FinanceGovernment / OECD · 96/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Certified Public Accountant Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$168,851/yr
Typical range: $142,114 – $187,975
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Certified Public Accountant salary by experience level in Sydney
Certified Public Accountant Salary Progression in Sydney
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 | $64,622 | $5,385 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $83,383 | $6,949 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $97,280 | $8,107 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $117,153 | $9,763 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $168,851 | $14,071 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $229,721 | $19,143 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $244,938 | $20,412 | +279% |
Current Salary
$168,851
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $81/hr
Next Level Target
$229,721
Principal · 14
+$61Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
24/100
High Risk
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Certified Public Accountant salary in Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead Certified Public Accountants in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $169K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Certified Public Accountant make per hour in Sydney, Australia?
Based on $169K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $81/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Certified Public Accountant in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Certified Public Accountant in Sydney, Australia earns $142K–$188K/yr.