How much do accountants make?
Accountants and auditors earn a median of about $81,680 per year, which works out to roughly $39 per hour (BLS, May 2024). Pay ranges from under about $52,780 for the lowest earners to over $141,420 for the top 10 percent.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (lowest 10%) | Under ~$52,780 | About $25/hour; new graduates, smaller firms, and lower-cost regions |
| Median (national) | $81,680 | About $39/hour (BLS, May 2024) |
| Mid-career (CPA, 5-10 yrs) | ~$90,000 - $115,000 | Licensed CPAs and senior accountants typically earn above the median |
| Top earners (highest 10%) | Over ~$141,420 | About $68/hour; managers, controllers, and specialized roles |
| Finance/controller track | $130,000 - $180,000+ | Accounting managers and controllers in larger organizations |
Typical accountant pay
The median annual wage for accountants and auditors was about $81,680, or roughly $39 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). Median means half of accountants earn more and half earn less, so it is the most realistic midpoint for the profession.
Earnings span a wide range. The lowest 10 percent earned under about $52,780 per year, while the top 10 percent earned over about $141,420. Entry-level staff at smaller firms cluster near the bottom of that range, while experienced CPAs, managers, and controllers reach the top.
What drives earnings
The biggest factors are experience, credentials, industry, and location. Earning a CPA license is one of the most reliable ways to raise pay, and accountants in finance, insurance, and corporate management typically earn more than those in tax prep or small-firm bookkeeping.
Geography matters too. Accountants in high-cost metro areas and at large public accounting firms earn well above the national median, while those in rural areas or small practices earn closer to or below it. Busy-season overtime and bonuses can also add meaningfully to take-home pay.
Outlook for accountants
Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow about 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with roughly 124,200 openings projected each year on average over the decade as workers retire or change careers.
Demand is supported by steady needs for tax compliance, financial reporting, and auditing across nearly every industry. Accountants who earn a CPA, develop data and technology skills, or move into management roles have the most room to grow their income.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median accountant salary?
- About $81,680 per year, or roughly $39 per hour, according to BLS data for May 2024, with half of accountants earning more and half earning less.
- Do CPAs earn more than non-CPA accountants?
- Yes. A CPA license typically raises pay, and credentialed accountants often earn well above the national median, especially in corporate finance and public accounting.
- Can accountants earn six figures?
- Yes. The top 10 percent earn over about $141,420, and accounting managers and controllers commonly reach $130,000 to $180,000 or more.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.