Certified Public Accountant vs Insurance Agent: 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.
Insurance Agent
Sell and service insurance products for individuals and businesses.
Certified Public Accountant earns more on average — the national median is $31,105/year (59%) higher than a Insurance Agent. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Certified Public Accountant vs Insurance Agent — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Certified Public Accountant | Insurance Agent | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,052 | $76,630 | Certified +$45,422 |
| New York, NY | $101,470 | $64,658 | Certified +$36,812 |
| Seattle, WA | $115,604 | $76,490 | Certified +$39,114 |
| Austin, TX | $94,883 | $60,418 | Certified +$34,465 |
| Chicago, IL | $92,214 | $56,339 | Certified +$35,875 |
| Boston, MA | $107,079 | $67,008 | Certified +$40,071 |
| London, UK | £67,379 | £40,898 | Certified +$26,481 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$108,659 | CA$71,763 | Certified +$36,896 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Certified Public Accountant or Insurance Agent 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 $52,575/year for a Insurance Agent — a difference of $31,105 (59%).
Which has better career growth — Certified Public Accountant or Insurance Agent?+
Certified Public Accountant roles are growing at 8% YoY while Insurance Agent demand is growing at 6% YoY. Certified Public Accountant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Certified Public Accountant to Insurance Agent?+
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 Insurance Agent?+
Insurance Agent has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 68%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.