As of August 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| General Accountant I | 0-2 years | $62,257 |
| Financial Accountant II | 2-4 years | $72,362 |
| Financial Accountant III | 4-7 years | $83,869 |
| Specialist Accountant | 7+ years | $99,965 |
| General Accountant V | 7-10 years | $140,913 |
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 General Accountant Is. 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
|
$66,027 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$66,027 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$64,782 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$64,782 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$64,782 |
4%
|
|
Finance and Accounting
|
$64,782 |
4%
|
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 $69,730. While startup companies pay approximate $58,990.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $58,990 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $62,389 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $67,337 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $69,730 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $84,092 | $40.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $80,977 | $39.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $77,862 | $37.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $77,862 | $37.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $74,748 | $36.0 | 20% |
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
| 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 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 August 01, 2026Promotions 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% |
Salaries for a General Accountant I 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 General Accountant I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 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 General Accountant I roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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