The table below breaks down the average salary for accountants with different education levels. Keep in mind this table includes all accountants, not solely CPAs. Texas features a high number of accountants employed, a generous average salary, and a high rate of projected job growth. The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area employs over 37,000 accountants with an average salary of $83,850, significantly higher than the average wage for all positions in that area. CPA licensure affords professionals the credentials they need to provide accounting services in a wide variety of industries.

What is the starting salary for a CPA?

The skills and knowledge CPAs hold makes them invaluable, dynamic employees. They can provide accounting services in various capacities, making them highly employable regardless of their geographic location. https://www.bookstime.com/ Early career (one to four years in the field) CPAs earn an average of $60,000 per year. In contrast, late career (more than 20 years experience) CPAs earn an average of $98,000 per year—a stark increase.

Accountant Salary by gender

To increase your CPA average salary, consider developing skills in the following areas. The tables below outline the best states and metropolitan areas for prospective CPAs based on the number of job openings each year, projected job growth for each area, and average salary. An accountant analyzes and organizes the financial information and transactions of an organization. They ensure that principles and standards like GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) are followed and that all required reporting is prepared and completed. Some accountants may specialize in a particular type of industry like healthcare or energy, or have a specialization, such as tax accounting or cost accounting.

CPA Salary and Job Outlook

Urban centers and cities with higher populations typically offer more job opportunities for accountants in response to higher demand from businesses seeking CPA services. The tables in the following sections map out the best areas for prospective CPAs to look for jobs based on average salary, enrolled agent salary the number of jobs available, and projected job growth. The BLS highlights the five top-paying states for accountants and auditors. Offers the highest average salary for accounting professionals at $110,140. California rounds out the top five with an average accountant salary of $88,130.

In fact, the top two skills that increase salaries for accountants–financial reporting and financial modeling–are skills taught in CPA training. Firms in major cities can offer more attractive compensation packages to recruit top talent, but it usually comes with a higher cost of living. According to data from PayScale, CPAs in their first year of working in the field earn an average salary of $54,000 as of October 2021. This average increases to $60,000 in the first four years of working in the field.

• CPAs and accountants are experts at examining financial records and identifying opportunities and risks for companies or individuals.
• They can be found on their website, alongside case studies and featured insights.
• Some states may offer higher average salaries due to factors like increased demand, larger population, and higher costs of living.
• One of the reasons behind this salary difference stems from the additional rigor and standards required of CPAs to work in the field.

By Industry

• However, earning a CPA license can help prospective accountants pursue CPA positions, boost competition in the job market, and open doors to more opportunities.
• Suppose you are interested in following a career path in the accounting industry.
• More specifically, the CPA average salary range⁵ is between $60,874 and $150,612, while the non-CPA average salary range⁶ is between $47,138 and $82,167.
• For example, CPAs make the most in DC at $110,140 per year, but they also need to include $78,809 for cost of living³.

Accountant Salary by Years of Experience

CPA Salary by Location

• According to data from PayScale, the average salary for CPAs increases steadily with more experience.
• Others complete this requirement through extra undergraduate credits and a few graduate courses.
• Let’s take a look at other benefits beyond the earning power that comes with a CPA license.
• In fact, the top two skills that increase salaries for accountants–financial reporting and financial modeling–are skills taught in CPA training.
• Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for Accounting.com as a side project.
• The tables in the following sections map out the best areas for prospective CPAs to look for jobs based on average salary, the number of jobs available, and projected job growth.