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Financial Accountant III Salary in the United States

How much does a Financial Accountant III make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Financial Accountant III in the United States is $83,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.

However, a Financial Accountant III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $95,554
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $76,900 to $90,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $70,527

Key Factors That Influence Financial Accountant III Salaries

A Financial Accountant III'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.

How Experience Level Affects Financial Accountant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Financial Accountant III'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:

  • Entry Accountant (0-2 years): $62,258
  • Financial Accountant II (2-4 years): $72,361
  • Financial Accountant III (4-7 years): $83,869
  • Specialist Accountant (7+ years): $99,968
  • General Accountant V (7-10 years): $140,907
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Accountant0-2 years$62,258
Financial Accountant II2-4 years$72,361
Financial Accountant III4-7 years$83,869
Specialist Accountant7+ years$99,968
General Accountant V7-10 years$140,907

Top Paying Cities for Financial Accountant IIIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $105,800
  • San Francisco: $104,700
  • Oakland: $102,500

What Skills Can Increase a Financial Accountant III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.26% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Accounts Receivable (Mentioned in 2.34% Job Postings): Accounts receivable is a legally enforceable claim for payment held by a business for goods supplied and/or services rendered that customers/clients have ordered but not paid for. These are generally in the form of invoices raised by a business and delivered to the customer for payment within an agreed time frame. Accounts receivable is shown in a balance sheet as an asset. It is one of a series of accounting transactions dealing with the billing of a customer for goods and services that the customer has ordered. These may be distinguished from notes receivable, which are debts created through formal legal instruments called promissory notes.
  • Internal Control (Mentioned in 1.19% Job Postings): Internal control, as defined by accounting and auditing, is a process for assuring of an organization's objectives in operational effectiveness and efficiency, reliable financial reporting, and compliance with laws, regulations and policies.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.26%
Accounts Receivable 2.34%
Internal Control 1.19%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Financial Accountant III's salary.

  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Initiative: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Internal Control: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Leadership $87,256
4%
Initiative $87,256
4%
Internal Control $87,256
4%

Financial Accountant III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Financial Accountant III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $93,762. While startup companies pay approximate $79,313.

Financial Accountant III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $79,313
Growth Stage 51~500 $83,881
Established 501~5000 $90,539
Enterprise 5000+ $93,762

Financial Accountant III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Financial Accountant III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 37% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Financial Accountant positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Financial Accountant III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Financial Accountant III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$100,680$48.020%
Software & Networking$99,002$48.018%
Energy & Utilities$96,485$46.015%
Internet$93,968$45.012%
Chemicals$92,290$44.010%

How Education impacts a Financial Accountant III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Financial Accountant IIIs 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 Financial Accountant III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $87,434 and $92,348).

Financial Accountant III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Financial Accountant III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 3.5%
Associates 4.9%
Bachelors 60.2%
Masters 30.3%
Doctorate 0.4%

Financial Accountant III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Financial Accountant III'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 September 01, 2026
$76,900
Average $83,900/year
$90,000
$6,408
Average $6,992/month
$7,500
$1,479
Average $1,613/week
$1,731
$37
Average $40/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $90,000 $7,500 $1,731 $43
Average $83,900 $6,992 $1,613 $40
25th Percentile $76,900 $6,408 $1,479 $37

Financial Accountant III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Financial Accountant III, 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.

Financial Accountant III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Bookkeeping/Accounting Manager $74,100 -12%
Specialist Accountant $100,000 19%
Plant General and Cost Accounting Manager $117,400 40%

Most common benefits for Financial Accountant III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Financial Accountant III

Here are companies hiring for Financial Accountant III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Financial Accountant III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Financial Accountant III?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Financial Accountant III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Can you make 500k a year as an Accountant?

While it's rare for Financial Accountants to earn $500k annually, it is achievable, especially in private practice or small firms. The typical salary range for Financial Accountants is between $83,300 and $101,800, with a mid-salary of $92,000. To reach higher earnings, focus on building a strong client base and offering specialized services.

3. How much does a financial accountant earn in the USA?

In the USA, a Financial Accountant typically earns between $83,300 and $101,800 annually, with a median salary of around $92,000. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data, providing a clear picture of potential earnings in this profession.

4. What is the difference between accountant II and III?

The Accountant III role differs from Accountant II in terms of responsibility and independence. Accountant III requires more independent judgment and handles more complex financial programs. In terms of salary, Accountant II typically earns between $83,300 and $92,000, while Accountant III's salary ranges from $92,000 to $101,800, reflecting the increased responsibilities.

5. Who earns more CPA or CA in USA?

In the United States, Financial Accountants earn between $83,300 and $101,800, with a median salary of $92,000. While CPAs generally have higher earning potential, the specific salaries can vary based on experience and location. CAs, while well-compensated in their regions, may not match the earnings of CPAs in the U.S.

6. What is the highest salary of accountant in USA?

The highest salary for a Financial Accountant in the USA is approximately $101,800. While some cities report higher salaries for Certified Public Accountants, the typical salary range for Financial Accountants is between $83,300 and $101,800, with a mid-salary of $92,000.

7. What CPA gets paid the most?

CPAs in finance and insurance typically earn the highest salaries, with Financial Accountants earning between $83,300 and $101,800 annually. The average salary for this role is around $92,000, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in these sectors.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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