[jjm1181]

I tell my friends that the CPA will guarantee I’ll never make below a certain salary in accounting. My quesiton is what do you think that minimum is for the rest of my life? 60k? 55k?

B 79
A 75
R 78
F 85

[kandisjoy]

There isn't a guarantee… There are plenty of unemployed and underemployed CPAs.

Another thing… If a first year accountant at a CPA firm gets his CPA, he's probably going to be making the same amount that he did before… Maybe he'll get a bonus; it depends on the firm. But I've seen starting salaries at CPA firms to be anywhere from 32k to 55k. Depends on the company, the location, etc.

FAR: 71, 77
BEC: 70, 82
AUD: 62, 78
REG: 71, 68, 85

CA Licensed 11/2011

[Minimorty]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l91ISfcuzDw

[mla1169]

I'd say 35+ is much more realistic depending on your location. Job market is not in anybody's favor right now.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[katiekanton]

ROFL, Mini.

AUD - 88
FAR - 90
REG - 85
BEC - 88

[jjm1181]

Wow. You guys are depressing. 🙂

B 79
A 75
R 78
F 85

[See Pee A]

CPA's generally earn fairly well. In and around nearly any metro area, in public accounting, most first year associates start off at least in the high 40s salary not including bonus/other comp. In Atlanta, total 1st yr comp at Big 4 is about 58k, perhaps 59-60k at regional or top 10 firms. Higher in larger cities.

CPA's in private (or what we call “industry”) which is a financial analyst/corporate accountant typically make much less, but sometimes can exceed the entry level salary depending on the company. For example, Kimberly Clark financial analyst starting salary is 57k, while Turner Broadcasting staff accountant starting salary is 44k (again, in the Atlanta area). Just to give you an idea, anyway. Hope this helps.

BEC 86 (08/30/11)
FAR 84 (10/13/11)
REG 88 (11/08/11)
AUD 86 (11/29/11)

Exam prep - Becker self-study

[Anonymous]

Most of it depends on your experience. I would not work for less than 90-96k. With 4-5 yrs of experience. You won't see that money in big 4 but in private cap you can make 120K + if you know what you are doing.

[Anonymous]

It should not be below 45k. Although, I believe a CPA can easily earn 55k.

However, you know the current situation well, so it's whatever you get…sadly.

[Minimorty]

I agree that the range is huge and depends on so many factors. I also agree with @David that if you find the right spot, you should be making 100k+ in the first 5 years.

[Leviticus]

I just interviewed for an entry level junior at a small firm, and they offered me a position for tax season with potential for full employment…

Starting salary is 40K! Now I know this is peanuts? But its impossible to get a Public Accounting interview these days, never mind an actual job!

? FAR - 91 (08/25/11)
? BEC - 79 (04/12/11)
? REG - 89 (07/18/11)
? AUD - 95 (10/18/11)

[Anonymous]

Mini,

Which state do you troll? LOL, and why do they call you troll?

[Minimorty]

@David – I troll in California. I think some people call me a troll because I call them out on their blatant B.S.

[sacredtheory]

Lol, $100k in 5 years, what have you guys been smoking?!

BEC: Passed
AUD: Passed
REG: Passed
FAR: Passed

Jared

[Anonymous]

LOL, you should start pulling “A Few good Men” moment: you want the truth…

[valueofnothing]

-started at 61.5 with b4. +5k passing bonus.

100k in 5 years isn't super likely but isn't unreal if you're in a tier 1 city in a tier 1 dept. (not saying i am, just saying.)

REG - 81
BEC - 88
AUD - 85
FAR - 81

[Author]

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