach $150,000 annually. Mid-level CPAs with 3-7 years typically make $85,000-$120,000 per year.
75th percentile: Based on government statistics and salary surveys, CPAs in the 75th percentile earn approximately $110,000-$130,000 per year. This means 75% of all CPAs earn less than this amount.
CPA roles often complement financial analyst and tax preparer positions, which typically offer different specialization paths and earning potentials in the accounting field.
Salary for a CPA: Regional Comparison
Where you work as a CPA makes a huge difference in your paycheck. State taxes, cost of living, and local business demand all change how much you earn. Some states pay almost twice as much as others for the same job. Big city CPAs often earn more than small town ones, too. The highest-paying states are the District of Columbia, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and California.
Here's how salaries compare across major U.S. regions:
According to several global salary surveys, Washington is among the highest-paying states for CPA jobs, while Florida ranks as one of the lower-paying states.
The District of Columbia, New York, and New Jersey offer the highest median salaries for accountants, with annual earnings exceeding $100,000. However, consider housing costs when choosing where to work. States like Texas and North Carolina offer good salaries with lower living costs.
7 Tips to Grow Your CPA Salary
1. Get Specialized Certifications Beyond CPA: According to government statistics, CPAs with additional certifications like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) can earn 15-25% more than basic CPA holders. These show employers you have expertise in specific areas worth paying premium rates for.
2. Move to Big Four Accounting Firms: Based on different U.S. surveys, the average annual pay from these Big Four accounting firms is $92,883 or $44.66 per hour. Those working in larger firms like Deloitte, PwC, EY, or KPMG often earn higher, with packages touching $110,000 to $125,000 annually. These firms also offer better advancement opportunities.
3. Gain Experience in High-Demand Specializations: Work in areas like forensic accounting, tax consulting, or financial planning where CPAs are in high demand. Many USA salary surveys show that specialized CPAs earn 20-30% more than general practice accountants.
4. Pursue Management and Leadership Roles: According to recent salary data, CPA managers and partners earn significantly more than staff-level CPAs. Leadership positions in accounting firms often double your base salary and include profit-sharing opportunities.
5. Consider Industry-Specific Roles: CPAs working in finance, healthcare, or technology industries typically earn more than those in general accounting. Several global salary surveys confirm that industry specialization can boost salaries by 10-20% above average.
6. Relocate to Higher-Paying States: Location and industry can cause salaries to vary widely, with the highest-paying states being the District of Columbia, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and California. Strategic relocation can increase your income by 25-40% in some cases.
7. Start Your Own Practice or Become a Partner: Many successful CPAs eventually start their own firms or become partners in existing practices. This path offers unlimited earning potential, though it requires business skills beyond accounting expertise.
Like opportunities in investment banking and corporate finance fields, strategic career moves in accounting can significantly multiply your earning potential over time.
FAQs | CPA’s Salary
Is the average salary of a CPA before or after taxes?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual income before taxes. Your take-home pay will be less after federal, state, and local taxes are removed. Most CPAs see about 25-30% of their gross pay go to taxes.
Does the CPA salary include bonus pay and benefits?
No, our average salary figures show base pay only. According to salary surveys, bonuses can add $5,000-$25,000 per year to CPA income. Most full-time CPA positions also include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off worth 20-30% of base salary.
What is the starting salary for a CPA with no experience?
CPAs with less than one year of experience earn an average of $78,000 a year. However, this varies significantly by location and employer size. Big Four firms typically offer higher starting salaries than small local practices.
How does CPA pay compare to other accounting jobs?
CPAs typically earn 20-40% more than non-certified accountants doing similar work. The CPA license proves you have advanced knowledge and skills that employers value highly. This premium increases with experience and specialization.
Do CPAs get paid more in tax season?
Many CPAs work extra hours during tax season (January-April) and earn overtime pay. Some firms pay bonuses for busy season work. However, salaried CPAs usually don't get extra pay for longer hours during this period.
What benefits do CPAs typically receive?
Most full-time CPA positions include health insurance, dental coverage, retirement matching, and 2-4 weeks paid vacation. Many firms also pay for continuing education required to maintain CPA licenses. Some offer flexible work arrangements.
How much do senior CPAs earn compared to entry-level?
CPAs with more than 20 years of experience earn an average of $150,000 annually, nearly double the starting salary. Experience, specialization, and leadership roles drive these higher earnings over time.
Can CPAs work remotely and still earn good salaries?
Yes, many CPA roles now offer remote or hybrid work options. Tax preparation, bookkeeping, and consulting services can often be done from anywhere. Remote CPAs sometimes earn slightly less but save money on commuting and work clothes.
What industries pay CPAs the highest salaries?
Finance, healthcare, technology, and energy companies typically pay CPAs the most. Government positions often have lower salaries but better job security and benefits. Non-profit organizations usually pay the least.
How often do CPA salaries increase?
Most CPAs receive annual raises of 3-5% for cost-of-living adjustments. Performance-based raises and promotions can provide much larger increases. Changing jobs often results in the biggest salary jumps for CPAs.
Do CPAs need continuing education to maintain their salaries?
Yes, CPAs must complete continuing professional education (CPE) to keep their licenses active. Most states require 40 hours per year. Employers often pay for this training, and it helps CPAs stay current with changing tax laws and accounting standards.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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