As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Staff Accountant I in the United States is $62,247 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Staff Accountant I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Staff 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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Staff 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Accountant I | 0-2 years | $62,257 |
| Financial Accountant II | 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 Staff Accountant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.06% |
| CPA | 2.85% |
| Bookkeeping | 1.48% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coordination
|
$65,982 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$65,982 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$64,737 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$64,737 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$64,737 |
4%
|
|
Finance and Accounting
|
$64,737 |
4%
|
Staff Accountant I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $69,682. While startup companies pay approximate $58,949.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $58,949 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $62,346 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $67,290 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $69,682 |
For Staff Accountant I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Staff Accountant positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Staff Accountant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $84,033 | $40.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $80,921 | $39.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $77,809 | $37.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $77,809 | $37.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $74,696 | $36.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Staff Accountant Is 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 a Staff Accountant I with a Associate's Degree is between $59,450 and $62,705).
Staff Accountant I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.8% |
| High School | 7.3% |
| Associates | 10.9% |
| Bachelors | 59.5% |
| Masters | 17.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.8% |
Understanding how a Staff 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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Staff Accountant I, 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 | 19% |
| Financial Accountant II | $72,400 | 16% |
| Manufacturing Plant Accountant | $82,200 | 32% |
Salaries for a Staff Accountant I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,452 in 2023 to around $55,152 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Staff Accountant I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $55,452 |
| 2024 | $55,364 |
| 2025 | $55,152 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Staff Accountant I roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
The accounting hierarchy ranks positions by responsibilities, with bookkeepers at the base. Staff Accountants, earning between $57,988 and $70,006, occupy a middle tier, while the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is at the top. This structure reflects the increasing complexity and accountability associated with each role.
No, you do not need to be a CPA to be a staff accountant. While having a CPA can enhance your career prospects, many roles, including staff accountant, do not require it. The salary for a staff accountant typically ranges from $57,988 to $70,006, with a median salary of $63,647.
Staff accountant is generally considered an entry-level position in the accounting profession, making it a common starting point for many. The salary for this role typically ranges from $57,988 to $70,006, with a mid-point salary of $63,647, reflecting the entry-level nature of the position while offering opportunities for growth.
The highest salary for a Staff Accountant in the USA is approximately $70,006 per year. While some cities report higher salaries for Certified Public Accountants, the typical range for Staff Accountants is between $57,988 and $70,006, with a mid-salary of $63,647.
The salary of a Staff Accountant in the US typically ranges from a minimum of $57,988 to a maximum of $70,006, with a mid-salary of $63,647. This translates to an average monthly pay of approximately $5,304. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and industry.
Staff accountants handle various accounting tasks, including preparing financial statements, managing payroll, and filing taxes. Their expertise ensures compliance with tax regulations and accurate reporting. The salary for staff accountants typically ranges from $57,988 to $70,006, with a median salary of $63,647, reflecting their important role in financial management.
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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