How to become accountants and auditorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$83,680
25th–75th pct. $67,020–$109,810
Top pay (est.)
$187,300
Top 10% $144,090
Pay in 5 years
$92,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$101,700est.
$87,500–$118,100
Outlook score
47/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
86%
Very high
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.0%
115K openings / yr
How to become accountants and auditors
Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Accountants and Auditors
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Getting InformationProcessing InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Important abilities
Oral ExpressionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionDeductive Reasoning
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as accountants and auditors
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.