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Staff Accountant I Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Staff Accountant I in the United States is $62,248 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $71,623
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $56,877 to $67,155
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $51,987
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Staff Accountant I Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Staff Accountant Salaries?

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:

  • Staff Accountant I (0-2 years): $62,258
  • Financial Accountant II (2-4 years): $72,361
  • Financial Accountant III (4-7 years): $83,869
  • Specialist Accountant (7+ years): $99,968
  • General Accountant V (7-10 years): $140,907
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Staff Accountant I0-2 years$62,258
Financial Accountant II2-4 years$72,361
Financial Accountant III4-7 years$83,869
Specialist Accountant7+ years$99,968
General Accountant V7-10 years$140,907
View as Graph

How Do Staff Accountant I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $68,923.
  • California: $68,661.
  • Massachusetts: $67,746.

Top Paying Cities for Staff 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: $78,517
  • San Francisco: $77,657
  • Oakland: $76,020

What Skills Can Increase a Staff Accountant I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.06% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • CPA (Mentioned in 2.85% Job Postings): A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a trusted financial advisor who helps individuals, businesses, and other organizations plan and reach their financial goals.
  • Bookkeeping (Mentioned in 1.48% Job Postings): Bookkeeping is the recording of financial transactions, and is part of the process of accounting in business. Transactions include purchases, sales, receipts, and payments by an individual person or an organization/corporation. There are several standard methods of bookkeeping, including the single-entry and double-entry bookkeeping systems. While these may be viewed as "real" bookkeeping, any process for recording financial transactions is a bookkeeping process. Bookkeeping is the work of a bookkeeper (or book-keeper), who records the day-to-day financial transactions of a business. They usually write the daybooks (which contain records of sales, purchases, receipts, and payments), and document each financial transaction, whether cash or credit, into the correct daybook—that is, petty cash book, suppliers ledger, customer ledger, etc.—and the general ledger. Thereafter, an accountant can create financial reports from the information recorded by the bookkeeper.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.06%
CPA 2.85%
Bookkeeping 1.48%
See More Skills

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 Staff Accountant I's salary.

  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Coordination $65,983
6%
Leadership $65,983
6%
Collaboration $64,738
4%
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Staff Accountant I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $69,565. While startup companies pay approximate $58,845.

Staff Accountant I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $58,845
Growth Stage 51~500 $62,234
Established 501~5000 $67,174
Enterprise 5000+ $69,565

Staff Accountant I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Staff Accountant I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$84,035$40.035%
Financial Services$80,922$39.030%
Biotechnology$77,810$37.025%
Pharmaceuticals$77,810$37.025%
Energy & Utilities$74,698$36.020%

How Education impacts a Staff Accountant I's Salary?

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

Typical Education for Staff Accountant I
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%
View as Graph

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

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 September 01, 2026
$56,877
Average $62,248/year
$67,155
$4,740
Average $5,187/month
$5,596
$1,094
Average $1,197/week
$1,291
$27
Average $30/hour
$32
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $67,155 $5,596 $1,291 $32
Average $62,248 $5,187 $1,197 $30
25th Percentile $56,877 $4,740 $1,094 $27

Staff Accountant I Salary Growth & Career Path

Staff Accountant I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions 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%

Most common benefits for Staff Accountant I

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

Common company salaries for Staff Accountant I

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

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FAQ about Staff Accountant I

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Staff Accountant I roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

2. What is the lowest position in accounting?

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.

3. Do I need to be a CPA to be a staff accountant?

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.

4. Is a staff accountant an entry level position?

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.

5. What is the highest salary of accountant in USA?

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.

6. What is the salary of a staff accountant in the US?

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.

7. Do staff accountants do taxes?

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.

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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