Get Matched With Accounting Programs

Accountants hold a vital role in keeping businesses large and small operating throughout the U.S. This profession requires a university education, as the role they hold requires them to fully understand the dollars the business is taking in, using and spending.

Depending on the type of accounting (private organization, government or non-profit), the accountant’s annual salary will differ somewhat. From state to state, salaries for accountants also range widely, depending on the health of the state’s economy and employment numbers. Another determining factor that can impact your salary range is your highest level of education obtained.

Before becoming a CPA in any state, there are 2 educational requirements that need to be met. First you need to obtain an Associate of Accountancy (AA) degree and then move on to earning your Bachelor's in Accounting. Having a bachelor's in most states is a minimum requirement to becoming a certified accountant or CPA. If you are looking to obtain a position as a certified public accountant, you should also look into acquiring an online accounting master's degree.

Information from Bureau of Labor Statistics


As of May 2017, more than 1.2 million accountants and auditors were employed in various organizations or government agencies. Their employment averages 8.706 per 1,000 jobs, meaning their role is considered to be a vital one—businesses will hire a team of accountants to take care of their financial operations. These businesses know they need knowledgeable experts to manage the inflow of money into their bank accounts. They also need these experts to interpret and explain what is happening with the funds the business operates with. The accountants also have to understand where the money they work with comes in from, so they know where to enter its existence in the company’s books.

Find Your Online Accounting Program

Nationwide Data Impacts State Pay Rates


Reading the data from the BLS, an accountant’s median hourly wage is $33.34; their mean hourly wage is $37.46 and annual mean wage is $77,920.

Again, this will vary from one state to another, based on several different factors. In California, for instance, an accountant’s wage numbers may be higher. In smaller cities, towns and villages, their wages may be smaller.

Even so, the role of an accountant is vital wherever they are employed. Whether they work in the tiniest village or largest city, their specialized knowledge is necessary to businesses everywhere. What is accounting and the role it plays in business?

accountants-and-auditors-circle

Accountants
and
Auditors

aaa-one

2017 Median Pay
$69,350
per year;
$33.34
per hour

aaa-two

Typical Entry-Level Education:
Bachelor's degree

aaa-three

Work Experience in a Related
Occupation: None

aaa-four

On-the-job Training: None

aaa-five

Number of Jobs, 2016:
1,397,700

aaa-six

Job Outlook, 2016-26:
10%
(Faster than average)

aaa-seven

Employment Change, 2016-26:
139,900

Learn More About Careers and Salaries in Your State

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

The demand for accountants and auditors in Alabama is higher than average, which is why the pay is competitive. The majority of the professionals in the state make above $60,000 per year, and those at the highest levels earn upwards of six figures. The largest salaries in the state are available in Huntsville, but compensation in other major metro areas does not lag far behind. There are currently around 8 accountants for every 1,000 employees in Alabama, underscoring how important these financial professionals are to state and local economies. Read more about accounting in Alabama

City Annual Median Wage
Huntsville $75,380
Birmingham $76,800
Columbus $71,570
Tuscaloosa $69,580
Montgomery $69,560
Annual Mean Wage 10th Percentile 25th percentile 50th percentile 75th percentile 90th percentile
$72,120 $42,380 $51,940 $63,800 $85,100 $110,260

*Salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Search Accounting Jobs Near You