Public Accounting Job Salary
The field for public accountants is growing at an above average pace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings in the field will increase by 22 percent between 2008 and 2018.
Other People Are Reading
-
The Job
-
As a public accountant, your responsibility is to keep public records, pay taxes and, generally, keep your client or employer's business running smoothly from a financial standpoint. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most public accounting positions require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting. Certification is usually required for any public accounting position that must deal with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. Public accountants who are self-employed must also be certified.
Longevity
-
If you are just starting your career as a public accountant, you can expect to earn a median income of $47,416 a year, according to a May 2010 finding by Payscale. Those accounting professionals with at least one year of job experience are reporting salaries of $50,063 each year. After you have gained at least five years of experience, your earnings potential could be $64,111 annually. Public accountants who have been on the job for at least a decade are earning median salaries of $76,488 annually.
-
Employer
-
Choosing your employer carefully could help to determine your salary potential as a public accountant. Professionals employed with the federal government are earning median incomes of $69,919 a year, according to a May 2010 survey by Payscale. Working for a state or local government agency could pay less, with accounting professionals reporting incomes of $51,793 a year. Public accountants employed in private firms are earning median salaries of $54,495 a year. Public accountants who are self-employed are reporting earning $49,510 annually.
Company Size
-
The total number of employees a given company has on the payroll could play a part in salaries as well. According to a May 2010 report by Payscale, the median salary for employers with less than 10 workers is $45,793 annually. Companies that employ up to 49 employees are paying median incomes of $51,074 a year. Work places that have at least 200 employees are paying some of the higher annual wages of $58,043.
Job Type
-
As a public accountant, you may choose to specialize in a certain area, according to a May 2010 finding by Payscale. Serving as a staff accountant for an individual company could net an annual income of $44,598 a year. Specializing in the area of auditing could boost your earnings potential to $53,457 each year. Gaining a certification as a certified public accountant, or CPA, could come with a median salary of $55,932. Professionals working in the capacity of a senior tax accountant are reporting annual incomes of $60,362 a year.
-
References
- Photo Credit Accounting and finances image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
