Certified Public Accountant vs Private Equity 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.
Private Equity Analyst
Source and evaluate acquisition targets and support portfolio company operations.
Private Equity 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 Private Equity Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Certified Public Accountant | Private Equity Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,052 | $151,322 | Certified $29,270 |
| New York, NY | $101,470 | $126,878 | Certified $25,408 |
| Seattle, WA | $115,604 | $147,172 | Certified $31,568 |
| Austin, TX | $94,883 | $116,906 | Certified $22,023 |
| Chicago, IL | $92,214 | $111,730 | Certified $19,516 |
| Boston, MA | $107,079 | $134,203 | Certified $27,124 |
| London, UK | £67,379 | £79,218 | Certified $11,839 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$108,659 | CA$134,781 | Certified $26,122 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Certified Public Accountant or Private Equity Analyst earn more?+
A Private Equity 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 Private Equity Analyst — a difference of $19,060 (23%).
Which has better career growth — Certified Public Accountant or Private Equity Analyst?+
Certified Public Accountant roles are growing at 8% YoY while Private Equity Analyst demand is growing at 12% YoY. Private Equity Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Certified Public Accountant to Private Equity 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 Private Equity Analyst?+
Private Equity Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 68%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.