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General Accountant I Salary in the United States

How much does a General Accountant I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Accountant I in the United States is $62,290 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $71,651
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $56,890 to $67,190
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $51,974
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence General Accountant I Salaries

A General Accountant I'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 General Accountant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a General Accountant I'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:

  • General Accountant I (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
General Accountant I0-2 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
View as Graph

How Do General Accountant I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 General Accountant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $68,990.
  • California: $68,690.
  • Massachusetts: $67,790.

Top Paying Cities for General Accountant Is

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: $78,590
  • San Francisco: $77,690
  • Oakland: $76,090

What Skills Can Increase a General Accountant I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.06% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • CPA (Mentioned in 2.85% Job Postings): A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a trusted financial advisor who helps individuals, businesses, and other organizations plan and reach their financial goals.
  • Bookkeeping (Mentioned in 1.48% Job Postings): Bookkeeping is the recording of financial transactions, and is part of the process of accounting in business. Transactions include purchases, sales, receipts, and payments by an individual person or an organization/corporation. There are several standard methods of bookkeeping, including the single-entry and double-entry bookkeeping systems. While these may be viewed as "real" bookkeeping, any process for recording financial transactions is a bookkeeping process. Bookkeeping is the work of a bookkeeper (or book-keeper), who records the day-to-day financial transactions of a business. They usually write the daybooks (which contain records of sales, purchases, receipts, and payments), and document each financial transaction, whether cash or credit, into the correct daybook—that is, petty cash book, suppliers ledger, customer ledger, etc.—and the general ledger. Thereafter, an accountant can create financial reports from the information recorded by the bookkeeper.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.06%
CPA 2.85%
Bookkeeping 1.48%
See More Skills

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 General Accountant I's salary.

  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Coordination $66,027
6%
Leadership $66,027
6%
Collaboration $64,782
4%
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General Accountant I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

General Accountant I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $69,612. While startup companies pay approximate $58,884.

General Accountant I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $58,884
Growth Stage 51~500 $62,276
Established 501~5000 $67,219
Enterprise 5000+ $69,612

General Accountant I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For General Accountant I 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, General Accountant positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view General Accountant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a General Accountant I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$84,092$40.035%
Financial Services$80,977$39.030%
Biotechnology$77,862$37.025%
Pharmaceuticals$77,862$37.025%
Energy & Utilities$74,748$36.020%

How Education impacts a General Accountant I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many General Accountant Is 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 a General Accountant I with a Associate's Degree is between $59,463 and $62,723).

General Accountant I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for General Accountant I
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%
View as Graph

General Accountant I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a General Accountant I'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
$56,890
Average $62,290/year
$67,190
$4,741
Average $5,191/month
$5,599
$1,094
Average $1,198/week
$1,292
$27
Average $30/hour
$32
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $67,190 $5,599 $1,292 $32
Average $62,290 $5,191 $1,198 $30
25th Percentile $56,890 $4,741 $1,094 $27

General Accountant I Salary Growth & Career Path

General Accountant I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a General Accountant I, 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%

Most common benefits for General Accountant I

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

Common company salaries for General Accountant I

Here are companies hiring for General Accountant I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about General Accountant I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for General Accountant I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for General Accountant I roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

2. How much does general work earn in USA?

The estimated salary for a General Accountant in the USA ranges from $57,990 to $70,090 per year, with a median salary of approximately $63,690. These figures reflect the typical earnings based on collected data and represent the midpoint of the salary range for this position.

3. Is accounting a good career in us?

Accounting can be a rewarding career in the U.S., offering a competitive salary range from $57,990 to $70,090. Accountants benefit from numerous career advancement opportunities, consistent demand across various industries, and flexibility in their roles. Overall, it presents a stable and promising career path.

4. How much is a general salary?

The salary for a General Accountant typically ranges from a minimum of $57,990 to a maximum of $70,090, with a mid-range salary of about $63,690. This reflects the general compensation structure for this role, which may vary based on location and experience.

5. Can accountants make 7 figures?

While the average salary for a General Accountant ranges from $57,990 to $70,090, reaching a 7-figure income is rare. Top accountants can achieve this by excelling in their roles, gaining promotions, and taking on leadership positions. They often interact with Senior Management and the Board, which can lead to lucrative opportunities and bonuses.

6. Can an accountant make a million a year?

While the average salary for a general accountant ranges from $57,990 to $70,090, achieving a million-dollar income is possible for accountants who leverage their skills effectively. Strategies like those outlined in Rob's book, The Wealthy Accountant, can help accountants maximize profits and work fewer hours, potentially leading to significant earnings.

7. What is the difference between a general accountant and a CPA?

A CPA differs from a general accountant primarily in certification and expertise. While a general accountant typically holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and earns a salary ranging from $57,990 to $70,090, a CPA has additional qualifications, including passing the CPA exam and gaining relevant experience, which often leads to higher earning potential.

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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