Certified Public Accountant vs ESG Analyst: 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.
ESG Analyst
Assess environmental, social, and governance factors in investment decisions.
ESG Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $19,060/year (23%) higher than a Certified Public Accountant. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Certified Public Accountant vs ESG Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Certified Public Accountant | ESG Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,052 | $150,970 | Certified $28,918 |
| New York, NY | $101,470 | $128,930 | Certified $27,460 |
| Seattle, WA | $115,604 | $150,261 | Certified $34,657 |
| Austin, TX | $94,883 | $111,571 | Certified $16,688 |
| Chicago, IL | $92,214 | $112,333 | Certified $20,119 |
| Boston, MA | $107,079 | $134,464 | Certified $27,385 |
| London, UK | £67,379 | £81,801 | Certified $14,422 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$108,659 | CA$133,398 | Certified $24,739 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Certified Public Accountant or ESG Analyst earn more?+
A ESG Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Certified Public Accountant is $83,680/year, compared to $102,740/year for a ESG Analyst — a difference of $19,060 (23%).
Which has better career growth — Certified Public Accountant or ESG Analyst?+
Certified Public Accountant roles are growing at 8% YoY while ESG Analyst demand is growing at 35% YoY. ESG Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Certified Public Accountant to ESG Analyst?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Certified Public Accountant or ESG Analyst?+
ESG Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 68%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.