Accountants and Auditors Salary in United States
Accountants and Auditors pay snapshot in United States
Accountants and auditors safeguard financial integrity by preparing statements, ensuring compliance, and delivering insights for decision-making. They balance technical standards with business advisory skills.
Core responsibilities
- Prepare financial statements and reconcile accounts in line with reporting standards
- Manage audits, internal controls, and regulatory filings
- Advise stakeholders on tax planning, budgeting, and cost optimization
- Implement accounting systems and enforce data accuracy
Core skills
- Knowledge of GAAP/IFRS and local tax regulations
- Advanced Excel, ERP, and financial reporting tools
- Analytical review and variance analysis
- Documentation and audit trail management
Median (USD)
$81,680
Annual gross compensation reference point
Median (USD)
$81,680
Converted using the latest available exchange rate
Global benchmark (USD)
$81,680
Published source: U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Accountants and Auditors
Salary Breakdown
Annual compensation converted into monthly, weekly, and hourly estimates for quick planning.
USD compensation
- Annual
- $81,680
- Monthly
- $6,807
- Weekly
- $1,571
- Hourly
- $39.27
USD compensation
- Annual
- $81,680
- Monthly
- $6,807
- Weekly
- $1,571
- Hourly
- $39.27
Experience tiers
Estimated salary ranges by career stage using local benchmarks (USD). Align your expectations with responsibilities and progression focus.
Staff Accountant / Associate
Executes reconciliations, testing, and compliance tasks under supervision
Typical experience: 0-3 years
Next focus: Pursue CPA/ACCA exams, rotate across tax and audit to build a broad base
Estimated annual pay (local)
$57,176
Estimated annual pay (USD)
$57,176
Senior Accountant / Auditor
Leads workpapers, mentors juniors, and interfaces with clients on findings
Typical experience: 4-7 years
Next focus: Own month-end close, manage audit engagements, and improve internal controls
Estimated annual pay (local)
$81,680
Estimated annual pay (USD)
$81,680
Manager / Controller
Oversees reporting, ensures compliance across entities, and guides strategic decisions
Typical experience: 8+ years
Next focus: Drive policy updates, support system transformations, and prepare for leadership roles
Estimated annual pay (local)
$99,650
Estimated annual pay (USD)
$99,650
Career Progression Checkpoints
- Staff accountant or audit associate handling reconciliations and testing
- Senior accountant or audit senior leading engagements
- Accounting manager or controller owning reporting cycles
- Finance director, audit partner, or CFO
Next: Calculate Take-Home Pay
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What Influences Pay?
Employers weigh industry context, location, and proven expertise. Use these levers to position your value when negotiating compensation.
Public vs. corporate
Public accounting offers accelerated progression and bonuses, while corporate roles may emphasize stability and equity.
Certifications and licensure
CPA/CA credentials unlock senior titles and higher billing rates.
Industry specialization
Expertise in financial services, energy, or technology boosts compensation due to complex regulations.
Busy season premiums
Firms may offer retention bonuses or overtime pay during regulatory deadlines.
Credentials That Stand Out
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Skill Upgrades Employers Reward
- Knowledge of GAAP/IFRS and local tax regulations
- Advanced Excel, ERP, and financial reporting tools
- Analytical review and variance analysis
- Documentation and audit trail management
- Stakeholder communication and advisory mindset
Next Steps and Tools
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Open toolAccountants and Auditors Salary FAQs in United States
Concise answers to the questions candidates and hiring teams ask most often when benchmarking compensation.
How important is the CPA for salary growth?
Achieving CPA status can yield 10–20% salary uplifts and is often mandatory for advancement to senior and manager roles.
Do accountants receive bonuses?
Performance bonuses are common, especially in public accounting and corporate FP&A teams tied to financial targets.
Can automation reduce accounting salaries?
Automation shifts focus to advisory work; professionals who interpret data and guide strategy continue to command strong compensation.
How We Estimate Salaries
Figures blend public labor statistics with market calibration for United States. Median pay for accountants and auditors professionals anchors the model, while quartiles and experience multipliers show typical ranges rather than exact offers.
- Benchmark year:Data reflects 2024 reporting where available and will be reviewed annually.
- Primary source:U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Accountants and Auditors
- Global context:U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Accountants and Auditors
- Country adjustment factor:1 (baseline 2024) from U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Accountants and Auditors
Use this guide as a starting point. Company size, equity grants, benefits, and negotiation timing can shift compensation. Refresh the numbers yearly or alongside significant market changes.