Accountant vs Financial Analyst: 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.
Financial Analyst
Analyse financial data and prepare reports to support investment and business decisions.
Financial Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $19,060/year (23%) higher than a Accountant. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Accountant vs Financial Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Accountant | Financial Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,756 | $146,829 | Accountant $24,073 |
| New York, NY | $99,513 | $122,253 | Accountant $22,740 |
| Seattle, WA | $117,197 | $143,125 | Accountant $25,928 |
| Austin, TX | $94,568 | $111,407 | Accountant $16,839 |
| Chicago, IL | $88,290 | $110,355 | Accountant $22,065 |
| Boston, MA | $106,405 | $135,080 | Accountant $28,675 |
| London, UK | £62,254 | £82,870 | Accountant $20,616 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$111,014 | Accountant $16,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Accountant or Financial Analyst earn more?+
A Financial Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Accountant is $83,680/year, compared to $102,740/year for a Financial Analyst — a difference of $19,060 (23%).
Which has better career growth — Accountant or Financial Analyst?+
Accountant roles are growing at 6% YoY while Financial Analyst demand is growing at 9% YoY. Financial Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Accountant to Financial Analyst?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Excel.
Which is harder to automate — Accountant or Financial Analyst?+
Financial Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (65% vs 78%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.