As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Accountant in the United States is $72,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, an Intermediate Accountant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Intermediate Accountant'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 an Intermediate Accountant'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 |
| Intermediate Accountant | 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 Intermediate Accountants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.15% |
| Accounts Receivable | 2.4% |
| Internal Control | 1.18% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Leadership
|
$76,010 |
5%
|
|
Consulting
|
$76,010 |
5%
|
|
Revenue Recognition
|
$76,010 |
5%
|
|
Internal Control
|
$75,286 |
4%
|
|
Finance and Accounting
|
$75,286 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$75,286 |
4%
|
Intermediate Accountant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,036. While startup companies pay approximate $68,555.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $68,555 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $72,505 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $78,255 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $81,036 |
For Intermediate Accountant 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, Intermediate Accountant positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Intermediate Accountant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $90,488 | $44.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $86,868 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $85,420 | $41.0 | 18% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $79,629 | $38.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $79,629 | $38.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate Accountants 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 an Intermediate Accountant with a Associate's Degree is between $70,256 and $74,205).
Intermediate Accountant Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how an Intermediate Accountant'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 an Intermediate Accountant, 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 | 2% |
| Financial Accountant III | $83,900 | 16% |
| Plant General and Cost Accounting Manager | $117,400 | 62% |
Salaries for an Intermediate Accountant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,323 in 2023 to around $63,937 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Intermediate Accountant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $65,323 |
| 2024 | $64,445 |
| 2025 | $63,937 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate Accountant roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
How Much Does an Accountant Make in the US? The average salary for an Intermediate Accountant in the US ranges from $67,190 to $82,190, with a mid-salary of $74,290. Additional cash compensation may vary, but the total compensation typically reflects these base salary figures.
Intermediate accounting is a level that delves into more complex transactions beyond basic financial and managerial accounting. It emphasizes understanding and applying accounting principles to challenging scenarios, often related to auditing. Salaries for intermediate accountants typically range from $67,190 to $82,190, with a median salary of $74,290.
An Intermediate Accountant in the USA typically earns an annual salary ranging from $67,190 to $82,190. This translates to a monthly pay between approximately $5,599 and $6,849. The average salary for this position is around $74,290, which equates to about $6,191 per month.
An intermediate accountant is responsible for various financial tasks, including daily ledger balancing, preparing sales and marginal reports, and generating operating expense reports regularly. The salary for this role typically ranges from $67,190 to $82,190, with a mid-level salary of approximately $74,290, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved.
Intermediate accounting is often considered one of the most challenging courses in accounting or finance programs. Many students and instructors agree on its difficulty due to the complex concepts and rigorous coursework involved. However, mastering this subject can lead to rewarding career opportunities, with salaries ranging from $67,190 to $82,190 for intermediate accountants.
While accountants typically earn between $67,190 and $82,190, advancing in the field can lead to six-figure salaries. To reach these higher pay grades, consider obtaining a master's degree in accounting, which can enhance your qualifications and boost your earning potential significantly.
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