As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Staff Accountant V in the United States is $140,920 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.
However, a Staff Accountant V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Staff Accountant V'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Staff Accountant V'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Accountant III | 4-7 years | $83,869 |
| Specialist Accountant | 7+ years | $99,965 |
| Staff Accountant V | 7-10 years | $140,913 |
| Accounting Operations Supervisor | 10+ years | $89,554 |
| Supervisor of General Accounting | 10+ years | $98,459 |
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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Staff Accountant V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $157,752. While startup companies pay approximate $133,454.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $133,454 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $141,144 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $152,337 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $157,752 |
For Staff Accountant V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 53% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Staff Accountant positions in Media or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Staff Accountant V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $183,196 | $88.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $176,150 | $85.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $169,104 | $81.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $162,058 | $78.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $155,012 | $75.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Staff Accountant V'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 V, 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 | -47% |
| Accounting Operations Supervisor | $89,600 | -36% |
| Plant General and Cost Accounting Manager | $117,400 | -17% |
Salaries for a Staff Accountant V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $134,669 in 2023 to around $125,667 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Staff Accountant V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $134,669 |
| 2024 | $130,927 |
| 2025 | $125,667 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Staff Accountant V roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Staff accountants enjoy job stability and opportunities for career advancement, making it a promising career choice for those interested in accounting. With salaries ranging from $129,540 to $162,940, this position offers competitive compensation, further enhancing its appeal as a viable career path.
While the average salary for a Staff Accountant ranges from $129,540 to $162,940, reaching $500k annually is rare. It's more feasible in a solo practice or small firm than in large public accounting firms or corporate roles. To achieve significant earnings, you'll need a tailored strategy that differs from traditional paths.
In the United States, CPAs generally earn higher salaries compared to CAs. For instance, a Staff Accountant can expect a salary range from $129,540 to $162,940, with a mid-salary of $145,960. This indicates that CPAs often have better earning potential than CAs, especially when considering global salary comparisons.
A staff accountant is not the same as a bookkeeper. The key difference lies in education and certification. Bookkeepers typically do not require formal education in finance, while staff accountants usually hold a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. Staff accountants earn between $129,540 and $162,940, reflecting their advanced qualifications and responsibilities.
On average, Staff Accountant salaries in the USA range from $129,540 to $162,940 per year, reflecting the value placed on skilled accounting professionals. The midpoint salary is approximately $145,960, indicating competitive compensation for those in this role.
The accounting hierarchy ranks positions by responsibilities, with bookkeepers at the base, followed by accountants, and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the top. Staff Accountants typically earn between $129,540 and $162,940, with a mid-salary of $145,960, reflecting their essential 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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