As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Accountant III in the United States is $83,870 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a General Accountant III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A General 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a General 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Accountant | 0-2 years | $62,257 |
| Financial Accountant II | 2-4 years | $72,362 |
| General 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.26% |
| Accounts Receivable | 2.34% |
| Internal Control | 1.19% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Leadership
|
$87,225 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$87,225 |
4%
|
|
Internal Control
|
$87,225 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$86,386 |
3%
|
|
CPA
|
$86,386 |
3%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$86,386 |
3%
|
General Accountant III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $93,888. While startup companies pay approximate $79,427.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $79,427 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $84,003 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $90,665 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $93,888 |
For General 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, General Accountant positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view General Accountant III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $100,644 | $48.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $98,967 | $48.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $96,450 | $46.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $93,934 | $45.0 | 12% |
| Chemicals | $92,257 | $44.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many General 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 General Accountant III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $87,352 and $92,261).
General Accountant III Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a General 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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a General 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.
| 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% |
Salaries for a General Accountant III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $82,783 in 2023 to around $79,057 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of General Accountant III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $82,783 |
| 2024 | $80,973 |
| 2025 | $79,057 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for General Accountant III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
A Level 3 qualification in the UK is equivalent to A-levels, BTEC National Diploma, NVQ Level 3, and Advanced Apprenticeship. In the US, it corresponds to a High School Diploma or GED. For a General Accountant position, salaries range from $83,250 to $101,770, with a midpoint of $91,930, reflecting the value of such qualifications in the job market.
Accountants, responsible for maintaining and analyzing financial records, earn a median annual salary of $91,930. Salaries can vary significantly; the bottom 10% earn less than $83,250, while the top 10% earn $101,770 or more.
ACCOUNTANT III. DEFINITION: Performs responsible and highly complex professional accounting and auditing work in the preparation, analysis, review, maintenance, reconciliation, and control of financial records, as well as fiscal revenue and expenditures forecasting. The salary for this position ranges from $83,250 to $101,770, with a midpoint of $91,930.
A Senior General Ledger (GL) Accountant is responsible for managing financial reports, records, and general ledgers. This role involves preparing and analyzing budgets, performing general accounting tasks, and preparing journal entries for revenue, accruals, and reconciliations. The salary for this position typically ranges from $83,250 to $101,770, with a midpoint of $91,930.
While the average salary for a General Accountant ranges from $83,250 to $101,770, making $500,000 a year is rare. Achieving such a high income is more feasible through owning a firm rather than working for large public accounting firms or corporate jobs. Strategies for success will differ significantly between solo practices and larger firms.
Not all CPAs make six figures. Based on salary data for General Accountants, the minimum salary is $83,250, the mid-salary is $91,930, and the maximum salary is $101,770. While some senior CPAs in management may earn six figures, many earn in the high five figures.
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