Financial Analyst vs Certified Public Accountant: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Financial Analyst
Analyse financial data and prepare reports to support investment and business decisions.
Certified Public Accountant
Licensed accounting professional who handles complex tax and audit engagements.
Financial 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.
Financial Analyst vs Certified Public Accountant — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Financial Analyst | Certified Public Accountant | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,829 | $122,052 | Financial +$24,777 |
| New York, NY | $122,253 | $101,470 | Financial +$20,783 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,125 | $115,604 | Financial +$27,521 |
| Austin, TX | $111,407 | $94,883 | Financial +$16,524 |
| Chicago, IL | $110,355 | $92,214 | Financial +$18,141 |
| Boston, MA | $135,080 | $107,079 | Financial +$28,001 |
| London, UK | £82,870 | £67,379 | Financial +$15,491 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$111,014 | CA$108,659 | Financial +$2,355 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Financial Analyst or Certified Public Accountant earn more?+
A Financial Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Financial Analyst is $102,740/year, compared to $83,680/year for a Certified Public Accountant — a difference of $19,060 (23%).
Which has better career growth — Financial Analyst or Certified Public Accountant?+
Financial Analyst roles are growing at 9% YoY while Certified Public Accountant demand is growing at 8% YoY. Financial Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Financial Analyst to Certified Public Accountant?+
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 — Financial Analyst or Certified Public Accountant?+
Financial Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (65% vs 68%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.