Accountants and Auditors
Accounting & Auditing • Business & Finance Careers
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data. Excludes "Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents" (13-2081).
Accountants and Auditors - Quick Facts
- Median Salary: $81,680
- Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,780
- Senior (90th percentile): $141,420
- National Employment: 1,448,290 jobs
- Education Required: Bachelor's degree
- Job Growth Outlook: Moderate
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS (May 2024), Accountants and Auditors professionals earned a median annual salary of $81,680 nationally, with approximately 1,448,290 employed across the United States. This occupation typically requires bachelor's degree and has a moderate growth outlook. The salary range spans from $52,780 (10th percentile) to $141,420 (90th percentile), reflecting variations in experience, location, and industry.
Understanding Salary Statistics: The typical salary (median) shows what a middle-of-the-road Accountants and Auditors earns, making it useful for salary negotiations. The average salary (mean) can be higher due to top earners and is often used in industry reports.
Salary Distribution
National salary ranges for Accountants and Auditors (2024)
Highest Paying Metropolitan Areas
Top 10 metro areas with the highest salaries for Accountants and Auditors
Top Industries
Industries with the most Accountants and Auditors positions
Work Environment
Career Overview
💼 About This Career
Accountants and Auditors professionals work in business & finance careers, specifically in accounting & auditing. This role typically requires bachelor's degree and offers a median salary of $81,680.
📊 Job Market Outlook
The job growth outlook for Accountants and Auditors is rated as Moderate. Currently, there are approximately 1,448,290 people employed in this occupation nationwide.
Related Skills & Keywords
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Compare with Similar Careers
Unsure which career path to choose? Compare Accountants and Auditors side-by-side with similar occupations to see salary differences, education requirements, and growth outlook.
❓ Common Questions About Accountants and Auditors
Get direct answers to the most common questions about Accountants and Auditors salaries, requirements, and career outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions about Accountants and Auditors
What is the median salary for Accountants and Auditors?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2024), Accountants and Auditors earn a median annual salary of $81,680. This means half of all Accountants and Auditors professionals earn more than this amount, and half earn less. The median salary is considered the most representative figure for typical earnings in this occupation.
How much do entry-level Accountants and Auditors make?
Entry-level Accountants and Auditors (10th percentile) typically earn around $52,780 annually as of 2024. Entry-level salaries can vary based on location, education, and employer, but this figure represents the lower end of the salary range for professionals just starting their careers.
What do experienced Accountants and Auditors earn?
Experienced Accountants and Auditors (90th percentile) can earn $141,420 or more annually. Senior professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills, or those working in high-paying metropolitan areas often exceed this figure. The top 10% of earners in this field demonstrate the career growth potential.
What education do you need to become a Accountants and Auditors?
The typical education requirement for Accountants and Auditors is bachelor's degree. However, requirements may vary by employer and specialization. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience or relevant certifications in addition to formal education. Check specific job postings for detailed requirements.
What is the job outlook for Accountants and Auditors?
The job growth outlook for Accountants and Auditors is moderate. Currently, approximately 1,448,290 people are employed in this occupation nationwide. This outlook reflects expected changes in employment over the next decade based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, considering factors such as technological changes, industry trends, and economic conditions.
What's the difference between median and mean salary for Accountants and Auditors?
The median salary ($81,680) represents the middle point where half earn more and half earn less, making it less affected by extremely high or low salaries. The mean (average) salary ($93,520) is calculated by adding all salaries and dividing by the number of workers. For Accountants and Auditors, the mean is higher than the median, indicating that some professionals earn significantly above the typical range.
Data Source & Attribution
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
Data Period: May 2024
Last Verified: December 25, 2025
National employment and wage estimates. Historical trends show changes over time. Individual results may vary based on experience, location, industry, and employer.
Salary and employment data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Wages shown are before taxes and may vary based on experience, education, and employer. Geographic location significantly impacts compensation.
How to cite this data
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). "Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)." May 2024. Analyzed by Wageography, 2025. Available: https://www.bls.gov/oes/