upper level job

Management Accountant I Salary in the United States

How much does a Management Accountant I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Management Accountant I in the United States is $60,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $68,524
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $56,700 to $64,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53,240

Key Factors That Influence Management Accountant I Salaries

A Management Accountant I'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 Management Accountant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Management Accountant I'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:

  • Management Accountant I (0-2 years): $60,423
  • Management Accountant II (2-4 years): $72,608
  • Management Accountant III (4-7 years): $86,445
  • Management Accounting Manager (7+ years): $117,933
  • Management Accounting Senior Manager (7+ years): $157,105
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Management Accountant I0-2 years$60,423
Management Accountant II2-4 years$72,608
Management Accountant III4-7 years$86,445
Management Accounting Manager7+ years$117,933
Management Accounting Senior Manager7+ years$157,105

Top Paying Cities for Management Accountant Is

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: $76,300
  • San Francisco: $75,400
  • Oakland: $73,800

Management Accountant I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Management Accountant I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $67,611. While startup companies pay approximate $57,192.

Management Accountant I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $57,192
Growth Stage 51~500 $60,487
Established 501~5000 $65,287
Enterprise 5000+ $67,611

Management Accountant I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Management Accountant I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 48% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Management Accountant positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Management Accountant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Management Accountant I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$75,625$36.025%
Software & Networking$72,600$35.020%
Internet$69,575$33.015%
Aerospace & Defense$67,760$33.012%
Energy & Utilities$66,550$32.010%

Management Accountant I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Management Accountant I'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
$56,700
Average $60,500/year
$64,700
$4,725
Average $5,042/month
$5,392
$1,090
Average $1,163/week
$1,244
$27
Average $29/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $64,700 $5,392 $1,244 $31
Average $60,500 $5,042 $1,163 $29
25th Percentile $56,700 $4,725 $1,090 $27

Management Accountant I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Management Accountant I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Management Accountant II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $72,700 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Management Accountant I

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

Common company salaries for Management Accountant I

Here are companies hiring for Management Accountant I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Management Accountant I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Management Accountant I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Management Accountant I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Management Accountant I?

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

2. How much is a CPA paid in the USA?

The salary for a Management Accountant in the USA ranges from a minimum of $59,800 to a maximum of $74,300, with a mid-salary of $67,800. This indicates a competitive earning potential in the accounting field, highlighting the value of specialized qualifications like a CPA in enhancing salary prospects.

3. Is CMA worth it in USA?

Yes, obtaining a CMA certification is worth it in the USA. Management Accountants earn a salary ranging from $59,800 to $74,300, with a mid-salary of $67,800. This reflects a significant increase in earning potential, as CMAs can earn up to 21% more than their non-certified counterparts, making the investment in certification worthwhile.

4. What is the salary of MBA in USA?

The salary for a Management Accountant in the USA ranges from $59,800 to $74,300, with a mid-salary of $67,800. This is significantly lower than the projected median starting salary for MBA graduates, which is estimated at $120,000 in 2024.

5. How much is a CPA paid in the USA?

The salary for a Management Accountant in the U.S. ranges from a minimum of $59,800 to a maximum of $74,300, with a median salary of $67,800. This reflects the compensation landscape for this role, highlighting the potential earnings for professionals in the field.

6. Can accountants make 7 figures?

While most management accountants earn between $59,800 and $74,300, reaching a 7-figure income is possible for top professionals. They achieve this by working diligently, strategically advancing their careers, and gaining access to senior management and board-level discussions, where they can significantly influence financial outcomes.

7. What is higher than CPA?

The EA credential is considered higher than a CPA, as it is the highest designation awarded by the IRS and is recognized nationwide. While CPAs and attorneys can represent clients before the IRS, their licenses are state-issued, unlike the federal EA license. In the field of management accounting, salaries range from $59,800 to $74,300, with a midpoint of $67,800.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst