Salary and Demand
Every business, organization and overpaid celebrity needs a CPA.
From the smallest start-ups to the biggest government agencies to the Paris Hiltons of the world, every moneymaking body requires the skills of a CPA. The CPA credential is highly respected and internationally recognized. To a potential employer, it means high ethical standards, valuable experience, a superior education and crazy good skills. And employers are willing to pay for that.
The getting is good
Take a look at the average salaries for college graduates in public and private accounting. Keep in mind if you also have a CPA license, you’ll make 10-15% more when you start out.
| Jr. Level (0 - 3 yrs.) | Sr. Level | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Services | Public Accounting | $40,500-$93,500 | $62,000-$115,500 |
| Audit/Assurance Services | Public Accounting | $40,500-$85,250 | $54,250-$103,500 |
| Tax Accountant | Corporate Accounting | $44,750-$104,500 | $74,750-$131,250 |
| Compliance Analyst | Corporate Accounting | $65,750-$106,000 | $75,250-$128,500 |
| Financial Analyst | Corporate Accounting | $44,250-$107,750 | $70,250-$134,750 |
| Business Analyst | Corporate Accounting | $43,250-$115,250 | $79,500-$147,750 |
| Data Analyst | Corporate Accounting | $45,750-$118,750 | $81,250-$153,250 |
| Internal Auditor | Corporate Accounting | $39,750-$98,250 | $77,750-$124,250 |
| IT Auditor | Corporate Accounting | $43,750-$122,000 | $78,500-$150,500 |
| Financial Reporting | Corporate Accounting | $51,250-$96,250 | $74,000-$123,750 |
| Financial Systems Project Manager | Corporate Accounting | $83,750-$183,250 | $83,750-$183,250 |
| Forensic Accountant | Corporate Accounting | $78,750-$149,750 | $78,750-$149,750 |
Serious earning potential over time gives CPAs great job security. Here are some examples of upper-level salaries for managers in corporate accounting:
| Position | Range |
|---|---|
| Chief Financial Officer | $122,000-$500,500 |
| VP of Finance | $110,500-$404,250 |
| Corporate Controller | $106,500-$264,000 |
| Tax Manager | $94,250-$167,250 |
(Geographic region, experience, education, CPA certification and company size each play a role in determining salary.)
You’re hired
CPAs are consistently well paid because they’re consistently in demand. And when you’re in demand, you can count on career stability, a competitive salary and lots of chances to advance. The Department of Labor and Statistics predicts employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The growth will mainly be to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. The best job opportunities will be for accountants and auditors who have an accounting degree and CPA license.
CPAs are needed anywhere and everywhere. Here’s what you can expect to be paid starting out where you live:
| Boston | $54,270 - $101,505 |
|---|---|
| New York | $56,902 - $106,429 |
| Miami | $42,930 - $80,295 |
| Chicago | $50,220 - $93,930 |
| Denver | $44,955 - $84,083 |
| San Diego | $57,105 - $106,808 |
| Dallas | $44,955 - $84,083 |
Go FROM CPA TO CHA-CHING!
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