Accountants in the US earn a median of $83,680 a year in base pay. The middle half earn between $67,020 and $109,810, and the top 10% earn more than $144,090 (BLS OEWS May 2025). To negotiate, aim for the part of that range that matches your experience — with 3–5 years, for example, $84,000 to $110,000 — and open slightly above it.
How much do accountants make?
| Percentile | Annual base pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | $56,020 |
| 25th | $67,020 |
| Median | $83,680 |
| 75th | $109,810 |
| 90th | $144,090 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Accountants and Auditors, national, about 1,449,500 jobs. BLS figures are base pay including commissions and production bonuses; they exclude year-end bonuses, stock, overtime and benefits.
Where accountants earn the most
| State | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $111,530 | $156,730 |
| New York | $102,640 | $134,820 |
| New Jersey | $100,830 | $129,280 |
| Massachusetts | $99,460 | $128,560 |
| Connecticut | $97,550 | $123,670 |
Pay also differs within a state — big metro areas often pay more. Use your state's numbers when you set your target.
What should you ask for as a accountant?
| Experience | Suggested target range | Open with about |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $67,000–$84,000 | $88,000 |
| 3–5 years | $84,000–$110,000 | $116,000 |
| 6–10 years | $94,000–$121,000 | $127,000 |
| 10+ years | $110,000–$144,000 | $151,000 |
The ranges follow national percentiles by experience (25th–50th, 50th–75th, 60th–80th, 75th–90th); the opening number is the top of the range plus about 5%, rounded. Guidance, not a guarantee — check your state and experience, and see how to negotiate salary.
What drives accountant pay?
Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records, taxes and controls. Pay depends on the CPA license, public accounting versus industry, specialty (tax, audit, advisory) and seasonal overtime expectations.
- CPA license and other certifications such as CMA.
- Public accounting versus corporate, government or nonprofit.
- Specialty: tax, audit, advisory, FP&A.
- Busy-season hours and overtime rules.
Your leverage as a accountant
- A CPA license, or exams already passed.
- Experience with the company's ERP system.
- Month-end close or audit improvements you delivered.
- Industry experience the employer needs.
- Supervising staff or leading engagements.
Only use leverage you really have. Never invent a competing offer.
Accountant objections and how to answer
| They say | You can say |
|---|---|
| “CPA pay starts after you're licensed.” | “I've passed [number] sections; could we agree now on the raise when I'm licensed?” |
| “Busy-season overtime makes up for the base.” | “Is overtime paid, or is the role exempt? I'd like to compare annual totals.” |
| “Industry pays less than public accounting.” | “I value the hours; I'd still like the base to match the market rate for this role.” |
| “Our band for senior accountants tops out here.” | “Would the role fit the supervisor level, given that I'll [responsibility]?” |
Sample counter offer for a accountant
Thank you — I'm excited about the role. With my CPA, [number] years in [specialty] and the [result] I delivered at [company], I'm asking for a base of [number]. The national median for accountants and auditors is $83,680.
Then stop talking and let them respond.
Asking for a raise as a accountant
A CPA license, a faster close or a new responsibility (consolidations, SEC reporting) are strong cases. Time your ask before the annual budget is set.