THE $1 MILLION  ADVATAGE


American Institute OF Certified Public Accountant
  

Balance sheets, annual reports, and FINANCIAL forecasts are the accountant’s stock and TRADE. But what happens when you run the numbers on the profession itself and specifically the CPA designation? Take a look.

The $1 million dollar advantage

It’s true. Over the course of a 40-year career, a CPA can earn as much as $1 million more than a non-certified accountant. Here’s an example:

• Two non-CPA accountants begin working at the same time at the same public accounting firm at the same annual salary of $67,750.
• One earns the CPA credential, creating a 10% salary differential of about $7,000 more than the other. (CPA's can earn up to 10% more than their non-credentialed counterparts.)
• Over time, more frequent and higher-level promotions can widen the salary gap to as much as $50,000.
• Over a full career that can mean an additional $1 million or more* in lifetime earnings.

Individual salaries vary, of course, depending on geography, experience, education, and employer, but the most recently reported average salary ranges indicate a very bright financial future.

2014 Projected Accountant Salaries**

Derived from Robert Half 2014 Salary Guide; Accounting and Finance.

Large Public Firms	Non-CPA Salaries Up To	CPA Salaries*** Up To
Senior Manager/Director****	- - -	$190,750
Manager****	- - -	$134,000
Senior	$101,750	$111,925
1 to 3 Years	$80,750	$88,825
Up to 1 Year	$67,750	$74,525

Corporate Accounting	Non-CPA Salaries Up To	CPA Salaries*** Up To
Chief FINANCIAL Officer****	- - -	$449,000
Tax Director****	- - -	$249,500
Corporate Controller****	- - -	$216,000
IT Auditor - Manager	$152,500	$167,750
FINANCIAL Analyst - Manager	$125,000	$137,500
General Accountant - 1 to 3 Years	$67,250	$73,975