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Accountant II Salary in the United States

How much does an Accountant II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accountant II in the United States is $72,361 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

However, an Accountant II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $82,928
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $65,617 to $77,892
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $59,477
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Accountant II Salaries

An Accountant II'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 Accountant II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Accountant II'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:

  • Accountant I (0-2 years): $62,258
  • Accountant II (2-4 years): $72,361
  • Accountant III (4-7 years): $83,869
  • Accountant IV (7+ years): $99,968
  • Accountant V (7-10 years): $140,907
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Accountant I0-2 years$62,258
Accountant II2-4 years$72,361
Accountant III4-7 years$83,869
Accountant IV7+ years$99,968
Accountant V7-10 years$140,907
View as Graph

How Do Accountant II 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 Accountant IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $80,118.
  • California: $79,814.
  • Massachusetts: $78,750.

Top Paying Cities for Accountant IIs

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: $91,269
  • San Francisco: $90,270
  • Oakland: $88,367

What Skills Can Increase an Accountant II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.15% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Accounts Receivable (Mentioned in 2.4% 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.
  • Internal Control (Mentioned in 1.18% Job Postings): Internal control, as defined by accounting and auditing, is a process for assuring of an organization's objectives in operational effectiveness and efficiency, reliable financial reporting, and compliance with laws, regulations and policies.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.15%
Accounts Receivable 2.4%
Internal Control 1.18%
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 an Accountant II's salary.

  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Revenue Recognition: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Leadership $75,979
5%
Consulting $75,979
5%
Revenue Recognition $75,979
5%
Get Latest Data

Accountant II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Accountant II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $80,866. While startup companies pay approximate $68,405.

Accountant II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $68,405
Growth Stage 51~500 $72,345
Established 501~5000 $78,087
Enterprise 5000+ $80,866

Accountant II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Accountant II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Accountant positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Accountant II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Accountant II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$90,451$43.025%
Energy & Utilities$86,833$42.020%
Internet$85,386$41.018%
Aerospace & Defense$79,597$38.010%
Chemicals$79,597$38.010%

How Education impacts an Accountant II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Accountant II enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Accountant II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $70,872 and $74,861.

Accountant II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Accountant II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.1%
High School 5.2%
Associates 8.4%
Bachelors 61.2%
Masters 23.6%
Doctorate 0.5%
View as Graph

Accountant II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Accountant II'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
$65,617
Average $72,361/year
$77,892
$5,468
Average $6,030/month
$6,491
$1,262
Average $1,392/week
$1,498
$32
Average $35/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $77,892 $6,491 $1,498 $37
Average $72,361 $6,030 $1,392 $35
25th Percentile $65,617 $5,468 $1,262 $32

Accountant II Salary Growth & Career Path

Accountant II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Accountant II, 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 Manager $74,064 2%
Accountant III $83,869 16%
Plant Controller $117,381 62%

Most common benefits for Accountant II

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

Common company salaries for Accountant II

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

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FAQ about Accountant II

1. Where can an Accountant II earn the most?

An Accountant II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Accountant II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Accountant II is $91,269.

2. What is the highest pay for Accountant II?

The highest pay for Accountant II is $82,928.

3. What is the lowest pay for Accountant II?

The lowest pay for Accountant II is $59,477.

4. What are the responsibilities of Accountant II?

Maintains financial records and ensures that financial transactions are properly recorded. Ensures the accuracy of entries to ledger accounts and reconciles subsidiary ledger accounts to the general ledger. Prepares balance sheets, profit and loss statements and other financial reports. Analyzes current costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations incurred to predict future revenues and expenses. Requires a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. May require eligibility to sit for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Accountant II?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Accountant II roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

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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