CPA license drives 15-25% premium. Public accounting → Big 4 partner track lucrative.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Accountant / CPAs. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $61,400 | $46,400 | $80,900 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $76,300 | $57,700 | $100,600 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $87,800 | $66,400 | $115,700 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $105,300 | $79,600 | $138,800 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $119,400 | $90,300 | $157,300 |
Top 10 states by median Accountant / CPA salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $114,200 | $86,800 | $148,500 | +30% |
| New York | $114,200 | $86,800 | $148,500 | +30% |
| Washington | $114,200 | $86,800 | $148,500 | +30% |
| California | $112,400 | $85,500 | $146,200 | +28% |
| New Jersey | $110,700 | $84,100 | $143,900 | +26% |
| Washington DC | $109,800 | $83,400 | $142,700 | +25% |
| Connecticut | $106,300 | $80,800 | $138,200 | +21% |
| Maryland | $105,400 | $80,100 | $137,000 | +20% |
| Colorado | $102,800 | $78,100 | $133,600 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $100,100 | $76,100 | $130,200 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $74,700 | $56,700 | $97,100 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $73,800 | $56,100 | $95,900 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $73,800 | $56,100 | $95,900 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $73,800 | $56,100 | $95,900 | -16% |
| Alabama | $72,900 | $55,400 | $94,800 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $72,900 | $55,400 | $94,800 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $70,300 | $53,400 | $91,400 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $70,300 | $53,400 | $91,400 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $68,500 | $52,100 | $89,100 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $68,500 | $52,100 | $89,100 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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