Accountant Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$72,000
national median salary
$55,000 to $95,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$98,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$75,000
Boulder, CO
Lowest Paying
$54,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Accountant salary in the United States is $72,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $55,000 at the 25th percentile to $95,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $98,000, while Boulder offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. CPA licensure, industry specialization, and company size are the biggest factors.
Accountant salary by city
Skills that increase Accountant pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Accountants based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $10,080 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$10,080 per year
≈ +$9,360 per year
≈ +$8,640 per year
≈ +$7,920 per year
≈ +$7,920 per year
≈ +$7,200 per year
≈ +$7,200 per year
≈ +$6,480 per year
What you should know
CPA licensure, industry specialization, and company size are the biggest factors. Public accounting at Big Four firms pays well at entry but demands long hours. Corporate accountants in tech and finance earn 10 to 20% more than those in other industries. Experience with complex areas like international tax, M&A, or revenue recognition commands premiums.
Staff accountants start at $52,000 to $68,000, advancing to senior accountant at $70,000 to $90,000 in two to three years. Accounting managers earn $90,000 to $120,000. Controllers reach $130,000 to $175,000, and CFOs at mid size companies earn $200,000 to $350,000. Public accounting partnership offers the highest ceiling.
Bonuses of 5 to 15% are typical in corporate roles, rising to 15 to 25%+ in public accounting at manager level. Benefits include CPA exam reimbursement, busy season bonuses, and in public firms, a path to partnership with profit sharing. Tech companies add equity grants of $5,000 to $25,000.