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Specialist/Project Lead Accountant Salary in the United States

How much does a Specialist/Project Lead Accountant make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Specialist/Project Lead Accountant in the United States is $99,963 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.

However, a Specialist/Project Lead Accountant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $114,750
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $92,853 to $107,703
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $86,380
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View as table View as graph 25% $92,853 10% $86,380 90% $114,750 75% $107,703 $99,963 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Specialist/Project Lead Accountant Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $107,703 $8,975 $2,071 $52
Average $99,963 $8,330 $1,922 $48
25th Percentile $92,853 $7,738 $1,786 $45
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Key Factors That Influence Specialist/Project Lead Accountant Salaries

A Specialist/Project Lead 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.

How Experience Level Affects Specialist/Project Lead Accountant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Specialist/Project Lead 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $96,269
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $96,799
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $97,330
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $99,240
  • Expert (over 8 years): $103,102
Levels Salary
Entry Level Specialist/Project Lead Accountant$96,269
Intermediate Level Specialist/Project Lead Accountant$96,799
Senior Level Specialist/Project Lead Accountant$97,330
Specialist Level Specialist/Project Lead Accountant$99,240
Expert Level Specialist/Project Lead Accountant$103,102
$96,269 0 yr
$96,799 < 2 yrs
$97,330 2-4 yrs
$99,240 5-8 yrs
$103,102 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Specialist/Project Lead Accountants

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: $126,083
  • San Francisco: $124,843
  • Oakland: $122,073

What Skills Can Increase a Specialist/Project Lead Accountant's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 5.19% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Accounts Receivable (Mentioned in 2.31% Job Postings): Accounts receivable is a legally enforceable claim for payment held by a business for goods supplied and/or services rendered that customers/clients have ordered but not paid for. These are generally in the form of invoices raised by a business and delivered to the customer for payment within an agreed time frame. Accounts receivable is shown in a balance sheet as an asset. It is one of a series of accounting transactions dealing with the billing of a customer for goods and services that the customer has ordered. These may be distinguished from notes receivable, which are debts created through formal legal instruments called promissory notes.
  • Account Reconciliation (Mentioned in 1.44% Job Postings): Account Reconcilation is the process of ensuring internal financial records to external spending.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 5.19%
Accounts Receivable 2.31%
Account Reconciliation 1.44%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Specialist/Project Lead Accountant's salary.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Process Improvement: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Leadership
 $104,961
5%
Decision Making
 $104,961
5%
Process Improvement
 $103,962
4%
Organizational Skills
 $103,962
4%
Analytical Skills
 $103,962
4%
Internal Control
 $102,962
3%
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How Education impacts a Specialist/Project Lead Accountant's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Specialist/Project Lead 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 a Specialist/Project Lead Accountant with a Bachelor's Degree is between $106,623 and $113,408).

Specialist/Project Lead Accountant Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Specialist/Project Lead Accountant
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.3%
High School 2.9%
Associates 5.7%
Bachelors 59.9%
Masters 30.4%
Doctorate 0.7%
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Specialist/Project Lead Accountant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Specialist/Project Lead 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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on January 01, 2026
$92,853
Average $99,963/year
$107,703
$7,738
Average $8,330/month
$8,975
$1,786
Average $1,922/week
$2,071
$45
Average $48/hour
$52
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $107,703 $8,975 $2,071 $52
Average $99,963 $8,330 $1,922 $48
25th Percentile $92,853 $7,738 $1,786 $45

Specialist/Project Lead Accountant Salary Growth & Career Path

Specialist/Project Lead Accountant
Bookkeeping/Accounting Manager
General Accountant V
Plant General and Cost Accounting Manager
Senior Accounting Executive

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Specialist/Project Lead 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.

Specialist/Project Lead Accountant Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Bookkeeping/Accounting Manager $74,200 -26%
General Accountant V $141,000 41%
Plant General and Cost Accounting Manager $117,400 17%

Salaries of jobs related to Specialist/Project Lead Accountant

Salary Trends for Specialist/Project Lead Accountant

Salaries for a Specialist/Project Lead Accountant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $104,457 in 2023 to around $101,110 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Specialist/Project Lead Accountant salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Specialist/Project Lead Accountant Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$104,457
2024
$102,348
2025
$101,110
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $104,457
2024 $102,348
2025 $101,110
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Specialist/Project Lead Accountant

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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FAQ about Specialist/Project Lead Accountant

1. How much does a senior staff Accountant earn in USA?

The salary range for a Specialist/Project Lead Accountant in the USA is $100,783 to $126,323, with a mid-salary of $112,853. This reflects the competitive compensation for this role, highlighting the importance of experience and expertise in the accounting field.

2. Who pays accountants the most?

The top-paying industries for accountants include finance and insurance, management of companies and enterprises, tax preparation, and government. For Specialist/Project Lead Accountants, salaries range from a minimum of $100,783 to a mid-level of $112,853, reaching up to a maximum of $126,323, reflecting the high demand and expertise in these sectors.

3. What is the highest paid accounting position?

The highest paid accounting position is often the Specialist/Project Lead Accountant, with a salary range from $100,783 to $126,323, and a mid-salary of $112,853. Other top-paying roles include Financial Controller, CMA, and Chartered Accountant, but the Specialist/Project Lead Accountant stands out for its competitive compensation.

4. How much does a lead accountant make in the US?

A Specialist/Project Lead Accountant in the United States typically earns between $100,783 and $126,323, with a median salary of $112,853. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the role, providing a competitive compensation package in the accounting field.

5. What is the highest position of an accountant?

The highest position in accountancy is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). CFOs are responsible for creating financial reports, monitoring spending, developing budgets, and forecasting future income and expenses. In terms of salary, a Specialist/Project Lead Accountant can expect a minimum of $100,783, a mid-range of $112,853, and a maximum of $126,323.

6. Is project specialist a good job?

If you are considering a career as a Project Specialist, this dynamic and rewarding field offers numerous opportunities for professional development and advancement. With salaries ranging from $100,783 to $126,323, it provides a competitive compensation package that reflects the value of skilled professionals in this 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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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