Salaries for Accountants in the US in 2025: What You Can Expect at Different Career Levels

In the US, average annual salaries vary based on several factors, including specializations, experience, location, and specific company policies. Entry-level accountants in top-tier accounting firms typically start with modest earnings, which grow over time with experience and expertise.

On the other hand, mid-level and senior-level accountants with advanced skills and experience can demand higher salaries.

If you’re exploring the Accountant Salary in the US, then you’ve come to the right place. We will walk you through the average salaries for accountants in the US in 2025, factors that affect pay, and more.

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Accountant Salary in the US in 2025

Here is a look at the average annual salaries earned by accountants at different levels of their careers.

Go through the detailed exploration of the typical accountant roles below:

Entry-Level Accountant

An entry-level accountant offers crucial support to companies through financial record-keeping, analysis, and reporting. Here is a look at their key responsibilities:

• Providing support while financial statements, such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, are prepared.
• Performing routine tasks such as data entry and processing of accounts payable and receivable.
• Preparing and filing tax returns, VAT returns, and other tax documents.
• Collaborating with internal teams for auditing and budgeting.
• Performing bank reconciliations.

Staff Accountant

A staff accountant performs day-to-day accounting tasks to help companies remain compliant with local and national financial regulations:

• Preparation of financial records.
• Ensuring the accuracy of financial records.
• Supervising the accounting activities of the company.
• Submitting reports to the provincial regulatory authority.
• Managing invoicing and billing software.

CPA (Certified Public Accountant)

CPAs provide crucial financial services, including audits, investigations, and tax returns. Let’s take a look at their top responsibilities:

• Examine the accuracy of financial documents and organize them.
• Perform audits of financial statements.
• Assist clients with long-term financial decisions, such as retirement planning and estate planning.
• Investigate potential financial fraud.
• Recommend cost-saving measures for clients.

Senior Accountant

Senior accountants are responsible for performing several accounting functions related to financial documents and payroll. Here is a look:

• Ensure financial documents comply with the best practices.
• Maintain the ledger of daily transactions.
• Putting company payrolls together.
• Supervise junior employees.

Accounting Manager

Accounting Managers work for businesses or organizations of all sizes and are primarily responsible for:

• Overseeing holistic accounting.
• Assisting the Controller with workflow processes and special projects.
• Overseeing staff performance, absenteeism, and staff conflict.
• Supporting Controllers and high-level management.
• Ensuring reporting deadlines are met.

Financial Controller

A Financial Controller performs several tasks related to financial planning and reporting, budget management, and debt financing:

• Overseeing tax permits and licensing requirements.
• Providing financial information, shaping financial strategizing, and policy-making.
• Overseeing financial control activities.
• Handling tax preparation and liaising duties.

Forensic Accountant

The primary job of a Forensic Accountant is to perform accounting analysis and offer financial data that helps companies resolve internal disputes. Here’s a quick look at their responsibilities:

• Report preparation
• Financial fraud investigation
• Litigation support

Tax Manager

A tax manager oversees all the tax processes of companies, including:

• Compliance
• Optimization of tax strategies
• Audit support
• Staff supervision
• Client consultation

Director of Accounting

The Director of Accounting oversees all accounting activities of a company, including:

• Daily operations of accounting departments
• Annual audit process coordination
• Financial reporting accuracy
• Financial integrity

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Chief Financial Officers are C-Suite level managers overseeing all the financial activities of the company, including:

• Cash Flow
• Financial Planning
• Taxes
• Payroll
• Regulation and Compliance

Also Read: Why Pursue a Master’s Degree in Accounting?

Factors that Influence Accountant Salaries

Several factors influence accounting salaries. Ensure you’re familiar with these factors to make informed career decisions. Here’s a look:

• The annual average salaries may vary by industry, such as tech, government, healthcare, and IT.
• Companies may offer different packages based on their internal policies and employee growth structure.
• Accountants with a Master’s degree earn more than those with a Bachelor’s.
• The pay packages may vary widely depending on skill sets, so never stop upskilling at any point in your career.
• There are location-based variations as well.

Also Read: Pathways to Becoming a Financial Whiz

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FAQs on Salaries for Accountants in the US

Q: How much does a CPA earn compared to a regular accountant?
Ans: A CPA earns USD 93,068 on average, which falls somewhere between what entry-level and high-level accountants earn. They can’t exactly be called mid-level accounting officials, as their salaries are significantly higher than those of entry-level accountants and slightly lower than those of top-level accountants.

Q: Do accountants in finance earn more than those in government?
Ans: Yes, accountants in the finance sector usually earn more than those in the government sector; however, the jobs in the government sector often come with additional perks and benefits.

Q: Is a master’s degree necessary for a higher salary in accounting?
Ans: Ideally, yes. A Master’s in Accounting equips you with the skills, expertise, mindset, and confidence befitting top accounting roles. While a Bachelor’s degree offers you strong foundational knowledge, a Master’s degree helps you with advanced skills.

Q: Which state in the US offers the highest pay for accountants?
Ans: New York offers the highest pay to accountants. Other high-paying US states in the category are New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The pay packet may vary widely based on the costs of living in these states.

Q: How much can senior-level accountants in the US expect to earn?
Ans: Senior-level accountants can expect to earn between USD 1,08,046 and USD 1,64,531, depending on their skills, respective job roles, academic background, company policies, and location.