Salary report · US · 2026
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Salary
The average certified public accountant (cpa) salary is $85,456 per year in the United States in 2026. Base pay runs from $59,000 at the 10th percentile to $138,000 at the 90th, with a median of $85,000. Bonuses add $1,000–$17,000, putting total pay between roughly $59,000 and $147,000.
Definition & distribution
What is the average certified public accountant (cpa) salary?
The average base salary for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is $85,456 per year. This figure is derived from a sample size of 1,605 professionals in the field.
The 10th percentile earns $59,000, while the 90th percentile earns $138,000, indicating a significant spread in earnings. This suggests that while many CPAs earn around the median, there are opportunities for higher compensation at the upper end of the scale.
Known limitations. The sample size consists of 1,605 profiles, which provides a robust overview but may not capture all regional variations. Additionally, individual circumstances can lead to different salary outcomes.
Pay components
How is certified public accountant (cpa) total pay structured?
Compensation for CPAs typically includes base salary and potential bonuses.
| Component | Low | High | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base salary | $59,000 | $138,000 | Dense around the $85k median |
| Annual bonus | $1,000 | $17,000 | Up to ~12% of top-end base |
| Total pay | $59,000 | $147,000 | Base plus reported bonus |
Pay by experience
How does experience change a certified public accountant (cpa) salary?
As CPAs gain experience, their salaries generally increase due to enhanced skills and responsibilities. This progression can lead to significant pay differences over time.
- 01
Entry-Level CPA
Entry-level CPAs typically earn around $59,000 per year as they begin their careers.
- 02
Mid-Level CPA
Mid-level CPAs can expect to earn approximately $85,000 per year as they gain experience and take on more complex tasks.
- 03
Senior CPA
Senior CPAs often earn upwards of $138,000 per year, reflecting their expertise and leadership roles.
Skills
Which skills affect a certified public accountant (cpa) salary?
Certain skills can significantly impact a CPA's earning potential.
- 01
Tax Preparation — the premium tier
Expertise in tax preparation can lead to higher salaries due to the complexity and demand for these services.
- 02
Financial Reporting — the premium tier
Strong skills in financial reporting are highly valued and can enhance earning potential.
- 03
Auditing — the promotion tier
Proficiency in auditing can position CPAs for advancement into higher-paying roles.
Geography
Where do certified public accountant (cpa)s earn the most?
The salary for CPAs can vary significantly by city.
| Metro | Market character | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | High finance and corporate hub | Higher salaries are often offset by a higher cost of living. |
| Los Angeles, CA | Entertainment and tech industries | Salaries are competitive but also influenced by the cost of living. |
| Chicago, IL | Financial and business center | Offers a balanced salary-to-cost-of-living ratio. |
| Houston, TX | Energy and healthcare industries | Generally lower cost of living with competitive salaries. |
| Atlanta, GA | Growing business and tech scene | Salaries are attractive relative to the cost of living. |
Check your pay
Where does your salary fall?
Check your salary percentile to see how you compare to other CPAs.
Raising your pay
How can certified public accountant (cpa)s increase their salary?
There are several strategies to increase your salary as a CPA.
- 01
Pursue additional certifications
Obtaining specialized certifications can enhance your qualifications and lead to higher pay.
- 02
Seek leadership roles
Moving into management or supervisory positions can significantly boost your earnings.
- 03
Negotiate your salary
Proactively negotiating your salary during job offers or performance reviews can result in higher compensation.
FAQ
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) salary: FAQ
The highest salary for a CPA can reach up to $147,000 per year.
The lowest salary for a CPA is approximately $59,000 per year.
You can increase your salary by pursuing additional certifications, seeking leadership roles, and negotiating your salary.
Yes, CPAs can receive bonuses ranging from $1,000 to $17,000 based on performance and company policies.
This salary data is based on a sample of 1,605 CPAs, providing a reliable overview of the market.
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