Certified Public Accountant vs Investment Banker: 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.
Investment Banker
Advise corporations on capital raising, M&A, and strategic financial transactions.
Investment Banker 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 Investment Banker — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Certified Public Accountant | Investment Banker | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,052 | $149,852 | Certified $27,800 |
| New York, NY | $101,470 | $121,600 | Certified $20,130 |
| Seattle, WA | $115,604 | $144,771 | Certified $29,167 |
| Austin, TX | $94,883 | $111,968 | Certified $17,085 |
| Chicago, IL | $92,214 | $110,184 | Certified $17,970 |
| Boston, MA | $107,079 | $137,220 | Certified $30,141 |
| London, UK | £67,379 | £80,088 | Certified $12,709 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$108,659 | CA$138,977 | Certified $30,318 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Certified Public Accountant or Investment Banker earn more?+
A Investment Banker earns more on average. The national median salary for a Certified Public Accountant is $83,680/year, compared to $102,740/year for a Investment Banker — a difference of $19,060 (23%).
Which has better career growth — Certified Public Accountant or Investment Banker?+
Certified Public Accountant roles are growing at 8% YoY while Investment Banker demand is growing at 8% YoY. Investment Banker has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Certified Public Accountant to Investment Banker?+
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 Investment Banker?+
Investment Banker has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 68%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.