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How much money does an accountant make?

I'm in business class, and I am in the accounting department in that class. #business #accounting #accountant #finance

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Adam’s Answer

If you're going into public accounting, the starting pay is anywhere from high $40K to low $60K, depending on the specific company and where you work. There's normally a (small) living adjustment if you live in a more expensive city (ie New York, San Fran, etc).

There aren't signing bonuses or the extravagant year-end bonuses you hear about in finance. However, if you pass the CPA before/a year after you start working, you can expect to get a decent bonus (mine was $6,000). Accounting firms want you to have your CPA as soon as possible.
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Angela’s Answer

Haley - There are many different kinds of accountants, and many different education levels (ex: associates degree, BS in Accounting, Masters in Accounting). The salary you would make to start out would mainly be based on your education level and if you have your CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license. Salaries also vary greatly by area of the country, based on the cost of living and the industry you are looking at (telecommunications, construction, small CPA firm, etc.).

The internet shows widely varying salaries by degree type. With an Associates Degree ( a 2 year degree), it looks like you can start out making from $15 per hour to $50,000 per year salaried. With a BS in Accounting ( a 4 year degree) you can start out making between $50,000 and $65,000. If you add a CPA license to the BS Degree (you need at least a BS in Accounting to sit for the exam - varies by state), you can start out earning $5,000 to $8,000 more than this.

These are just starting salaries, the yearly raise you receive would be based on your performance, any promotions you receive (to a higher level job), and the industry you are in.
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Vincent’s Answer

If you decide to pursue a career in public accounting, the earning potential is very rewarding. I would do a quick google search on the companies you are interviewing with to give you a good idea of the starting point. Most likely the salary will jump up 5%-10% per year for your first few years. A partner once told me money will come if you work hard! So best of luck to you!!
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Narina’s Answer

You typical pay will start somewhere from $ 40 000 to $ 55 000 for staff accountant for example. Of course a lot depends on geography (which state and city you live in), your experience and education (even if you did not have a prior full time work experience but were a part of college projects or had an internship somewhere). Also a lot will depend on what company you pick. Smaller companies often pays more and give you better benefits. You always need to consider a full compensation when you think about how much money you are going to make. Your salary may be $40 000 a year but you also can be promised a bonus pay, vacation days, better medical insurance benefits than in other company. That all will either bring or keep money in your pocket. Bigger companies like big 4 for example will often pay less because you get their name/brand on your resume. That experience is very valuable and desirable for other companies so they will pay less because as an employee you are getting that extra bonus. I hope this helps a little! Good luck to you!
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Steven’s Answer

Your salary will be highly dependent on the local area you work in and what career path you go down. In general, expect a total compensation package of somewhere between $40k to $60k (starting pay + benefits). From there, how quickly you will climb will depend on your experience, how driven you are and if your willing to take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. Don't be afraid of putting in the work early on to build a long term successful career. It's not about the +/- $10k in the short term, but more about how those opportunities best ready you for what's next.
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Garrett’s Answer

Hi, I hope you are doing well.

Your salary as an accountant largely varies with how much experience you have and your job title. You would typically start out as an associate and then move up from there (Senior associate, Manager, Senior Manager, Director, Partner). Typically one could expect to start out making 50-60K a year depending on what location you are in. Areas such as New York City tend to make more because the cost of living is so much more there. Something else to keep in mind is that your CPA license is very important to consider because this is something that will allow you to move up in the firm (and make more money). With all that being said, being an accountant can be a rewarding career if you stick with it.
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Laurie’s Answer

The salary would depend upon what part of the US you are working in and what the cost of living is in that area. For the mid-west the starting salary would be $36K to 60K depending upon if your position is in industry or public accounting. If you are driven and dedicated to your job you should be able to make $100K after approximately 10 years of experience. This of course would include promotions and continuing education.
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Brian’s Answer

That depends on a lot of different factors: location, company, years of experience, certifications, and etc.

The answer you're looking for can probably be figured out mostly from GlassDoor.
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Lauren’s Answer

Hi,

This depends largely on your experience level and if you have relevant certifications, particularly the CPA. With that in mind, I would imagine someone with a 4 year degree and working on the CPA can expect to start anywhere from 50-60K per year depending on location.
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Kent Taylor’s Answer

It depends on the type of accountant you are speaking of. Also how much expereince does the person have and where is the experience concentrated in for subject material. There are different credentials that can be achieved in this profession.
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Jodi’s Answer

Hi!

Starting salary for the Big 4 accounting firms likely ranges between 50k-70k based on your location, if you have a Bachelors degree and CPA license. Most importantly, there is a lot of potential for growth in the industry as you build years of experience and is a superb career for developing your business acumen quickly!
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