Young CPAs
Career Information
We get that this big world can be scary — but remember, you're not on your own. That means when you get together with your friends and other MTCPA members, you have an instant network of experience to draw from. Take advantage of these opportunities to connect and be smarter together.
A career in accounting means you will have the opportunity to work within almost any industry imaginable. Compensation varies according to level of education, certification and specializations, but in general, accountants are well paid. With the field experiencing rapid growth, now is an excellent time to beginning planning for your career in accounting.
Nearly every type of organization employs Accounting professionals. Learn how the CPA role varies between different industries, and how you can specialize your work based on your skills and interests.
From large to small, public to private, a wide range of work experience is available to you depending on the employer you choose. Discover what the top industries have to offer below.
- Public: Explore the possibilities that arise from starting in Accounting's biggest field
- Corporate: What it means to go in-house as a corporate CPA
- Nonprofit: How to combine your passion with your career by working at a nonprofit
- Education: Working part-time or full-time as an Accounting teacher
- Government: Learn the benefits of being a CPA for local, state, and the Federal government
- Consulting: Accounting consultants can work at a variety of companies, and on a range of projects
- Self-Employed: Find out the pros (and cons) of having your own Accounting practice
Once you become a licensed CPA, you'll have the ability to choose a specialization. While it's not mandatory, having an area of expertise boosts both your marketability and your salary. Learn more about the most in-demand specializations below.
- Audit: Doing the detective work of investigating whether companies are operating ethically
- Financial Forensics: Working inside—and outside—the courtroom by investigating cases of corporate fraud and bankruptcy
- Information Technology: Using technology to solve business problems and improve efficiency
- Business Valuation: Determining the true value of companies in advance of mergers and acquisitions
- Personal Financial Planning: Helping individuals by strategically advising on savings, investments, and risk management
- Tax: Navigating the ever-changing world of tax accounting
- Managerial: Combining financial analysis and business acumen to help companies grow
Finance and Accounting
2025 SALARY GUIDE
Source: Robert Half Talent Solutions
A 2020 LinkedIn survey placed CPAs in sixth place among the most in-demand jobs. CPAs also held the top spot for the fastest job growth. The demand for CPAs continues to grow along with the economy and the need to maintain financial records. Keep reading to learn more about this growing career field.
How Much Does a CPA Make?
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors earn a median salary of $81,680. Education, experience, and location can all impact earning potential for CPAs.
However, this career provides an upward earning trend for professionals who stay in the field and gain more experience, making now a great time to get started in the industry.
Salary by Education
Although all CPAs are accountants, not all accountants hold CPA licensure. CPA requirements vary by state but to earn licensure as a CPA, candidates must complete a minimum of 150 credits prior to sitting for the exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Generally, bachelor's degrees require around 120 credits. CPA candidates must earn another 30 credit hours. Some aspiring CPAs complete combined bachelor's/master's programs to fulfill this requirement. Others complete this requirement through extra undergraduate credits and a few graduate courses.
Completing a master's degree may also increase your earning potential compared to just a bachelor's. The table below breaks down the average salary for accountants with different education levels. Keep in mind this table includes all accountants, not solely CPAs.
Salary by Experience
While education helps people obtain CPA licensure and higher salaries, experience also impacts earnings. According to data from PayScale, the average salary for CPAs increases steadily with more experience.
Early career (one to four years in the field) CPAs earn an average of $60,000 per year. In contrast, late career (more than 20 years experience) CPAs earn an average of $98,000 per year—a stark increase.
Additionally, some employers may offer CPAs performance-based bonuses and other monetary benefits.
Salary by Location
Geographic location also impacts earning potential for CPAs and accountants. Some states may offer higher average salaries due to factors like increased demand, larger population, and higher costs of living.
Best Industries
Regardless of the industry, companies need skilled accountants to help run their business in adherence to local financial laws and regulations. A variety of industries employ CPAs in different capacities.
The tables below detail the top-paying and top-employing industries for accountants and auditors. Some of the top paid CPAs work for the federal government, while most accounting professionals work in general accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services.
A large number of accounting professionals also serve in management roles for companies and enterprises, making that industry the second highest employing area for accountants.
The industry an accountant works in can impact salary and earning potential, day-to-day job duties, and any opportunities for upward mobility. Explore the tables below to learn more about which industries employ the most CPAs, and which sectors offer the highest average salaries.
Top-Paying Industries for Accountants and Auditors, 2023
| INDUSTRY | NUMBER OF ACCOUNTANTS AND AUDITORS EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
| Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media | N/A | $133,140 |
| Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services | 2,330 | $132,450 |
| Software Publishers | 11,370 | $126,250 |
| Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers | 2,920 | $122,070 |
| Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing | 2,490 | $118,090 |
Top-Employing Industries for Accountants and Auditors, 2023
| INDUSTRY | NUMBER OF ACCOUNTANTS AND AUDITORS EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
| Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services | 349,320 | $93,060 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 106,420 | $93,580 |
| Local Government (Excluding Schools and Hospitals) | 47,580 | $79,220 |
| Real Estate | 44,950 | $87,480 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | 43,020 | $98,970 |
Source: Accounting.com
Website information updated as of July 2025
Writing a great cover letter and resume is an important step in your job search journey. When writing your resume, be sure to reference the job description and highlight any accounting skills, awards and certifications that match with the requirements. You may also want to include a headline or summary statement that clearly communicates your goals and qualifications.
When writing a cover letter, be sure to reference the requirements listed in the job description. In your letter, reference your most relevant or exceptional qualifications to help employers see why you're a great fit for the role.
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