Accounting Salaries
A career in accounting provides individuals with a competitive entry-level salary and long-term growth potential—particularly those who have earned CPA certification. Below is information from the Robert Half International 2008 Salary Guide listing average salaries in all sizes of public accounting and industry firms for various levels within the respective organization.
Although Robert Half does not compile salary data for accountants in government and education, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) publishes a quarterly newsletter that examines starting salaries for a wide range of professions.
It's important to note that factors such as geographic location, length of experience, level of education, CPA designation, and the size of the employer all play a role in determining salary.
Public Accounting, Auditing, Tax and Management Services
Large Firmsd
Experience/Title |
2008 Salary Range | |
|
Senior Manager/Director |
$98,750 |
$151,500 |
|
Manager |
$80,000 |
$106,250 |
|
Senior |
$64,000 |
$83,000 |
|
1 to 3 years |
$54,500 |
$66,250 |
|
Up to 1 Year |
$47,500 |
$57,500 |
Medium Firmsd
Experience/Title |
2008 Salary Range | |
|
Senior Manager/Director |
$88,250 |
$129,250 |
|
Manager |
$74,250 |
$93,500 |
|
Senior |
$57,500 |
$76,250 |
|
1 to 3 years |
$48,750 |
$59,500 |
|
Up to 1 Year |
$41,500 |
$51,000 |
Small Firmsd
Experience/Title |
2008 Salary Range | |
|
Senior Manager/Director |
$80,750 |
$105,500 |
|
Manager |
$66,500 |
$82,000 |
|
Senior |
$52,000 |
$66,500 |
|
1 to 3 years |
$44,750 |
$53,250 |
|
Up to 1 Year |
$40,000 |
$47,250 |
d: Large firms = $250 million+ in sales; Medium firms = $25 to $250 million in sales; small firms = up to $25 million in sales
Corporate Accounting
Large Companiesb
Experience/Title |
2008 Salary Range | |
|
Manager |
$69,250 |
$93,250 |
|
Senior |
$53,500 |
$71,250 |
|
1 to 3 years |
$43,250 |
$55,000 |
|
Up to 1 year |
$36,750 |
$44,750 |
Medium Companiesb
Experience/Title |
2008 Salary Range | |
|
Manager |
$58,000 |
$76,500 |
|
Senior |
$49,250 |
$63,000 |
|
1 to 3 years |
$39,750 |
$50,500 |
|
Up to 1 year |
$34,500 |
$41,500 |
Small Companiesb
Experience/Title |
2008 Salary Range | |
|
Manager |
$54,250 |
$69,250 |
|
Senior |
$45,000 |
$56,500 |
|
1 to 3 years |
$37,000 |
$46,750 |
|
Up to 1 year |
$32,000 |
$39,000 |
b: Large companies = $250 million+ in sales; Medium companies = $25 to $250 million in sales; small companies = up to $25 million in sales
(source: Robert Half 2008 Salary Guide)