Accountant Salary in 2026
Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensure tax compliance, and provide advisory services. They work in public accounting, corporate finance, and government agencies.
Median Salary
$77,000
$6,417/mo
Entry Level
$53,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$103,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
Accountant Overview
Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensure tax compliance, and provide advisory services. They work in public accounting, corporate finance, and government agencies.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Finance
Total Jobs (US)
1.4M
5-Year Growth
+14%
Category
Finance
Hourly Rate
$37.02/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,417
Accountant Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Accountant salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Accountant Salary
$86,000
$7,167/month · $3,308/biweekly · $41.35/hr
Accountant Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Accountant field.
Entry-level Accountants earn around $53,000, while the top 10% earn $116,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Accountants
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $91,000 | +$14,000 |
| New York | $89,000 | +$12,000 |
| Illinois | $80,000 | +$3,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $77,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $75,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Accountants
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $91,000 | +$14,000 |
| Los Angeles | $86,000 | +$9,000 |
| Chicago | $81,000 | +$4,000 |
| Philadelphia | $79,000 | +$2,000 |
| Houston | $76,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Accountant Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Accountant from entry level to expert.
$53,000
0-2 years
$78,000
3-7 years
$103,000
8-14 years
$129,000
15+ years
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Accountant Salary FAQ
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