Certified Public Accountant vs Auditor: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Certified Public Accountant
Licensed accounting professional who handles complex tax and audit engagements.
Auditor
Review financial records to verify accuracy and compliance.
Certified Public 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.
Certified Public Accountant vs Auditor — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Certified Public Accountant | Auditor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,052 | $119,239 | Certified +$2,813 |
| New York, NY | $101,470 | $98,258 | Certified +$3,212 |
| Seattle, WA | $115,604 | $120,541 | Certified $4,937 |
| Austin, TX | $94,883 | $93,280 | Certified +$1,603 |
| Chicago, IL | $92,214 | $89,212 | Certified +$3,002 |
| Boston, MA | $107,079 | $111,431 | Certified $4,352 |
| London, UK | £67,379 | £65,320 | Certified +$2,059 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$108,659 | CA$111,644 | Certified $2,985 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Certified Public Accountant or Auditor earn more?+
A Certified Public Accountant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Certified Public Accountant is $83,680/year, compared to $83,680/year for a Auditor — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Certified Public Accountant or Auditor?+
Certified Public Accountant roles are growing at 8% YoY while Auditor demand is growing at 7% YoY. Certified Public Accountant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Certified Public Accountant to Auditor?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: GAAP.
Which is harder to automate — Certified Public Accountant or Auditor?+
Auditor has a lower AI automation risk (68% vs 68%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.