As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Cost Accountant in the United States is $79,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Intermediate Cost Accountant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Intermediate Cost 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 Cost 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Accountant, Junior | 0-2 years | $67,499 |
| Intermediate Cost Accountant | 2-4 years | $79,701 |
| Senior Cost Accountant | 4-7 years | $94,606 |
| Cost Accountant, Specialist | 7+ years | $109,521 |
| General & Cost Accounting Supervisor | 7+ years | $107,174 |
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 Cost Accountants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 13.68% |
| Bill of Materials | 1.58% |
| Financial Reporting | 1.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Innovation
|
$85,386 |
7%
|
|
Supply Chain
|
$82,194 |
3%
|
|
Commitment
|
$82,194 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$81,396 |
2%
|
|
Team Operations
|
$81,396 |
2%
|
|
Finance and Accounting
|
$80,598 |
1%
|
Intermediate Cost Accountant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $89,256. While startup companies pay approximate $75,484.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $75,484 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $79,836 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $86,193 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $89,256 |
For Intermediate Cost Accountant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Intermediate Cost Accountant positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Intermediate Cost Accountant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $99,750 | $48.0 | 25% |
| Insurance | $95,760 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $95,760 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $91,770 | $44.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $87,780 | $42.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate Cost Accountants 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 an Intermediate Cost Accountant with a Bachelor's Degree is between $78,496 and $83,158).
Intermediate Cost Accountant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 4.9% |
| Associates | 8.6% |
| Bachelors | 61.1% |
| Masters | 24.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Intermediate Cost 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 July 01, 2026For an Intermediate Cost Accountant, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Senior Cost Accountant role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $94,700 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.
Salaries for an Intermediate Cost Accountant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $68,337 in 2023 to around $65,884 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Intermediate Cost Accountant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $68,337 |
| 2024 | $67,234 |
| 2025 | $65,884 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate Cost Accountant roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
CMA professionals, particularly Intermediate Cost Accountants, can expect salaries ranging from a minimum of $74,500 to a maximum of $92,000, with an average mid-salary of $82,800. Regions with high demand for financial expertise, such as major metropolitan areas, typically offer the highest compensation for these roles.
The highest-paid accountants are typically those in specialized roles, such as Intermediate Cost Accountants. Based on current salary data, they earn between $74,500 and $92,000, with a median salary of $82,800. This range reflects their expertise in managing and analyzing costs, making them valuable assets to organizations.
Intermediate Cost Accountants are in high demand due to their essential role in managing and analyzing costs within organizations. With a salary range from $74,500 to $92,000, these professionals are sought after for their expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, making them valuable assets in various industries.
Both the CPA and CMA offer unique advantages, and the choice depends on your career goals and interests. The CPA is a U.S. license, while the CMA is a globally recognized certification. In terms of salary, Intermediate Cost Accountants earn between $74,500 and $92,000, with a median salary of $82,800, reflecting the value of these credentials in the job market.
On average, Intermediate Cost Accountants typically work around 40 to 45 hours per week, consistent with standard full-time schedules. During peak periods, such as tax season or year-end financial closing, they may work significantly more, sometimes exceeding 60 hours a week. Their salary ranges from $74,500 to $92,000, with a median of $82,800.
Who earns more - CPA or CMA? The pay scale often depends on skillset and experience. For an Intermediate Cost Accountant, the salary ranges from $74,500 to $92,000, with a midpoint of $82,800. In comparison, a CPA generally earns around $120,000, while a CMA's typical salary is about $100,000, indicating that CPAs usually earn more than CMAs.
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