Accountant vs Risk Manager: 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.
Risk Manager
Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks for organisations.
Risk Manager 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 Risk Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Accountant | Risk Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,756 | $145,592 | Accountant $22,836 |
| New York, NY | $99,513 | $120,107 | Accountant $20,594 |
| Seattle, WA | $117,197 | $148,730 | Accountant $31,533 |
| Austin, TX | $94,568 | $113,068 | Accountant $18,500 |
| Chicago, IL | $88,290 | $113,339 | Accountant $25,049 |
| Boston, MA | $106,405 | $131,487 | Accountant $25,082 |
| London, UK | £62,254 | £78,848 | Accountant $16,594 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$137,878 | Accountant $43,264 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Accountant or Risk Manager earn more?+
A Risk Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Accountant is $83,680/year, compared to $102,740/year for a Risk Manager — a difference of $19,060 (23%).
Which has better career growth — Accountant or Risk Manager?+
Accountant roles are growing at 6% YoY while Risk Manager demand is growing at 16% YoY. Risk Manager has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Accountant to Risk Manager?+
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 Risk Manager?+
Risk Manager has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 78%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.