As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Staff Accountant in the United States is $62,301 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, an Entry Level Staff Accountant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Level Staff 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 Level Staff 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 Level Staff Accountant | 0-2 years | $62,256 |
| Financial Accountant II | 2-4 years | $72,363 |
| Financial Accountant III | 4-7 years | $83,868 |
| Specialist Accountant | 7+ years | $99,963 |
| General Accountant V | 7-10 years | $140,919 |
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 Level Staff Accountants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.06% |
| CPA | 2.85% |
| Bookkeeping | 1.48% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coordination
|
$66,039 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$66,039 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$64,793 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$64,793 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$64,793 |
4%
|
|
Finance and Accounting
|
$64,793 |
4%
|
Entry Level Staff Accountant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $69,683. While startup companies pay approximate $58,931.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $58,931 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $62,329 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $67,292 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $69,683 |
For Entry Level Staff Accountant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Entry Level Staff Accountant positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Staff Accountant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $84,106 | $40.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $80,991 | $39.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $77,876 | $37.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $77,876 | $37.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $74,761 | $36.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Level Staff Accountants enter the field with a Associate'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 Level Staff Accountant with a Associate's Degree is between $59,474 and $62,734).
Entry Level Staff Accountant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.8% |
| High School | 7.3% |
| Associates | 10.9% |
| Bachelors | 59.5% |
| Masters | 17.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.8% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Staff 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Level Staff Accountant, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeping/Accounting Manager | $74,100 | 19% |
| Financial Accountant II | $72,400 | 16% |
| Manufacturing Plant Accountant | $82,200 | 32% |
Salaries for an Entry Level Staff Accountant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,452 in 2023 to around $55,152 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Level Staff Accountant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $55,452 |
| 2024 | $55,364 |
| 2025 | $55,152 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Level Staff Accountant roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
While it's unlikely for an entry-level staff accountant to earn $500k, salaries typically range from $58,001 to $70,101. Achieving higher earnings is more feasible with experience, specialization, or by running your own firm. In larger firms, reaching such high salaries usually takes years of advancement and expertise.
The minimum salary for an Entry Level Staff Accountant in the US is $58,001. The salary range for this position typically falls between $58,001 and $70,101, with a mid-salary of $63,701.
A Staff Accountant is a mid-level accounting position that sits between junior and senior accountants. In public accounting firms, it may be considered entry-level. Staff accountants usually hold bachelor's degrees but are not always Certified Public Accountants. The salary for this role ranges from $58,001 to $70,101, with a midpoint of $63,701.
Earning $40,000 a year is below the typical range for an entry-level Staff Accountant, where salaries start at $58,001 and can go up to $70,101. While it may suffice for someone with low expenses, it falls short of the industry standard. For a more comfortable financial situation, aiming for a salary closer to the mid-range of $63,701 would be advisable.
The estimated total pay range for an Entry Level Staff Accountant at American Airlines is approximately $58K–$70K per year. This includes a minimum salary of $58,001, a mid-range salary of $63,701, and a maximum salary of $70,101. Consider creating an anonymous post to gather feedback on your pay from other professionals.
The beginning salary for an Entry Level Staff Accountant typically ranges from $58,001 to $70,101 annually, with a mid-salary of $63,701. This indicates a competitive compensation package for those starting in the accounting field.
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