Certified Public Accountant vs Financial Planner (CFP): 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.
Financial Planner (CFP)
Provide holistic financial planning for individuals and families across all life stages.
Certified Public Accountant earns more on average — the national median is $286/year (0%) higher than a Financial Planner (CFP). However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Certified Public Accountant vs Financial Planner (CFP) — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Certified Public Accountant | Financial Planner (CFP) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,052 | $122,237 | Certified $185 |
| New York, NY | $101,470 | $102,449 | Certified $979 |
| Seattle, WA | $115,604 | $119,967 | Certified $4,363 |
| Austin, TX | $94,883 | $93,002 | Certified +$1,881 |
| Chicago, IL | $92,214 | $88,809 | Certified +$3,405 |
| Boston, MA | $107,079 | $108,411 | Certified $1,332 |
| London, UK | £67,379 | £65,795 | Certified +$1,584 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$108,659 | CA$110,012 | Certified $1,353 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Certified Public Accountant or Financial Planner (CFP) 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 $83,394/year for a Financial Planner (CFP) — a difference of $286 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Certified Public Accountant or Financial Planner (CFP)?+
Certified Public Accountant roles are growing at 8% YoY while Financial Planner (CFP) demand is growing at 15% YoY. Financial Planner (CFP) has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Certified Public Accountant to Financial Planner (CFP)?+
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 Financial Planner (CFP)?+
Financial Planner (CFP) has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 68%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.