Certified Public Accountant CPA Salary in 2025

Also, you’ll need to factor that living in Manhattan will be significantly more expensive than cities like Albany or Buffalo. “In audit and tax, very specifically, job satisfaction has increased steadily since 2023,” said Piscopo. “Audit had the lowest starting point, but those two have shown the most steady improvement.” The amount that a CPA is paid is based on various factors; the number of years of experience that you have and the type of work that you have done play a role in determining your salary level. Tax Accountants, Cost Accountants, and General Accountants with a similar level of experience can also earn salaries in this range.

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The prerequisite for most states is of two years, at least, of experience in public accounting before crossing the eligibility of a candidate to get the post of a CPA. At the stage of a junior accountant, one may be preparing to get certified as a CPA or is already a CPA. According to the Robert Half Salary Guide, entry-level tax accountants with up to 1 year of experience make about $44,500-$82,250.

Government and Non-Profit CPA Salaries

While money alone isn’t the sole factor driving accounting career decisions, it continues to play a fundamental role. Below is a chart of average public accounting salaries based on title/experience. It’s clear to see how your CPA license will provide a significant salary boost early on in your career. That’s a huge range because the title broadly covers varying responsibilities.

The typical starting salary for a CPA in the United States ranges from $50,000 to $65,000 annually. This figure can vary based on factors such as the geographic location of the job, the size of the firm, and the specific industry sector. Certified public accountants perform tax services for small and large companies, individuals, trusts, and non-profit organizations every year. These services range from preparing income and sales tax returns to complying with quarterly and unemployment insurance reporting.

CPA Salary and Career Guide

Due to the clients that they frequently service in different geographical locations, external auditors travel extensively. Internal auditors (in-house) also travel frequently, but it is typically only between the various offices or branches of the company. The average annual salary in the District of Columbia is $96,880, the highest in the country. New York is next ($95,430), followed by New Jersey ($91,400), Virginia ($84,740), and California ($83,540). Credit analysts with 5+ years of experience can earn between $67,750 and $129,000. Again, you would need to have a very high degree of expertise to get an offer of $100,000 or more.

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At this point in your career, you will have begun to develop areas of focus and expertise, and your employment title will most likely reflect your specialization. Salaries in this phase of your professional development might range from $74,750 to $102,000. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average CPA salary, without bonuses, is around $119,000 per year. CPAs with less than one year of experience earn an average of $78,000 a year, while those with more than 20 years of experience earn an average of $150,000 annually. Meanwhile, CPAs in Kansas earn an average of $75,885 per year4 ($37,425 less than the average in New York).

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According to the BLS, these top-paying states can significantly impact your CPA salary after earning your CPA license. When considering a CPA career, it’s crucial to understand how your experience level impacts your salary. Leadership skills and the ability to navigate complex financial landscapes are essential at this stage. Senior CPAs play a key role in steering organizations through regulatory challenges and financial planning, making them indispensable—and their compensation reflects the high stakes of their roles.

Large public accounting firms, known as the “Big Four” (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG), typically offer competitive salaries and structured career development programs, attracting top talent. When you are being interviewed for a job, it is often possible to get your prospective employer to raise the salary offer that is made initially. Of course, large corporations or the Big Four accounting firms may be unwilling to negotiate the salary package if you are applying for your first job. And if you are switching jobs, the likelihood of getting the company to increase the proposed annual salary is stronger. Larger public accounting firms typically do not take on smaller accounts and only work on larger company returns and tax compliance issues. The first major verdict a fresher takes is to choose between public/corporate or private/management accounting.

In high-cost areas like New York City, San Francisco, or Washington D.C., CPAs can expect higher salaries to compensate for the higher cost of living. CPAs are known for their expertise in accounting standards, tax laws, and financial consultation, making them invaluable assets in various sectors. One of the most frequently asked questions by aspiring CPAs and accounting students is about the earning potential in this profession. CPAs, basically, keep and examine financial accounts for government bodies, individual customers, and companies.

• In terms of accountants average salary prospects for these CPAs, it does make a difference when you make the switch.
• For highly profitable industries or those specializing in niches with high demand, you can expect to get paid more.
• ManagerAdvancement beyond the senior level generally requires obtaining CPA certification.

That said, CPAs can also choose to make their careers in any one of a wide range of different industries. Non-tangible benefits may also include flexible working hours, opportunities for remote work, and professional development resources. The extent of these benefits usually depends on the employer and the specific terms of the CPA’s employment contract. This demand, coupled with continuous developments in the accounting profession, indicates a steady or increasing trend in CPA salaries. More than 6 years in the average cpa industry fetches a person a senior position with a salary ranging between $72,000–$1,52,000. For a fresher or till 3 years of experience, a non-certified accountant earns approximately $31,000 to $66,000.

• If you’re in private accounting and want to make the leap to work for KPMG, you might be wondering what the average CPA salary is for this firm.
• This difference highlights that, in the accounting profession, deciding not to pursue certifications and licensures will significantly stunt your earning potential.
• This could mean that they have been working in a low-competition industry, or that there is a need for greater development of critical skills.
• Certified public accountants are in demand and often more educated than general accountants, but they work long hours, especially during tax time, if they work in taxation.

Understanding these global averages can help you make informed decisions about where to take your CPA skills. Bonus structures and perks play a crucial role in enhancing the overall compensation package for Big Four CPAs. If you’re considering this route, remember that your commitment to service can lead to a rewarding career while still enjoying solid compensation.