Quantitative 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.
Quantitative Analyst
Build mathematical models for pricing, risk management, and algorithmic trading.
Certified Public Accountant
Licensed accounting professional who handles complex tax and audit engagements.
Quantitative Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $21,970/year (26%) higher than a Certified Public Accountant. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Quantitative Analyst vs Certified Public Accountant — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Quantitative Analyst | Certified Public Accountant | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $155,771 | $122,052 | Quantitative +$33,719 |
| New York, NY | $130,092 | $101,470 | Quantitative +$28,622 |
| Seattle, WA | $151,610 | $115,604 | Quantitative +$36,006 |
| Austin, TX | $116,913 | $94,883 | Quantitative +$22,030 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,324 | $92,214 | Quantitative +$21,110 |
| Boston, MA | $140,826 | $107,079 | Quantitative +$33,747 |
| London, UK | £80,687 | £67,379 | Quantitative +$13,308 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$142,880 | CA$108,659 | Quantitative +$34,221 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Quantitative Analyst or Certified Public Accountant earn more?+
A Quantitative Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Quantitative Analyst is $105,650/year, compared to $83,680/year for a Certified Public Accountant — a difference of $21,970 (26%).
Which has better career growth — Quantitative Analyst or Certified Public Accountant?+
Quantitative Analyst roles are growing at 18% YoY while Certified Public Accountant demand is growing at 8% YoY. Quantitative Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Quantitative 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 — Quantitative Analyst or Certified Public Accountant?+
Quantitative Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 68%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.