Accountant Salary
by City (2026)
Prepare financial records, tax filings, and ensure regulatory compliance. National median: $78K/year. See how your city compares.
Accountant salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $78K Accountant salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βAccountant Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Accountant is $78,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $55,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $105,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Accountants nationally earn $140,000+.
Education and requirements
Bachelor's in Accounting; CPA license. This role is 40% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Accountant compensation is growing at 2.2% annually, near the national average wage growth rate.
Accountant salary FAQ
How much does a Accountant make?
The median Accountant salary in the US is $78,000 per year β about $38/hour. Most earn between $55,000 (25th percentile) and $105,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Accountant?
Entry-level Accountant positions typically start around $55,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Accountants earn?
The top 10% of Accountants earn $140,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Accountants the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Accountant salary at $117K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Accountant salaries going up?
Yes β Accountant pay is growing about 2.2% year over year, near the US average wage-growth rate.