CPA Salary
The average salary for a CPA is much higher than the average accountant salary or other similar career choices. Find out all you need to know about CPA salaries here!
How Much Do Accountants Make?
| Average Accountant Salary | Average CPA Salary |
|---|---|
| $50,129* per year (excluding bonuses) | $119,000* per year (excluding bonuses) |
| Average CPA Salary by Percentile |
|---|
Factors That Determine CPA Salary
Years' Experience
Earning your accounting degree allows you to jump into the profession in a variety of industries with a solid starting salary. But did you know that obtaining your CPA license can open up the door to more promotions, managerial opportunities, and a higher salary? On average, CPAs earn 5-10% more than their uncertified counterparts.
Company Size
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, states that employment of accountants and auditors is expected to increase by 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is faster than the average for all other occupations. BLS attributes the positive employment outlook to the continued demand for qualified professionals who are able to prepare and examine financial records during economic growth.
CPA Salary Outlook
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Public Accountant Salaries
Below is a chart of average public accounting salaries based on percentile and title/experience. See how having your CPA license gives you a major increase in salary right off the bat.
| Title / Experience | Percentile | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25th | 50th | 75% | 95% | |
| Tax Services | ||||
| Senior Manager / Director | $110,250 | $132,000 | $158,750 | $210,000 |
| Manager | $85,000 | $102,000 | $122,500 | $162,250 |
| Senior | $58,500 | $70,000 | $84,250 | $111,500 |
| 1 to 3 Years | $47,000 | $56,500 | $68,000 | $90,000 |
| Up to 1 Year | $38,500 | $46,000 | $55,250 | $73,250 |
| Audit/Assurance Services | ||||
| Senior Manager / Director | $108,250 | $129,750 | $156,000 | $206,500 |
| Manager | $73,750 | $88,500 | $106,500 | $140,750 |
| Senior | $52,500 | $63,000 | $75,750 | $100,250 |
| 1 to 3 Years | $42,500 | $51,000 | $61,250 | $81,250 |
| Up to 1 Year | $38,500 | $46,000 | $55,250 | $73,250 |
Big 4 Accounting Firm Salaries
Deloitte
PwC
Average Salary: $74,000
EY
Average Salary: $76,000
KPMG
Average Salary: $70,000
Top 10 Cities for Accountants
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CPA Salaries Q&A FAQ
The average salary of an accountant is just over $50k. There is a substantial difference in salary if one moves from being an accountant to a CPA, which has an average salary of $119k.
CPA Exam Resources
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