Accountant Salary in the United States
Based on 1.4M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$82,597
$39.71/hr
▲ 3.6% vs 2024Salary Range
$55K – $135K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
1.4M
workers nationwide
The median Accountant salary in the United States is $82,597 annually, which equates to approximately $40 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with half of accountants earning more and half earning less. With over 1.4 million employed accountants, this is a significant and vital profession within the U.S. economy.
Several factors influence an Accountant salary in the United States. Experience level is a primary driver, as is the specific industry and the size of the company. Location also plays a crucial role, with certain states and metropolitan areas offering higher compensation, and specialized certifications can significantly boost earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Accountant
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $55,126 |
| 25th percentile | $66,613 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $82,597 |
| 75th percentile | $106,014 |
| 90th percentile | $134,991 |
Accountant Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Accountant
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $111,530 | +35.0% | 10K |
| 2 | New York | $102,640 | +24.3% | 110K |
| 3 | New Jersey | $100,830 | +22.1% | 42K |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $99,460 | +20.4% | 46K |
| 5 | Connecticut | $97,550 | +18.1% | 17K |
| 6 | California | $97,050 | +17.5% | 175K |
| 7 | Colorado | $97,030 | +17.5% | 35K |
| 8 | Washington | $96,550 | +16.9% | 35K |
| 9 | Rhode Island | $95,820 | +16.0% | 7K |
| 10 | Delaware | $95,020 | +15.0% | 7K |
Accountant Salary by Industry
How much Accountants earn across industries nationwide — Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction pays the most ($106,050 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $106,050 | +28.4% | 8K |
| 2 | Information | $99,430 | +20.4% | 35K |
| 3 | Utilities | $98,130 | +18.8% | 8K |
| 4 | Finance and Insurance | $93,290 | +12.9% | 119K |
| 5 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $91,940 | +11.3% | 105K |
| 6 | Manufacturing | $87,790 | +6.3% | 90K |
| 7 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $86,320 | +4.5% | 51K |
| 8 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $84,490 | +2.3% | 474K |
| 9 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $83,760 | +1.4% | 118K |
| 10 | Construction | $82,940 | +0.4% | 67K |
| 11 | Wholesale Trade | $82,320 | -0.3% | 69K |
| 12 | Administrative and Support Services | $81,130 | -1.8% | 71K |
| 13 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $81,080 | -1.8% | 35K |
| 14 | Retail Trade | $79,450 | -3.8% | 28K |
| 15 | Transportation and Warehousing | $79,240 | -4.1% | 24K |
| 16 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $79,230 | -4.1% | 1K |
| 17 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $78,850 | -4.5% | 63K |
| 18 | Educational Services | $78,300 | -5.2% | 52K |
| 19 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $76,990 | -6.8% | 16K |
| 20 | Accommodation and Food Services | $70,840 | -14.2% | 16K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Accountant
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Accountant roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ernst & Young | $111,491 | 1K |
| 2 | Deloitte | $101,950 | 226 |
| 3 | PwC | $147,000 | 87 |
| 4 | Goldman Sachs | $93,500 | 66 |
| 5 | KPMG | $128,800 | 21 |
| 6 | JPMorgan Chase | $137,000 | 19 |
| 7 | Amazon | $116,988 | 15 |
| 8 | Tt Commerce & Global Services | $127,840 | 10 |
Historical Salary Trend — Accountant
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $73,060 |
| 2023 | $76,751 |
| 2024 | $79,712 |
| 2025 | $82,597 |
| 2026 (projected) | $85,586 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Accountant Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $66,613 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $82,597 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $106,014 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $134,991 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for an accountant in the US?
- The salary range for accountants in the United States typically falls between $55,126 and $134,991 per year. This wide span reflects variations in experience, location, and industry.
How much do accountants make on average in the District of Columbia?
- Accountants in the District of Columbia earn a notably higher median salary, averaging $111,530 annually. This makes it the top-paying state for the profession.
Is the hourly pay for an accountant significantly different from the annual median?
- No, the hourly pay is closely aligned with the annual median salary. With a median annual income of $82,597, an accountant can expect to earn approximately $40 per hour.
How many people are employed as accountants in the United States?
- There are a substantial number of accountants employed across the nation, with the total count reaching approximately 1,449,490 individuals. This indicates a large and active job market for this profession.