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Staff Accountant V Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Staff Accountant V in the United States is $140,910 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $156,652
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $132,660 to $149,150
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $125,149
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Staff Accountant V Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Staff Accountant Salaries?

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:

  • Financial Accountant III (4-7 years): $86,325
  • Specialist Accountant (7+ years): $99,970
  • Staff Accountant V (7-10 years): $140,902
  • Accounting Operations Supervisor (10+ years): $89,575
  • Supervisor of General Accounting (10+ years): $98,474
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Financial Accountant III4-7 years$86,325
Specialist Accountant7+ years$99,970
Staff Accountant V7-10 years$140,902
Accounting Operations Supervisor10+ years$89,575
Supervisor of General Accounting10+ years$98,474
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How Do Staff Accountant V 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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $156,010.
  • California: $155,420.
  • Massachusetts: $153,350.

Top Paying Cities for Staff Accountant Vs

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: $177,720
  • San Francisco: $175,780
  • Oakland: $172,070

Staff Accountant V Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $157,311. While startup companies pay approximate $133,203.

Staff Accountant V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $133,203
Growth Stage 51~500 $140,845
Established 501~5000 $151,896
Enterprise 5000+ $157,311

Staff Accountant V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Staff Accountant V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$183,183$88.030%
Pharmaceuticals$176,138$85.025%
Aerospace & Defense$169,092$81.020%
Insurance$162,046$78.015%
Construction$155,001$75.010%

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

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 October 01, 2026
$132,660
Average $140,910/year
$149,150
$11,055
Average $11,743/month
$12,429
$2,551
Average $2,710/week
$2,868
$64
Average $68/hour
$72
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $149,150 $12,429 $2,868 $72
Average $140,910 $11,743 $2,710 $68
25th Percentile $132,660 $11,055 $2,551 $64

Staff Accountant V Salary Growth & Career Path

Staff Accountant V

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions 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%

Most common benefits for Staff Accountant V

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

Common company salaries for Staff Accountant V

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

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FAQ about Staff Accountant V

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

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Staff Accountant V roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. Is staff accountant a good position?

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.

3. Can you make 500k a year as an accountant?

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.

4. Who earns more CPA or CA in USA?

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.

5. Is a staff accountant a bookkeeper?

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.

6. What is the salary of a CPA in the US?

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.

7. What is the lowest position in accounting?

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.

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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