How to Become an Accountant
Examine and prepare financial records, ensure accuracy, and ensure taxes are paid properly. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $83,680 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$83,680/yr
Typical range
$56,020 to $144,090
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
124,200
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Financial Analysis
- Tax Preparation
- Auditing
- Attention to Detail
- Mathematics
Helpful certifications
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
- CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
70/100
Work-life balance
68/100
Stress level
45/100
Satisfaction
65/100
Related careers
- Financial Manager$166,570 median
- Actuary$130,000 median
- Personal Financial Advisor$105,070 median
- Financial Analyst$102,740 median
- Management Consultant$101,860 median
- Financial Examiner$94,160 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Accountant make?
The median pay for an Accountant is $83,680 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The typical range runs from $56,020 to $144,090, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Accountant?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Accounting, Finance, and Business Administration.
Is Accountant a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 124,200 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Accountant use most?
Common skills for this role are Financial Analysis, Tax Preparation, Auditing, Attention to Detail, and Mathematics.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.