How much more do CPAs make than regular accountants?

CPAs typically earn 10-15% more than non-certified accountants, with the gap widening at senior levels. CPAs earn an average of $10,000 to $20,000 more per year, and CPA licensure is often required for promotion to manager and above in public accounting.

Is accounting a good career?

Accounting is a stable, well-paying career with clear advancement paths. It offers job security, good work-life balance outside of tax season, and opportunities in virtually every industry. CPAs in particular enjoy strong demand and excellent earning potential.

How long does it take to become a CPA?

Becoming a CPA typically takes five to six years: four years for a bachelor's degree, one year for additional education to meet the 150-hour requirement, and one to two years of supervised work experience. The CPA exam itself requires several months of study.

How much do Big Four accountants make?

Big Four starting salaries range from $60,000 to $75,000 for staff accountants. Salaries increase to $80,000-$120,000 for seniors, $120,000-$180,000 for managers, and $200,000-$350,000+ for senior managers and directors. Partners earn $300,000 to over $1 million.

Is the CPA exam hard?

The CPA exam is considered one of the most difficult professional exams, with pass rates around 45-55% for each of the four sections. Most candidates take 12 to 18 months to pass all four sections. Dedicated study using review courses is strongly recommended.

Accountant Salary: How Much Do They Really Make?

Business & FinanceAbout as fast as average

Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensure taxes are paid properly, and help organizations manage their finances. They analyze financial data, prepare reports, conduct audits, and advise clients or management on financial decisions. Accountants work in public accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Median Salary

$79,880

Salary Range

$47,970 – $132,690

Hourly Equivalent

$38.40/hr

Growth Rate

Accountant Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level (0-2 years)$57,514

$27.65/hr

Mid Career (3-6 years)$79,880

$38.40/hr

Senior (7-12 years)$99,850

$48.00/hr

Expert (13+ years)$115,826

$55.69/hr

Accountant Salary by State (Top 10)

Rank	State	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	California	$97,454	$46.85/hr
#2	New York	$95,057	$45.70/hr
#3	Washington	$92,661	$44.55/hr
#4	Massachusetts	$91,862	$44.16/hr
#5	New Jersey	$90,264	$43.40/hr
#6	Connecticut	$88,667	$42.63/hr
#7	Maryland	$87,069	$41.86/hr
#8	Alaska	$86,270	$41.48/hr
#9	Hawaii	$85,472	$41.09/hr
#10	Oregon	$83,874	$40.32/hr

Accountant Salary by City (Top 10 Metros)

Rank	City	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	San Francisco, CA	$110,234	$53.00/hr
#2	New York City, NY	$105,442	$50.69/hr
#3	San Jose, CA	$103,844	$49.92/hr
#4	Seattle, WA	$99,850	$48.00/hr
#5	Boston, MA	$97,454	$46.85/hr
#6	Washington D.C., DC	$95,856	$46.08/hr
#7	Los Angeles, CA	$94,258	$45.32/hr
#8	Denver, CO	$89,466	$43.01/hr
#9	Austin, TX	$87,868	$42.24/hr
#10	Chicago, IL	$86,270	$41.48/hr

How to Become a Accountant

To become an accountant, you need at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Accounting programs cover financial accounting, managerial accounting, tax accounting, auditing, business law, and information systems. Most states require 150 semester hours of education to become a CPA, which is more than a standard bachelor's degree.

Many aspiring accountants complete a master's degree in accounting or an MBA with an accounting concentration to meet the 150-hour requirement and strengthen their qualifications. These graduate programs typically take one to two years and provide advanced knowledge in taxation, auditing, forensic accounting, or financial analysis.

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is the most important credential for accountants. Becoming a CPA requires meeting education requirements, passing the four-part CPA exam, and completing one to two years of supervised work experience. The CPA exam is rigorous and typically requires several months of dedicated study.

Other valuable certifications include the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) for those focused on corporate finance and management, and the Enrolled Agent (EA) designation for tax specialists. Continuing education is required to maintain these certifications, typically 40 hours per year.

Job Outlook for Accountants

4% growth — About as fast as average

The job outlook for accountants shows about 4% growth from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 126,500 openings projected annually. Accountants are needed in every industry, and the ongoing complexity of tax regulations, financial reporting requirements, and business operations ensures steady demand.

CPAs have significantly better job prospects and earning potential than non-certified accountants. The growing fields of forensic accounting, environmental accounting, and international accounting are creating new specialization opportunities. Technology is changing how accountants work, with automation handling routine tasks and creating demand for accountants who can provide advisory services.

Public accounting firms, particularly the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG), offer structured career paths from staff accountant to partner. Partners at large firms can earn $300,000 to $1 million or more. Corporate accountants can advance to controller, VP of finance, or CFO positions with experience and additional credentials.

Education & Certifications

Education Required

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

Key Certifications

CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
EA (Enrolled Agent)