How much does a Accountant make in 2026?
The national median Accountant salary is $78,000 per year. Accountants prepare and review financial records, ensure tax compliance, and advise businesses on financial planning.
Accountant salary by city
Median pay across 10 major US metros — sorted by highest to lowest. Click any city for a full breakdown.
| City | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $110,800 | View → |
| Seattle, WA | $101,400 | View → |
| New York, NY | $99,800 | View → |
| Los Angeles, CA | $89,700 | View → |
| Austin, TX | $87,400 | View → |
| Denver, CO | $85,800 | View → |
| Chicago, IL | $82,700 | View → |
| Houston, TX | $81,100 | View → |
| Miami, FL | $77,200 | View → |
| Phoenix, AZ | $76,400 | View → |
What does a Accountant do?
Accountants prepare and review financial records, ensure tax compliance, and advise businesses on financial planning.
- Prepare financial statements
- File tax returns
- Audit accounts
- Reconcile records
- Advise on tax strategy
How to become a Accountant
A bachelor's in accounting is standard. Becoming a CPA requires additional credit hours and a state licensing exam.
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FAQ — Accountant salary
What is the average Accountant salary in the United States?+
The national median Accountant salary is $78,000 per year, based on the latest BLS OEWS data (May 2024 BLS OEWS).
Which US city pays Accountants the most?+
San Francisco, CA currently pays the highest at a median of $110,800/yr — roughly 42% above the national average. Adjust for cost of living before deciding to relocate.
How much does an entry-level Accountant make?+
Entry-level Accountants typically earn around $72,000 in top-paying metros and 64% of the median nationally.
How fast is the Accountant job market growing?+
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about average growth of +4% over the next 10 years.
Do I need a degree to be a Accountant?+
A bachelor's in accounting is standard. Becoming a CPA requires additional credit hours and a state licensing exam.
Are you being paid fairly?
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