A CPA's salary is often in the high five figures, with senior CPAs in management earning six figures. CPAs work in a variety of sectors, including forensic accounting, tax preparation, auditing, bookkeeping, and information technology, in both the commercial and public sectors, as well as for the federal government. Being a CPA may lead to a career as a chief financial officer or a highly-paid tax accountant with the appropriate amount of experience.

Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not separate CPA wages from its data on accountants and auditors, the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) mentions a Robert Half report stating a credentialed CPA often makes more.

In 2023, the median compensation for an accountant was $79,880.

General Accounting vs. CPA Careers

All CPAs are accountants but not vice versa and becoming an accountant is way simpler than becoming a CPA. Because of the rigorous criteria of the CPA qualification, they are often better educated than their counterparts. Keeping this in mind, broad accounting salaries are deceptive. A significant distinction between an ordinary accountant and a CPA is that only the latter can prepare an audited financial statement. This is a major reason why CPAs are in high demand in large corporations that require audited financial statements.

Certified public accountants can seek employment in multinational financial corporations or the government and often earn more than non-certified accountants.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median U.S. pay for accountants and auditors in May 2021 was $77,250 which grew to $79,880 in 2023. An increase of 3.4% in 2 years. Lowest 10% earners in accounting and audit domain made less than $47,970 and those in the highest 10% earned more than $128,970.

That's a wide range because the word "accountant" encompasses people with varying levels of responsibility. CPAs are often senior accountants and auditors with significant degrees of responsibility. CPAs are often on the higher end of this compensation range due to their increased obligations. According to the American Institute of CPAs, CPAs may have greater flexibility than their counterparts due to the cyclical nature of their profession.

CPA Salary Ranges

CPA Salary by State

Zip Recruiter reported CPA salaries between $104,176 and $68,736 depending upon state and locality. Top 5 places for accountants include;

CPA Salaries by Years of Experience

Entry-Level CPA

The typical salary for entry-level CPAs ranges from $46,000 to $68,000, according to the Accounting Institute for Success, depending on the size of the organization.

Senior-Level CPA

A CPA with more than four years of experience may earn $66,000 to $110,000, depending on their expertise.

Manager or Director with a CPA

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that top executives make between $60,300 and $208,000 annually. Executive management positions are another top position for CPAs with experience, and these positions can pay six figures.

The median salary for top executives in 2021, as reported by the BLS, was $179,520.

What Are CPA Salaries at the Big 4?

The "Big Four" refers to the four largest accounting companies in the United States based on revenue: Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and KPMG.

All four enterprises provide tax and management consultancy, legal advice, valuation, market research, and assurance. The 25th percentile of accounting wages for all four organizations, according to ZipRecruiter, is approximately $70,000, while the 75th percentile is over $125,000. The national average is around $100,000, albeit the data does not expressly state the average pay of CPAs.

Is CPA a Good Career Choice?

Many accounting experts believe that becoming a CPA is a smart choice. Nonetheless, it makes the most sense for people looking to further their careers in accounting. Earning a CPA credential, and hence a good CPA income, requires time and effort.

CPAs are required by employers for many senior-level finance roles because they demonstrate passion and intellect. As a result, the biggest monetary advantage of a CPA may come years later. Non-management CPAs should expect to make up to 15% more than their peers, but they can also expect longer hours and more responsibilities and pressure.