How Much Does an Accounting make?

Accounting made a median salary around $48,701 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $54,347 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $43,979. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Best-Paying Cities for Accounting

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Accounting profession are Blanding , Cisco , La Sal , Monticello , Beryl .
Blanding, UT $52,542
Cisco, UT $52,542
La Sal, UT $52,542
Monticello, UT $52,542
Beryl, UT $50,904

Best-Paying States for Accounting

The states and districts that pay Accounting the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $56,998) , California (around $56,486) , New Jersey (around $56,127) , Alaska (around $55,769) , and Massachusetts (around $55,717) .
District of Columbia $56,998
California $56,486
New Jersey $56,127
Alaska $55,769
Massachusetts $55,717

What is the Career Path of Accounting?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Accounting, the first career path typically starts with a Bookkeeper, Sr. position , and then progresses to Bookkeeping Manager.

The second career path typically progresses to Adjustment Clerk III.

The third career path typically starts with an Accounting Clerk III position , and then progresses to Accounting Manager.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically progresses to Plant Controller.

Besides, Accounting can also turn to other related jobs, including Accounting Supervisor , Accounting Director , Accounting Manager and Instructor - Accounting .

Frequently Asked Questions for Accounting

Q: What is the salary range of Accounting in Utah?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Accounting in Utah earned an average annual salary of $43,979 , while the highest-paid made $54,347.
Q: What is the salary for an Accounting in California?
A: Accounting employed in California earned an average salary of $56,486 in 2024.

Average Accounting Pay vs. Other Jobs

Accounting earned an average salary of $48,701 in 2024. Other jobs related to Accounting earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Accounting Supervisor made $86,370 , Accounting Director made $187,238 , Accounting Manager and Instructor - Accounting made $119,264 and $68,886 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Accounting

Accounting Supervisor - Average Salary $86,370
Accounting Supervisor supervises accounting staff in daily operations of one or more accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, ledger maintenance, revenue, and asset accounting. Oversees calculating, posting, and verification of financial data for use in maintaining accounting and statistical records. Being an Accounting Supervisor ensures all analysis and reporting are accurate and prepared in compliance with accounting policies and procedures. Establishes and implements productivity and quality standards. Additionally, Accounting Supervisor may require a bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager. The Accounting Supervisor supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. To be an Accounting Supervisor typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision.
Accounting Director - Average Salary $187,238
Accounting Director directs the operations and policies of an accounting function. Implements accounting policies and procedures that adhere to governmental, financial, and tax regulations and comply with GAAP and IFRS standards. Being an Accounting Director monitors and evaluates accounting systems and processes to identify areas for improvement and optimization. Oversees overall monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting close processes and reporting. Additionally, Accounting Director develops and directs accounting professionals and supports staff through subordinate managers. Requires a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. May require Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Typically reports to a head of accounting. The Accounting Director manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. To be an Accounting Director typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.
Accounting Manager - Average Salary $119,264
Accounting Manager manages multiple accounting functions and operations such as general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, revenue, asset, cost, and tax accounting. Implements accounting policies and procedures that adhere to governmental financial and tax regulations and comply with GAAP and IFRS standards. Being an Accounting Manager oversees monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting close processes and reporting. Evaluates accounting processes and systems and implements optimizations. Additionally, Accounting Manager develops and directs accounting professionals and support staff. Requires a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. May require Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credentials. Typically reports to a director or head of a unit/department. The Accounting Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be an Accounting Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Instructor - Accounting - Average Salary $68,886
Instructor - Accounting teaches courses in the discipline area of accounting. Develops and designs curriculum plans to foster student learning, stimulate class discussions, and ensures student engagement. Being an Instructor - Accounting provides tutoring and academic counseling to students, maintains classes related records, and assesses student coursework. Collaborates and supports colleagues regarding research interests and co-curricular activities. Additionally, Instructor - Accounting typically reports to a department head. Has a Master's degree or is a PhD candidate in the applicable field. Has experience and is qualified to teach at undergraduate level and possesses the qualifications to participate in research.
Professor - Accounting - Average Salary $133,237
Professor - Accounting teaches courses in the discipline area of accounting. Develops and designs curriculum plans to foster student learning, stimulate class discussions, and ensures student engagement. Being a Professor - Accounting provides tutoring and academic counseling to students, maintains classes related records, and assesses student coursework. Collaborates and supports colleagues regarding research interests and co-curricular activities. Additionally, Professor - Accounting typically reports to a department head. Requires a PhD or terminal degree appropriate to the field. Has considerable experience and is qualified to teach at undergraduate and graduate levels and initiates research and case studies in field of interest and may publish findings in trade journals or textbooks. Provides intellectual leadership and has made significant contributions to the field. May offer independent study opportunities and mentoring to students. Typically this individual is a leader in the field and has been published.