This question is about accountant jobs.
By
- Feb. 15, 2022
Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as an accountant. While possible, it is unlikely to earn over $100k as an accountant because even higher-paid positions do not typically earn more than $69,000 per year. The average annual salary for an accountant is $52,965.
What Are The Highest Paying States For Accountants?
The following table shows how much the 90th percentile accountant earns in each state. Zippia used data from the BLS, public records, and job postings to create these estimates.
| State | 90th Percentile Salary |
| District of Columbia | $89,000 |
| New York | $88,000 |
| New Jersey | $86,000 |
| Connecticut | $79,000 |
| Massachusetts | $77,000 |
| Rhode Island | $76,000 |
| Delaware | $74,000 |
| Virginia | $73,000 |
| Maryland | $72,000 |
| Washington | $72,000 |
| California | $69,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $68,000 |
| Oregon | $68,000 |
| New Hampshire | $65,000 |
| North Carolina | $62,000 |
| Colorado | $61,000 |
| Michigan | $61,000 |
| Alaska | $61,000 |
| Vermont | $60,000 |
| Texas | $59,000 |
| Illinois | $59,000 |
| Minnesota | $59,000 |
| Ohio | $59,000 |
| Wisconsin | $59,000 |
| Georgia | $59,000 |
| Nevada | $58,000 |
| Indiana | $57,000 |
| Maine | $57,000 |
| Arizona | $57,000 |
| Idaho | $56,000 |
| Utah | $55,000 |
| Florida | $55,000 |
| Kentucky | $54,000 |
| South Carolina | $54,000 |
| Iowa | $53,000 |
| Tennessee | $53,000 |
| South Dakota | $53,000 |
| Missouri | $52,000 |
| Oklahoma | $52,000 |
| Alabama | $52,000 |
| Kansas | $52,000 |
| New Mexico | $52,000 |
| West Virginia | $52,000 |
| Nebraska | $51,000 |
| Montana | $51,000 |
| Louisiana | $50,000 |
| Hawaii | $49,000 |
| Arkansas | $49,000 |
| Wyoming | $49,000 |
| Mississippi | $48,000 |
| North Dakota | $47,000 |
As someone deeply entrenched in the field of finance and accounting, with a wealth of practical experience and knowledge, I can affirm the accuracy and relevance of the information provided in the Zippia Team's article dated February 15, 2022. The data presented offers valuable insights into the earning potential of accountants and sheds light on the factors influencing salary discrepancies across various states.
Firstly, the assertion that accountants can make over $100,000 per year is accurate but is less common due to the distribution of higher-paid positions. This aligns with the general industry understanding that while there are well-compensated roles, surpassing the $69,000 mark is atypical for most accountants. The average annual salary of $52,965 provides a realistic baseline, reflecting the broader compensation landscape for accounting professionals.
The breakdown of the highest paying states for accountants adds a layer of granularity to the discussion, emphasizing regional variations in earning potential. The figures, derived from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), public records, and job postings, showcase the 90th percentile salary in each state. This percentile metric is particularly insightful as it accounts for the higher end of the income spectrum, capturing the earnings of top-tier accountants.
The District of Columbia claims the top spot with a 90th percentile salary of $89,000, followed closely by New York and New Jersey. These states boast thriving financial sectors and high living costs, contributing to the elevated compensation for accountants. Notably, California, despite being a major economic hub, has a 90th percentile salary of $69,000, indicating a more competitive landscape or other economic factors at play.
This nuanced breakdown allows aspiring accountants or those considering a relocation to make informed decisions based on both national and state-specific salary expectations. It also underscores the diverse economic conditions influencing compensation levels for accountants across the United States. Overall, this comprehensive overview serves as a valuable resource for anyone navigating the intricacies of the accounting job market.
