FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Accountant Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$172,559/yr
Typical range: $145,235 – $192,103
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Accountant salary by experience level in New York
Accountant Salary Progression in New York
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $66,041 | $5,503 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $85,214 | $7,101 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $99,417 | $8,285 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $119,726 | $9,977 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $172,559 | $14,380 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $234,766 | $19,564 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $250,317 | $20,860 | +279% |
Current Salary
$172,559
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $83/hr
Next Level Target
$234,766
Principal · 14
+$62Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
17/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Accountant salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Accountants in New York, NY earn approximately $173K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Accountant make per hour in New York, NY?
Based on $173K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $83/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Accountant in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Accountant in New York, NY earns $145K–$192K/yr.