AccountingUpdated Q1 2026

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Salary
in Tempe, AZ

Prepare financial statements, tax returns, and provide accounting advisory services. Median salary in Tempe: $95K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$95K
per year
Take-home: $64K

Salary range in Tempe

Entry level (25th)$70,000
Median (50th)$95,000
Senior (75th)$127,000
Top earner (90th)$167,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Tempe, Arizona. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Tempe

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

8% premium vs national median

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s in Tempe earn approximately 8% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $7,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Tempe's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Rent eats 32% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Tempe ($1,700/mo) consumes approximately 32% of an after-tax median Certified Public Accountant (CPA) salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($127K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Tempe

Median salary
$95K
annual
Take-home pay
$64K
after fed/state tax
COL index
108
100 = US avg
State income tax
2.5%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,700
per month
YoY growth
+2.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Tempe Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $95K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Tempe

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$80K$87K$94K$100K$107K201920212023202520272029
2026
$97K
projected
2027
$100K
projected
2028
$102K
projected
2029
$105K
projected
2030
$107K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$95,000+$0
2028 projected$95,000+$0
2029 projected$95,000+$0
2030 projected$95,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Salary in Tempe, Arizona: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Certified Public Accountant (CPA) salary in Tempe, AZ is $95,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Tempe–AZ metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Tempe

Entry-level Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s in Tempe with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $70,000 and $95,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $95,000 to $127,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $127,000 to $167,000 or more.

Cost of living in Tempe for Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s

Tempe has a cost of living index of 108 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Tempe are close to the national average. Arizona has a 2.5% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Bachelor's in Accounting; CPA license required. This role is 55% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Tempe-based professionals.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Tempe (current)$95K108
Phoenix$92K100
Tucson$77K90
Mesa$88K98
Chandler$92K105
Scottsdale$101K118