Accountant vs Auditor: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Accountant
Prepare and examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Auditor
Review financial records to verify accuracy and compliance.
Accountant earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a Auditor. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Accountant vs Auditor — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Accountant | Auditor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,756 | $119,239 | Accountant +$3,517 |
| New York, NY | $99,513 | $98,258 | Accountant +$1,255 |
| Seattle, WA | $117,197 | $120,541 | Accountant $3,344 |
| Austin, TX | $94,568 | $93,280 | Accountant +$1,288 |
| Chicago, IL | $88,290 | $89,212 | Accountant $922 |
| Boston, MA | $106,405 | $111,431 | Accountant $5,026 |
| London, UK | £62,254 | £65,320 | Accountant $3,066 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$111,644 | Accountant $17,030 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Accountant or Auditor earn more?+
A Accountant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Accountant is $83,680/year, compared to $83,680/year for a Auditor — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Accountant or Auditor?+
Accountant roles are growing at 6% YoY while Auditor demand is growing at 7% YoY. Auditor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Accountant to Auditor?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: GAAP, Excel.
Which is harder to automate — Accountant or Auditor?+
Auditor has a lower AI automation risk (68% vs 78%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.