Accountant vs Certified Public Accountant: 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.
Certified Public Accountant
Licensed accounting professional who handles complex tax and audit engagements.
Accountant earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a Certified Public Accountant. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Accountant vs Certified Public Accountant — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Accountant | Certified Public Accountant | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,756 | $122,052 | Accountant +$704 |
| New York, NY | $99,513 | $101,470 | Accountant $1,957 |
| Seattle, WA | $117,197 | $115,604 | Accountant +$1,593 |
| Austin, TX | $94,568 | $94,883 | Accountant $315 |
| Chicago, IL | $88,290 | $92,214 | Accountant $3,924 |
| Boston, MA | $106,405 | $107,079 | Accountant $674 |
| London, UK | £62,254 | £67,379 | Accountant $5,125 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$108,659 | Accountant $14,045 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Accountant or Certified Public Accountant 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 Certified Public Accountant — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Accountant or Certified Public Accountant?+
Accountant roles are growing at 6% YoY while Certified Public Accountant demand is growing at 8% YoY. Certified Public Accountant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Accountant to Certified Public Accountant?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: GAAP.
Which is harder to automate — Accountant or Certified Public Accountant?+
Certified Public Accountant has a lower AI automation risk (68% vs 78%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.