The decision to pursue the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) qualification can be a major step in advancing your accounting career. The CPA credential can have a pretty significant impact on your earnings, career progression, and professional opportunities.
One of the main reasons accounting professionals decide to become a CPA is to help them achieve a higher level of salary and compensation. In this article we’ll take a look at how much you might expect to earn as a CPA, and how exactly it can impact your earning potential.
How Much Does a CPA Make?
The average base salary of a Certified Public Accountant in the US is $101k per year. That’s according to data collected by payscale.com from over 30,000 industry professionals, as of January 2025.
However, according to the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants), the average total pay for a CPA in the US is higher, at $161,535. That’s inclusive of bonuses, which are around 12% on average.
Over three-quarters (76%) of CPAs expect to receive a bonus each year. On top of these bonuses CPA roles often offer additional benefits and compensation including stock options, pension/retirement contributions, and health and dental coverage.
All of that means the total compensation CPAs can achieve is on average well into six figures per year.
Does CPA Increase Salary?
For the majority of candidates, one of the main reasons to become CPA certified is to earn a higher salary. But does the CPA designation actually increase salary? Well for most people, yes it does.
The added qualifications, expertise, and credibility that come with being a CPA usually make these professionals more highly valued by employers than non-certified accountants. The CPA designation can therefore lead to a healthy increase in salary, particularly in more specialized fields or sectors, and at more senior levels.
Average CPA Salary vs Non-CPA Accountants
Compared to individuals who have completed bachelor’s or master’s level degrees in accounting, adding a CPA qualification can lead to an increase in salary of around 20%, on average.
| Qualification Level | Average US Salary (Jan. 2025) |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting | $79k |
| Master’s Degree in Accounting | $81k |
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA) | $101k |
Salary data from PayScale.com
This increase in salary that a CPA can expect to achieve over a non-CPA accountant represents an average over all stages of a career. However, typically the difference would be a little lower at the early stages of a career (around 10%), but higher at more senior levels, particularly where a CPA license is a requirement.
Non-CPA Accountants
An individual with an accounting degree but without a CPA license typically earns less than a licensed CPA. The typical salary for non-CPA qualified accountants ranges from around $50,000 up to $150,000 annually, depending on the job role, industry, and experience.
CPA Salary Range
For CPAs, the salary range is broader, but generally higher, with entry-level positions starting around $55,000 to $70,000. As CPAs gain more experience, they should expect to see their salary increase to anywhere anywhere from $80,000 to $150,000. In senior or specialized roles, CPAs can earn $150,000 to $200,000+ annually.
This is pretty consistent with research carried out by the AICPA (American Institute of CPAs) which indicates that non-CPA accountants typically earn 10-20% less than their CPA-licensed counterparts. This increase starts to become even more pronounced in specialized accounting or managerial roles.
| Average salary at 5 Years | Average salary at 10 Years | Average salary at 10 Years + | |
| Non-CPA Accountant | $50k – $70k | $75k – $90k | $100k – $150k |
| CPA Accountant | $70k – $90k | $80k – $150k | $150k – $200k+ |
Factors Affecting CPA Salary
There’s no doubt that earning a CPA can have a positive impact on salary. But simply achieving the qualification isn’t the end of the story. The truth is that CPA salaries can vary quite significantly, which is perhaps why average salary figures differ between surveys.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important factors that can influence the level of compensation a CPA will earn.
How Industry Affects CPA Salary
The industry you work in can have a significant impact on your salary as a CPA. Some of the most common sectors CPAs work in include:
Public Accounting
In this sector, CPAs will provide accounting services to clients including individuals, businesses, and government departments. Services can be general or specialised and include consulting, tax assistance and auditing.
CPAs working in public accounting firms often start with salaries between $60,000 and $80,000. However, as they gain experience and move up to managerial or partner roles, salaries can rise significantly, even reaching $200,000+ for partners in larger firms. At the top end it’s not unrealistic for partners in some parts of the US to achieve salaries in excess of $500,000.
The salary range of CPAs working in public accounting is fairly broad due to the type of services offered, and the size and number of clients that the firm has.
Corporate Finance/Accounting
In corporate finance, CPAs work in house for businesses in a wide range of industries covering everything from finance and health to technology and manufacturing. They can be found in a range of accounting and more specialized roles, including financial analysts, tax specialists and auditing.
CPAs working in private industry can see starting salaries between $70,000 and $90,000, with significant increases as they gain experience. Senior financial roles such as CFOs (Chief Financial Officers) in large companies often exceed $250,000 annually.
Like public accounting, there’s quite a large range of salaries that CPAs can achieve in corporate finance based on the company and industry they work for and the areas they specialize in.
Government & Non-profit
CPAs are also in demand from government bodies and a range of non-profit organizations where they can work in a range of accounting roles such as budgeting, auditing, taxation and compliance.
CPAs working in government or non-profit sectors sometimes earn less compared to those in public accounting or corporate finance. However, they can still expect competitive salaries, ranging from $60,000 to $90,000 at mid-level positions, rising to around $150,000 to $200,000 with more experience and seniority.
CPAs who develop skills in specialized areas like forensic accounting can also expect to see their salaries increase over those in more general fields.
How CPA Salary Differs By Location
As you would probably expect, CPA salary varies by location. Higher salaries tend to be found in places where the cost of living is higher and there is more demand for CPAs such as New York City, San Francisco, or Washington D.C. In contrast, regions with a lower cost of living tend to offer slightly lower salaries.
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the top paying states for accountants and auditors in 2023 were as follows:
| State | Annual Mean Wage |
| New York | $113,310 |
| District of Columbia | $113,190 |
| New Jersey | $110,700 |
| California | $100,560 |
| Massachusetts | $99,360 |
Considering that the numbers in the table above include salaries for all accounting and auditing roles (including both CPA and non-CPA), and that CPA salaries have increased 7% in the last 12 months (according to the AICPA), we can assume that CPA salaries in these locations are actually a bit higher.
In fact, the AICPA reports that the average CPA salary in New York is now around $190k, inclusive of bonus.
Even within the same state, CPA salary can vary quite significantly. As you’d probably expect, those working in major cities and metropolitan areas will usually be paid more than those working in smaller towns.
To put this into context, let’s review some data from the California Society of CPAs (CalCPA):
- The average salary for a CPA in the state of California is $95,154
- The average salary of a CPA in the San Francisco area is $122,068, with bonuses and other benefits bringing total pay to $190,390
As this shows, total compensation for a CPA qualified accountant in a major city like San Francisco can be around double the average salary for a CPA in the state. Of course, the cost of living (rent) can be a lot higher in major cities than more rural areas, but it’s certainly worth thinking carefully about where you want to work once you’ve qualified as a CPA.
Impact of Experience on CPA Salary
As with most professions, experience is a significant factor in determining salary. A CPA with 5-10 years of experience can expect a significant salary increase over someone just starting their career.
As a CPA rises through the ranks they’ll typically take on more responsibilities and oversee a team of more junior employees. These managerial and leadership roles often come with substantial salary boosts.
Salaries will typically continue to grow throughout the career of a CPA. Examples of higher level positions (which typically come with the highest salaries) include:
- C-suite positions such as CFO of a major company
- Owner or partner at a public accounting firm
- Senior financial role in government.
Ballpark figures for CPA salary based on experience are as follows:
| CPA Career Level | Experience | Salary Expectations |
| Entry Level | 0-5 Years | $55k – $70k |
| Mid-Career | 5-10 Years | $70k – $90k |
| Senior Career | 10 Years + | $80k – $150k |
| Leadership/Partner | 10 Years + | $150k – $200k+ |
Specialization as a CPA
CPAs who specialize in areas like forensic accounting, tax, or audit tend to earn more than those in more general accounting roles. Highly specialized CPAs in fields such as forensic accounting, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), or international tax may command even higher salaries due to the complexity and demand for their expertise.
There’s no doubt it can take time to gain the experience needed to become more specialized as a CPA. However, if you’re thinking about pursuing this certification, it’s worth considering where your interests lie and looking for roles (and even additional qualifications) that will help to equip you with more specialized expertise for the CPA career path you’d like to follow.
Let’s take a look at a few examples of higher earning CPA specializations:
Forensic Accountant Salary
Forensic accountants specialize in investigating financial crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering. The nature of the work involves highly specialized knowledge of both accounting principles and investigative techniques, and can typically command a bump in salary over less specialized accounting roles.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $77,250 in 2022. While the BLS doesn’t have a specific category for forensic accountants, the salary data for accountants and auditors working in legal and investigative services can range widely.
- For example, the 2023 AICPA Compensation Survey reveals that forensic accountants can earn anywhere from $70,000 to over $150,000 depending on experience and firm size.
- As another data point to consider, PayScale (which gathers data from thousands of survey respondents) states that the average annual salary range for a forensic accountant in the US is approximately $70,000 to $140,000.
- According to Salary.com, the average salary for a forensic accountant in the U.S. is around $83,000 to $133,000, depending on experience and location.
- Data from Robert Half (a staffing agency serving the accounting and financial sectors) suggests forensic accountants can earn from around $85,000 to $122,000 depending on their specific role and level of experience.
Tax Accountant Salary
CPAs who specialize in taxation can focus on various areas such as corporate tax, international tax, and tax compliance. These roles often require expertise in tax laws, tax reduction strategies, and keeping up with constantly changing regulations.
Tax law can be very complex, and the ability to navigate global tax regulations and compliance requirements is highly valued. International tax planning, in particular, requires specialized knowledge of cross-border tax issues and treaties, making these roles highly lucrative.
- According to the AICPA, tax managers and senior tax professionals can earn between $100,000 and $150,000, with international tax roles going beyond $200,000 per year.
- Meanwhile, data from Robert Half puts the average salary of tax managers at between $90,000 and $160,000, with senior professionals earning higher salaries based on their expertise and firm size.
- The employment website Glassdoor.com suggests that senior tax professionals can earn from $120,000 to $200,000, especially in larger firms or companies.
- Salary.com puts the average salary for a tax manager in the U.S. between $120,000 and $180,000.
- According to PayScale, A tax manager in the US can earn between $85,000 and $150,000, with international tax professionals earning even higher salaries, ranging up to $250,000 or more.
CPA Auditor Salary
CPAs working in audit focus on examining and evaluating financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards. Internal auditors work within organizations to assess financial risks and internal controls.
They need specialized knowledge to conduct audits of complex financial records, particularly in large corporations or public companies, and these skills are often highly sought after. For those involved in auditing at large firms, or in high-profile sectors (e.g. finance, tech, or healthcare), the compensation can be substantial.
- While audit specialists at entry and mid level can expect to earn a similar amount to other types of accounting specialists, the AICPA found that audit partners at large firms (e.g. Big 4) can earn between $300,000 and $700,000, depending on performance and seniority.
- According to PayScale, the typical salary range for an audit manager is about $90,000 to $125,000, however senior audit positions do earn significantly more.
- Data from the Robert Half Salary Guide suggests audit managers earn between $90,000 and $160,000.
CPA Salary in Mergers & Acquisitions
While it’s a little bit different from a typical accounting role, CPAs who specialize in M&A often handle highly complex transactions that require deep financial analysis, negotiation skills, and understanding of market dynamics. The stakes are high, and successful transactions can generate substantial revenue, making this field often very well paid.
- According to Salary.com, the pay for M&A roles such as M&A Analyst or Associate typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000, with bonuses that can push it even higher. For M&A Directors or Senior Consultants, salaries can go beyond $250,000 depending on the deal volume.
- Robert Half suggests the salary for M&A accountants and consultants ranges from $80,000 to $200,000, with senior roles pushing higher.
- Meanwhile, Glassdoor tells us that M&A professionals in mid to senior-level roles can earn $100,000 to $250,000 and up, depending on bonuses and firm size.
CPA Salary in Government Accounting
CPAs working in government accounting (federal, state or local level) deal with public funds and ensure that government entities comply with laws and regulations. Government roles often require a strong understanding of public sector regulations and accounting standards (like GASB). In general, the higher the level of responsibility in managing public funds, the more valuable and well-compensated the role.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial managers (such as controllers or those equivalent to CFO level) in larger federal agencies typically earn significantly higher salaries, often ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 or more.
- Data from Salary.com highlights that government auditors with 5-10 years of experience can earn between $85,000 and $120,000, with senior roles in larger government entities earning more. Meanwhile, a government controller can earn from $100,000 to $150,000, with senior-level roles reaching up to $200,000.
- According to a 2022 survey by the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers, and Treasurers (NASACT), state government comptrollers and auditors earn between $100,000 and $180,000, with some senior positions going beyond $200,000.
Big 4 Accounting Salary
The Big 4 accounting firms – Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG – are known for offering some of the highest salaries in the accounting industry, especially for those in managerial and senior roles. These firms provide extensive opportunities for career advancement and pay competitive salaries, particularly for CPAs or those pursuing CPA certification.
A CPA working at a Big 4 firm may be involved in audit, tax, consulting or assurance, and data from training provider UWorld reveals average CPA salaries at these firms is as follows:
| Firm | Average CPA Salary |
| PwC | $132,063 |
| KPMG | $130,744 |
| EY | $124,787 |
| Deloitte | $123,640 |
Big 4 CPA Salary Progression
Securing a role at one of the Big 4 is a goal for a lot of CPA candidates. As well as offering some of the highest levels of compensation in the industry, the Big 4 firms usually provide good prospects for progression.
Spending some time working at one of the Big 4 also looks pretty good on a resume, which can open up some attractive exit opportunities if/when a CPA decides it’s time to move on.
| Role at a Big 4 Firm | CPA Salary Range | What’s Involved? |
| Entry-Level Associate (New Graduate) | $55,000 – $75,000 | New CPAs or graduates starting at the Big 4 typically earn this range, depending on location and firm. |
| Audit or Tax Associate | $60,000 – $85,000 | Entry-level associates in audit or tax departments; may include bonuses and benefits. |
| Senior Associate | $80,000 – $110,000 | CPAs with 2-3 years of experience in the Big 4; can be in audit, tax, or advisory roles. |
| Manager (Audit/Tax/Consulting) | $120,000 – $160,000 | Managers oversee teams and projects; responsible for client interaction and delivering financial reports. |
| Senior Manager | $150,000 – $200,000 | Senior managers lead multiple engagements, ensure quality control, and may oversee larger teams or offices. |
| Director | $175,000 – $250,000 | Directors have significant responsibilities, often managing key clients or large projects in the audit, tax, or consulting departments. |
| Partner | $300,000 – $700,000+ | Partners have equity in the firm, manage large accounts, and make high-level strategic decisions. Their salaries are highly performance-dependent and include significant bonuses. |
The Long-Term Salary Growth with a CPA
Future prospects for CPAs look pretty bright, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting growth within the accounting and auditing sector at 6% between 2023 and 2033. That’s 50% above the average for all occupations, which is projected to be 4% over the same period.
Combine this with the fact that for an existing accounting professional the CPA designation can significantly accelerate career progression, and expectations for salary growth over the longer-term look good.
As a CPA’s experience and expertise grows, the certification should enable them to take on more complex and higher-paying roles such as accounting manager, tax manager, or finance director. The most senior roles in accounting, such as CFOs and partners in accounting firms, often require a CPA license and come with significant compensation.
Additional Benefits of Being a CPA
While salary is obviously a big factor when it comes to choosing a qualification to help boost your career, it’s not the only factor that counts. CPAs typically enjoy a range of other benefits as well as a bump in salary:
- Job Security: The CPA designation provides job stability and is highly regarded across industries. CPAs are in demand, and having this credential increases your employability.
- Versatility: Being a CPA opens doors to various career paths, including auditing, tax, consulting, financial management, and more. It also enables you to work in a wide range of industries, enabling you to be involved with something you’re passionate about.
- Career Progression: While CPA career progression doesn’t always follow a rigid structure, it’s typical to achieve promotions as you become more experienced. CPAs also have the flexibility to move into executive roles (such as CFO) or to start their own firms.
- Lifestyle Compatibility: CPAs are in demand throughout the US and in other countries around the world. This means it shouldn’t be too difficult to locate where suits you. Many CPA roles also offer flexible or hybrid home/office working, which is popular with a lot of people.
CPA Salary vs Other Financial Qualifications
If you’re an accounting graduate or already working in the accounting sector, then a CPA might make sense as the next logical step in your career.
But there are of course a wide range of other qualifications that you may wish to consider, particularly if you’re thinking about switching financial careers into something like investment banking or consulting.
Let’s see how CPA salaries stack up against those possible with other qualifications:
| Qualification/Certification | Average US Base Salary | Average US Salary Range |
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | $101k | $63k – $182k |
| CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) | $106k | $66k – $186k |
| CMA (Certified Management Accountant) | $102k | $67k – $181k |
| CFP (Certified Financial Planner) | $80k | $50k – $132k |
| FRM (Financial Risk Manager) | $115k | $54k – $185k |
| CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) | $110k | $61k – $182k |
Salary data from PayScale.com
Final Thoughts for Prospective CPA Candidates
While the cost and time commitment to obtain a CPA can be significant (including exam prep, education, and work experience – which actually differs slightly between states in the US), the long-term salary increase and career growth opportunities generally offer an extremely attractive ROI.
If you’re an existing accounting professional considering the CPA exam, the salary increase alone could make the investment worthwhile. A CPA designation will likely open doors for higher-level roles, specialization opportunities, and management positions, all of which carry higher salaries.
If you’re considering a finance degree at college or university and are wondering about the potential benefits of becoming a CPA, keep in mind that some other finance-related roles such as analysts and consultants can also benefit from the knowledge and credibility a CPA provides.
While not strictly required for every finance role, the CPA designation is an excellent way to increase your earning potential and career flexibility, particularly if you’re set on an accounting career path.
Hope you found the CPA salary guide above useful! Are you considering the CPA designation? Let us know in the comment below.
Meanwhile, check out these other CPA articles which you may find interesting:
