As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Cost Accountant in the United States is $67,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, an Entry Cost Accountant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Cost Accountant'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 an Entry Cost Accountant'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Cost Accountant | 0-2 years | $67,499 |
| Intermediate Cost Accountant | 2-4 years | $79,699 |
| Senior Cost Accountant | 4-7 years | $94,593 |
| Cost Accountant, Specialist | 7+ years | $109,510 |
| General & Cost Accounting Supervisor | 7+ years | $107,164 |
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 Entry Cost Accountants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 13.52% |
| Bill of Materials | 1.61% |
| Financial Reporting | 1.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Leadership
|
$74,250 |
10%
|
|
Coordination
|
$71,550 |
6%
|
|
Supply Chain
|
$70,875 |
5%
|
|
Team Operations
|
$70,875 |
5%
|
|
Commitment
|
$70,875 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$70,200 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Cost Accountants 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 an Entry Cost Accountant with a Bachelor's Degree is between $65,620 and $69,413).
Entry Cost Accountant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 7.1% |
| Associates | 6.5% |
| Bachelors | 70.0% |
| Masters | 15.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Entry Cost Accountant'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 May 01, 2026For an Entry Cost Accountant, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Intermediate Cost Accountant role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $79,700 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Salaries for an Entry Cost Accountant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $57,899 in 2023 to around $56,383 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Cost Accountant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $57,899 |
| 2024 | $56,946 |
| 2025 | $56,383 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Becoming a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is indeed worth it, as it can significantly enhance your career prospects. For instance, entry-level cost accountants earn between $62,700 and $77,170, with a median salary of $69,480. The investment in obtaining a CMA can lead to even higher earning potential, making it a valuable credential in the accounting field.
Both the CPA and CMA offer distinct advantages, and the choice depends on your career goals and interests. The CPA is a U.S. license, while the CMA is recognized globally. In terms of salary, entry-level cost accountants can expect to earn between $62,700 and $77,170, with a median salary of $69,480, reflecting the value of these credentials in the job market.
A CMA Accountant in the USA can expect to earn between $62,700 and $77,170 annually, with a median salary of approximately $69,480. This range reflects entry-level positions, while more experienced CMAs may earn significantly higher salaries.
On average, Entry Cost Accountants in the USA earn between $62,700 and $77,170 per year, with a median salary of approximately $69,480. This reflects the value placed on accounting professionals, particularly those with specialized skills and certifications.
As of now, the salary for an Entry Cost Accountant in the United States ranges from $62,700 to $77,170 annually, with a median salary of $69,480. This translates to approximately $30.13 to $37.06 per hour, or about $1,206 to $1,485 per week.
A CPA is not strictly required to be a cost accountant, but it is preferred. Cost accountants typically collaborate with manufacturing and operations management to establish cost standards for materials and labor. A college degree in accounting or a related field is essential, with an average salary ranging from $62,700 to $77,170, depending on experience and qualifications.
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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