Accountant: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Accountants earn a national median of $81,680/yr with 4.6% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Economics and Accounting, English Language, Mathematics.
Median Salary
$81,680
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
4.6%
About as fast as average
Employed Nationally
1,448,290
2024 data
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Accountant
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Accountant candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Accountant performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Accountant roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 4.6% for Accountant roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's about as fast as average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 1,448,290
- Projected Growth
- 4.6%
- Typical Education
- Bachelor's degree
Top Employers
Companies actively hiring for Accountant roles, ranked by disclosure volume. Salaries reflect base pay from employer disclosure records.
| Company | Median Disclosed Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP | $146,000 | 51 |
| KPMG LLP | $144,900 | 23 |
| Ernst & Young LLP | $97,041 | 1,744 |
| Deloitte LLP | $88,800 | 319 |
Base salary only — excludes equity and bonuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Accountant do?
- Accountants apply expertise in Economics and Accounting, English Language, Mathematics to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking.
- How much does a Accountant make?
- The national median salary for a Accountant is $81,680 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Accountant a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Accountant roles is projected to grow 4.6% over the 2024–2034 decade — about as fast as average compared to all occupations. There are currently 1,448,290 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Accountant?
- The typical entry-level education for a Accountant is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Accountants need?
- The most important skills for Accountant roles based on verified occupational data: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Writing, Judgment and Decision Making, Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Mathematics, Coordination. Key tools and technologies include: Accounting software, Intuit QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.
Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.