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Head of Accounting Salary in the United States

How much does a Head of Accounting make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head of Accounting in the United States is $292,170 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $140.

However, a Head of Accounting's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $377,109
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $265,060 to $336,630
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $240,378
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Head of Accounting Salaries

A Head of Accounting'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Head of Accounting Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Head of Accounting'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:

  • Accounting Operations Manager (5+ years): $117,381
  • Accounting Operations Senior Manager (5+ years): $159,722
  • Accounting Operations Director (5+ years): $194,357
  • Senior Accounting Executive (5+ years): $233,883
  • Head of Accounting (5+ years): $292,164
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Accounting Operations Manager5+ years$117,381
Accounting Operations Senior Manager5+ years$159,722
Accounting Operations Director5+ years$194,357
Senior Accounting Executive5+ years$233,883
Head of Accounting5+ years$292,164
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How Do Head of Accounting 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 Head of Accountings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $323,490.
  • California: $322,260.
  • Massachusetts: $317,970.

Top Paying Cities for Head of Accountings

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: $368,510
  • San Francisco: $364,480
  • Oakland: $356,800

Head of Accounting Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Head of Accounting salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $326,512. While startup companies pay approximate $276,196.

Head of Accounting Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $276,196
Growth Stage 51~500 $292,105
Established 501~5000 $315,289
Enterprise 5000+ $326,512

Head of Accounting Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Head of Accounting roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Insurance and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Head of Accounting positions in Internet or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Head of Accounting as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Head of Accounting

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Insurance$350,604$169.020%
Energy & Utilities$344,761$166.018%
Pharmaceuticals$335,996$162.015%
Aerospace & Defense$327,230$157.012%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$321,387$155.010%

Head of Accounting Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Head of Accounting'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
$265,060
Average $292,170/year
$336,630
$22,088
Average $24,348/month
$28,053
$5,097
Average $5,619/week
$6,474
$127
Average $140/hour
$162
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $336,630 $28,053 $6,474 $162
Average $292,170 $24,348 $5,619 $140
25th Percentile $265,060 $22,088 $5,097 $127

Most common benefits for Head of Accounting

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

Common company salaries for Head of Accounting

Here are companies hiring for Head of Accounting and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Head of Accounting

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Head of Accounting?

The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for Head of Accounting roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Do accountants make good CEOS?

Accountants can make excellent CEOs due to their strong financial expertise, which is crucial for overseeing a company's financial health and making strategic decisions. With salaries ranging from $248,050 to $336,470, their financial acumen can drive long-term sustainability and success in leadership roles. This unique skill set positions them well for top executive positions.

3. What is the highest salary for a CPA?

Licensed CPAs can pursue various career paths. Executives and directors in top-tier accounting positions can earn salaries ranging from $248,050 to $336,470 annually, with a mid-salary of $290,340. This reflects the significant earning potential for experienced professionals in the accounting field, far exceeding the average starting salary for general accountants.

4. What are the Big 4 accounting firms?

Measured by revenue, the Big Four global accounting firms include Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and KPMG. These firms offer a range of services such as auditing, tax, strategy and management consulting, valuation, market research, assurance, and legal advisory services. The salary for a Head of Accounting in these firms typically ranges from $248,050 to $336,470.

5. Is Chief Accountant same as CFO?

The Chief Accountant (CAO) focuses on ensuring compliance with accounting and tax standards, overseeing the accounting department. In contrast, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has a broader role, managing overall financial strategy and regulatory compliance. The CAO's salary ranges from $248,050 to $336,470, with a midpoint of $290,340, reflecting their specialized responsibilities compared to the CFO's wider financial oversight.

6. Can you make 300k as a CPA?

Yes, making $300k as a CPA is feasible, especially for those in senior roles like Head of Accounting. The salary data shows a minimum of $248,050, a mid-range of $290,340, and a maximum of $336,470. This indicates that reaching or exceeding $300k is possible, particularly in smaller firms with lower overhead and fewer partners to share profits.

7. How much a CFO earns in USA?

The salary for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the USA typically ranges from $248,050 to $336,470 per year. The average salary is around $290,340 annually, reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the role.

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.)

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