Do accountants make good money?

Asked by: Yoshiko Corkery MD  |  Last update: November 18, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (69 votes)

Accountants made a median salary of $79,880 in 2023. The best-paid 25% made $103,990 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $62,720.

Is it worth becoming an accountant?

This degree not only opens doors to traditional accounting roles but also offers entry into various sectors of business management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants and auditors can expect a median annual salary of $78,000, with a typical entry-level education being a bachelor's degree.

Do you make a lot of money in accounting?

Accountants, who maintain and analyze financial records and data, earn a median annual salary of $79,880.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

$500k/year as a self-employed accountant is theoretically possible, but it's rare. If it is done, it's usually done with a few whales for clients (and probably with a lot of expensive consulting tossed in), rather than a bunch of little clients.

What type of accountant gets paid most?

Top 10 Highest Paying Accounting Careers
  • 1) Financial Controller.
  • 2) CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
  • 3) Chartered Accountant.
  • 4) Bank Branch Manager.
  • 5) CGA (Certified General Accountant)
  • 6) Senior Accountant.
  • 7) Financial Analyst.
  • 8) Credit Supervisor.

People Share Their Actual Accounting Salaries And The Results May Shock You

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Why are accountants paid so high?

The high salaries in these areas are likely driven by the concentration of large corporations and financial services firms located there, as well as the high cost of living. Major metro areas like New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles have very competitive job markets for accounting professionals.

How hard is the CPA exam?

About half of the individuals who take the CPA Exam don't pass on their first attempt. According to the AICPA, the national average pass rate is 45-55%. Cumulative pass rates reported by the AICPA for the calendar year 2021 show that FAR had the lowest pass rate at 44.54% and BEC had the highest pass rate at 61.94%.

Do all CPAs make 6 figures?

A CPA's salary usually reaches the high five figures while senior CPAs in management can earn a six-figure salary.

What job pays $1 million a year?

Roles in investment banking, hedge funds and private equity not only promise substantial financial rewards, but also present opportunities for career advancement in a dynamic industry. Finance jobs are highly competitive, with employers actively seeking talent from top-tier educational institutions.

Is accounting school hard?

Earning a degree in accounting can be challenging due to the complex nature of the subject matter, however it is not necessarily categorized as math-heavy. Students who are dedicated, diligent, and hard-working can successfully earn an accounting degree.

Why do cpas make so little?

Generally speaking, accounting jobs that center on compliance work will always leave many accountants feeling underpaid because they are working long hours with low-margin. A good rule of thumb is that data entry doesn't pay well. On the other hand, with advisory, the sky is the limit.

Is it hard to become an accountant?

Becoming an accountant is challenging due to the educational requirements, technical skills needed, the difficulty of certification exams, and the level of precision and responsibility the profession demands.

Who pays accountants the most?

The top-paying industries for accountants include finance and insurance, management of companies and enterprises, tax preparation, and the government.

Is accounting a stressful job?

Many accountants are stressed out because they have a hard time saying “no” to anything: accepting non-ideal clients, handling client requests that are out of scope, accepting meetings for non-mission critical activities, etc.

Do accountants do a lot of math?

Accountants need to be proficient in basic arithmetic, algebra, and statistics to analyze financial data, prepare reports, and ensure accuracy in their work. They may also use mathematical principles to perform tasks such as budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

Why is no one going into accounting?

Reasons other than low salaries often cited for the decreased interest in the accounting profession include the required five years of college, a difficult CPA exam, and long, tedious hours. None of these are insurmountable. In fact, many firms that are growing and thriving have found ways to attract and retain staff.

What job makes $2 million a year?

Medicine comes out top. Half of doctors in the US earn over $200,000 per year, and the mean is actually higher than finance and law. That said, the very highest-earning people are in finance and law. The top 1% in finance earn over $2m per year.

How many people make over $500,000 a year?

A report by the World Economic Forum found that Americans think that a full 20% of earners make over $500,000, but this is starkly different from reality. The actual percentage of the U.S. population who earn more than $500,000 per year is less than 1%.

What are the top 3 millionaire jobs?

THE TOP 5 CAREERS OF MILLIONAIRES: - Engineer - Accountant (CPA) - Teacher - Management - Attorney Some of those are surprising, huh?

Can you make 500k as a CPA?

Only a small fraction of CPAs make $500k a year, but it is possible. And it is faster to achieve in your own firm than by working for a large public accounting firm or getting a corporate job in the industry. To make big money in a solo practice or a small firm, your strategy will differ greatly from the big firms.

Can CPAs be millionaires?

Among the 5 careers with the most millionaires - Accountants! - Dave Ramsey Poll of 10,000 U.S. Millionaires Makes sense, accountants have good, stable employment opportunities, tend to be good with their money, invest, avoid debt, and are more likely to make and follow a budget.

Are CPAs still in demand?

Job Security

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of accountants is projected to grow 6 percent each year through 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

Is a CPA harder than a bar?

The CPA Exam is also a rigorous process. Candidates have an 18-month window to study and sit for the four-part exam once they have been approved as a candidate. The first-time pass rate for all sections is less than the Bar Exam.

What is the hardest professional license to get?

1. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) takes the top spot as the most challenging exam in the US, with an average preparation time ranging from 200 to 400 hours for each of its three steps.

How many times can I fail the CPA Exam?

Unlimited Retakes: You can retake the CPA exam sections as many times as needed. However, you must pass all sections within 18 to 30 months after passing the first section.