Certified Public Accountant vs Risk Manager: 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.
Risk Manager
Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks for organisations.
Risk Manager 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 Risk Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Certified Public Accountant | Risk Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,052 | $145,592 | Certified $23,540 |
| New York, NY | $101,470 | $120,107 | Certified $18,637 |
| Seattle, WA | $115,604 | $148,730 | Certified $33,126 |
| Austin, TX | $94,883 | $113,068 | Certified $18,185 |
| Chicago, IL | $92,214 | $113,339 | Certified $21,125 |
| Boston, MA | $107,079 | $131,487 | Certified $24,408 |
| London, UK | £67,379 | £78,848 | Certified $11,469 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$108,659 | CA$137,878 | Certified $29,219 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Certified Public Accountant or Risk Manager earn more?+
A Risk Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Certified Public Accountant is $83,680/year, compared to $102,740/year for a Risk Manager — a difference of $19,060 (23%).
Which has better career growth — Certified Public Accountant or Risk Manager?+
Certified Public Accountant roles are growing at 8% YoY while Risk Manager demand is growing at 16% YoY. Risk Manager has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Certified Public Accountant to Risk Manager?+
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 Risk Manager?+
Risk Manager has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 68%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.