Accountant Salary in the United States
Based on 1.4M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$79,712
$38.323/hr
▲ 3.9% vs 2023Salary Range
$66K – $181K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
1.4M
workers nationwide
Accountant salary in the United States varies based on experience, location, and employer type. The median salary for accountants is $122,617 per year, with earnings ranging up to $154,452 annually. This data reflects compensation across 187 surveyed workers, providing insight into typical earning potential in this accounting profession.
Several factors influence accountant salary in the United States, including years of professional experience, relevant certifications like the CPA, and industry sector. Geographic location and company size also play significant roles in determining compensation packages. Additionally, specialized skills in tax preparation, audit, or forensic accounting can impact earning potential and career advancement opportunities within the field.
Salary Distribution — Accountant
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,540 |
| 25th percentile | $79,420 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,712 |
| 75th percentile | $141,540 |
| 90th percentile | $180,890 |
Accountant Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Accountant
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $103,030 | +29.3% | 10K |
| 2 | New York | $101,780 | +27.7% | 112K |
| 3 | New Jersey | $101,340 | +27.1% | 44K |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $96,580 | +21.2% | 46K |
| 5 | California | $96,360 | +20.9% | 173K |
| 6 | Washington | $96,180 | +20.7% | 37K |
| 7 | Rhode Island | $90,040 | +13.0% | 6K |
| 8 | Colorado | $90,030 | +12.9% | 36K |
| 9 | Connecticut | $89,630 | +12.4% | 17K |
| 10 | Maryland | $84,890 | +6.5% | 26K |
Historical Salary Trend — Accountant
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $73,060 |
| 2023 | $76,751 |
| 2024 | $79,712 |
| 2026 | $122,617 |
Accountant Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do accountants make per hour in the United States?
- Accountants in the United States earn a median hourly rate of $59/hour. This hourly wage reflects the median salary of $122,617 per year for the profession.
What is the median salary for accountants in the US?
- The median salary for accountants in the United States is $122,617 per year. The highest salaries reach up to $154,452 annually for top earners in the field.
Which state pays accountants the most money?
- New Jersey offers the highest pay for accountants, with a top paying average of $138,890 per year. This makes New Jersey one of the most lucrative states for accounting professionals.
What is the salary range for accountants?
- Accountant salaries in the United States range up to $154,452 per year at the high end. The median salary of $122,617 per year provides a benchmark for typical compensation in this field.