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General Accountant II Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Accountant II in the United States is $72,360 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $82,944
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $65,620 to $77,900
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $59,484

Key Factors That Influence General Accountant II Salaries

A General Accountant II'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 II'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
  • General Accountant II (2-4 years): $72,360
  • Financial Accountant III (4-7 years): $86,325
  • Specialist Accountant (7+ years): $99,970
  • General Accountant V (7-10 years): $140,902
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Accountant0-2 years$62,258
General Accountant II2-4 years$72,360
Financial Accountant III4-7 years$86,325
Specialist Accountant7+ years$99,970
General Accountant V7-10 years$140,902

Top Paying Cities for General Accountant IIs

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: $91,270
  • San Francisco: $90,270
  • Oakland: $88,370

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.15% 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 2.4% 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 1.18% 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 5.15%
Accounts Receivable 2.4%
Internal Control 1.18%

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 II's salary.

  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Revenue Recognition: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Leadership $75,978
5%
Consulting $75,978
5%
Revenue Recognition $75,978
5%

General Accountant II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

General Accountant II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $80,782. While startup companies pay approximate $68,402.

General Accountant II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $68,402
Growth Stage 51~500 $72,327
Established 501~5000 $78,002
Enterprise 5000+ $80,782

General Accountant II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For General Accountant II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, General Accountant positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view General Accountant II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a General Accountant II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$90,450$43.025%
Energy & Utilities$86,832$42.020%
Internet$85,385$41.018%
Aerospace & Defense$79,596$38.010%
Chemicals$79,596$38.010%

How Education impacts a General Accountant II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many General Accountant IIs 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 II with a Associate's Degree is between $70,218 and $74,147).

General Accountant II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for General Accountant II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.1%
High School 5.2%
Associates 8.4%
Bachelors 61.2%
Masters 23.6%
Doctorate 0.5%

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

Understanding how a General Accountant II'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 October 01, 2026
$65,620
Average $72,360/year
$77,900
$5,468
Average $6,030/month
$6,492
$1,262
Average $1,392/week
$1,498
$32
Average $35/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $77,900 $6,492 $1,498 $37
Average $72,360 $6,030 $1,392 $35
25th Percentile $65,620 $5,468 $1,262 $32

General Accountant II Salary Growth & Career Path

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

General Accountant II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Bookkeeping/Accounting Manager $74,100 2%
Financial Accountant III $86,400 19%
Plant General and Cost Accounting Manager $117,400 62%

Most common benefits for General Accountant II

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

Common company salaries for General Accountant II

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

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FAQ about General Accountant II

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for General Accountant II roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. What is a senior GL accountant?

A Senior General Ledger (GL) Accountant is responsible for managing financial reports, records, and general ledgers. They prepare and analyze budgets, perform general accounting tasks, and create journal entries for revenue, accruals, and reconciliations. The salary for this role typically ranges from $67,200 to $82,150, with a midpoint of $74,240.

3. How much does a GL accountant earn in USA?

In the USA, General Accountants earn between $67,200 and $82,150 annually, with a median salary of $74,240. While some positions may offer higher salaries, the majority fall within this range, reflecting the typical earnings for this role in the current job market.

4. What is the lowest rank in accounting?

The lowest rank in accounting is typically the accounting clerk or bookkeeper. Salaries for general accountants range from a minimum of $67,200 to a maximum of $82,150, with a mid-salary of $74,240. This entry-level position involves basic financial record-keeping and support tasks, serving as a foundation for further career advancement in the accounting field.

5. What does an accountant II do?

An Accountant II performs a range of professional finance and accounting tasks, including cost allocation, financial reporting, account analysis, and reconciliation. They also contribute to the development and testing of financial information systems and may assist in programming and training. The salary for this position typically ranges from $67,200 to $82,150, with a midpoint of $74,240.

6. What is a Level 2 accounting equivalent to?

AAT Level 2 is a qualification equivalent to GCSE grade A*-C. Upon completion, you can pursue roles such as Accounts Assistant or Purchase/Sales Ledger Clerk. In terms of salary, General Accountants typically earn between $67,200 and $82,150, with a mid-range salary of $74,240, reflecting the value of this qualification in the job market.

7. What is an accountant II level?

Accountant II is the experienced, journey-level position in the professional Accountant series. Under direction, incumbents are fully competent to perform a full range of professional accounting tasks. The salary for this role typically ranges from $67,200 to $82,150, with a midpoint of $74,240, reflecting the level of expertise and responsibility involved.

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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