As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cost Accountant, Specialist in the United States is $109,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.
However, a Cost Accountant, Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cost Accountant, Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cost Accountant, Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Cost Accountant | 2-4 years | $79,696 |
| Senior Cost Accountant | 4-7 years | $94,568 |
| Cost Accountant, Specialist | 7+ years | $109,487 |
| General & Cost Accounting Supervisor | 7+ years | $107,145 |
| General & Cost Accounting Manager | 7+ years | $127,811 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cost Accountant, Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 13.62% |
| Bill of Materials | 1.59% |
| Generally Accepted Accounting Principles | 1.05% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$133,590 |
22%
|
|
Critical Thinking
|
$130,305 |
19%
|
|
Purchasing
|
$130,305 |
19%
|
|
Cost Analysis
|
$128,115 |
17%
|
|
Coordination
|
$123,735 |
13%
|
|
Integrity
|
$121,545 |
11%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cost Accountant, Specialists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Cost Accountant, Specialist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $112,884 and $119,890).
Cost Accountant, Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.4% |
| High School | 1.2% |
| Associates | 4.8% |
| Bachelors | 61.4% |
| Masters | 30.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Cost Accountant, Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For a Cost Accountant, Specialist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the General & Cost Accounting Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $107,200 - a projected growth of -2% over your current level.
Salaries for a Cost Accountant, Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $107,050 in 2023 to around $102,018 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cost Accountant, Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $107,050 |
| 2024 | $103,949 |
| 2025 | $102,018 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The demand for cost accountants is rising globally, particularly in Asia, America, and Europe, making it a lucrative career choice. With salaries ranging from $106,900 to $133,400, this profession offers competitive compensation. ICAI also provides specialized courses for engineering graduates to enhance their skills.
As of January 23, 2025, the salary for a Cost Accountant Specialist in the United States ranges from $106,900 to $133,400 annually, with a midpoint of $119,300. This translates to approximately $51.34 to $64.12 per hour, or $2,000 to $2,800 per week, depending on experience and qualifications.
The salary data for a Cost Accountant Specialist indicates a range from $106,900 to $133,400, with a midpoint of $119,300. This suggests that professionals in this role can expect significantly higher compensation compared to the CMA salaries listed, which are considerably lower across various states.
The highest paid type of accountant is often the Cost Accountant Specialist, with a salary range from $106,900 to $133,400. The mid-salary for this role is approximately $119,300, making it a lucrative career choice within the accounting field. Other high-paying positions include Financial Controller and Certified Management Accountant.
A Cost Accountant in the USA typically earns between $106,900 and $133,400 annually, with a mid-salary of $119,300. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the profession.
While it's rare for accountants to earn $500k annually, it is achievable, especially in a solo practice or small firm. The average salary for a Cost Accountant Specialist ranges from $106,900 to $133,400, with a midpoint of $119,300. To reach higher earnings, you'll need a strategic approach that differs from traditional paths in large firms or corporate roles.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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