The salary of a Head of Accounting in the United States varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, marketing trend and company sizes.
As of May 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Head of Accounting in the United States is $209,610. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $163,358 to a high of $241,992, with most professionals earning between $185,400 and $226,560.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $226,560 | $18,880 | $4,357 | $109 |
| Average | $209,610 | $17,468 | $4,031 | $101 |
| 25th Percentile | $185,400 | $15,450 | $3,565 | $89 |
An entry-level Head of Accounting with less than 1 year of experience earns about $194,795. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $196,963. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $199,854. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $204,190, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $209,610.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Head of Accounting | $194,795 |
| Intermediate Level Head of Accounting | $196,963 |
| Senior Level Head of Accounting | $199,854 |
| Specialist Level Head of Accounting | $204,190 |
| Expert Level Head of Accounting | $209,610 |
| Entry Level | 7% |
| Mid Level | 6% |
| Senior Level | 5% |
| Top Level | 3% |
| Experienced | 0% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of May 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Head of Accounting compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $209,795 in 2023 to approximately $213,156 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Head of Accounting salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Head of Accounting information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Head of Accounting job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Head of Accounting and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $209,610 | 44.2% | ||
| Bonus | $162,960 | 34.4% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $15,855 | 3.3% | ||
| 401K/403B | $10,500 | 2.2% | ||
| Disability | $7,451 | 1.6% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 1.8% | ||
| Pension | $13,500 | 2.8% | ||
| Time Off | $45,855 | 9.7% | ||
| Total Compensation | $474,084 | 100% | ||
Accountants can make excellent CEOs due to their strong financial expertise, which is crucial for overseeing a company's financial health and making strategic decisions. With salaries ranging from $248,050 to $336,470, their financial acumen can drive long-term sustainability and success in leadership roles. This unique skill set positions them well for top executive positions.
Licensed CPAs can pursue various career paths. Executives and directors in top-tier accounting positions can earn salaries ranging from $248,050 to $336,470 annually, with a mid-salary of $290,340. This reflects the significant earning potential for experienced professionals in the accounting field, far exceeding the average starting salary for general accountants.
Measured by revenue, the Big Four global accounting firms include Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and KPMG. These firms offer a range of services such as auditing, tax, strategy and management consulting, valuation, market research, assurance, and legal advisory services. The salary for a Head of Accounting in these firms typically ranges from $248,050 to $336,470.
The Chief Accountant (CAO) focuses on ensuring compliance with accounting and tax standards, overseeing the accounting department. In contrast, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has a broader role, managing overall financial strategy and regulatory compliance. The CAO's salary ranges from $248,050 to $336,470, with a midpoint of $290,340, reflecting their specialized responsibilities compared to the CFO's wider financial oversight.
Yes, making $300k as a CPA is feasible, especially for those in senior roles like Head of Accounting. The salary data shows a minimum of $248,050, a mid-range of $290,340, and a maximum of $336,470. This indicates that reaching or exceeding $300k is possible, particularly in smaller firms with lower overhead and fewer partners to share profits.
The salary for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the USA typically ranges from $248,050 to $336,470 per year. The average salary is around $290,340 annually, reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the role.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
