Accountants are well-compensated professionals whose work can help companies operate efficiently and profitably. They keep accurate financial records for their employers, and can also be responsible for preparing reports such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets. These reports are essential to a company’s success and are typically based on the information collected by accountants on a daily basis. The salary that an accountant makes will vary depending on the industry they work in, their level of education and experience, as well as the number of years they have worked in the field.
According to the 2024 Robert Half Salary Guide, the demand for accounting professionals continues to outpace supply. As a result, salaries are expected to continue climbing this year. In addition, candidates are becoming more savvy about the skills they require for specific roles and expect competitive offers from employers.
This is driving an uptick in the salary of professionals with specialized accounting expertise and professional credentials, like a CPA. Those who have made the jump from public to private practice may also see higher salaries, since they will no longer be subject to pressure from clients for fees.
In terms of location, PayScale’s market data reveals that New York and Los Angeles are the cities where accountants earn the most money. However, it’s important to consider the cost of living when determining an ideal location. The sortable table below provides a ranking of the best states for accountants based on the average salary in the state, its rate of job growth, and how it compares to the median home list price. Accountant salary guide