GraduateSmart
GraduateSmart
Prepare complex tax returns, provide tax planning strategies, and ensure compliance with federal and state tax laws. CPAs are among the most respected and stable professionals in finance.
$52,780
Lower reported wage
—
Not available in our data
$141,420
Upper reported wage
Annual U.S. salaries. Actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. The lower and upper figures do not represent starting and senior salaries.

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Create free account →BLS covers accountants broadly; CPA requirements and tax-practice rules vary by state and activity. [1]
Search CareerOneStop by occupation and state, then confirm the rules with the issuing agency. Coverage is incomplete; an empty result does not mean no license is required.
About license data coverageAsk whether any internship, field placement, or supervised training in your chosen route is paid; arrangements vary.
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U.S. career guide. Program, employer, and state requirements can differ.
Shares SOC 13-2011 with Accountant. BLS does not break out CPAs separately. CPA-credentialed accountants typically sit at the upper end of the range.
Annual median review, October 27, 2026: The stored BLS occupation includes a broader population than this specialty, title, or credential. No separate annual median for this role has been verified in the reviewed source, so the broader occupation median is not presented as its own. Sources: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2025/may/oes_stru.htm . Existing employment and projection figures were not refreshed.
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Compare tuition after aid, required supplies and exams, travel, and any unpaid training time for the route you choose.
Planning questions: request a written estimate from each program or sponsor. A total cost has not been verified here.
A related major can be preparation; it does not by itself qualify you for the career.
Direct degree preparation; compare CPA eligibility and tax internships. [1]
Prepare or review tax information, advise on compliance, and explain financial records. [1]
Accounting firms, businesses, government, or self-employment. [1]
Usually full time; tax season and filing deadlines often lengthen hours. [1]
Changing tax rules, confidential records, and filing deadlines require precision. [1]
Experience and CPA licensure can lead to specialty or management roles. [1]
These are possible directions. Promotion timing and pay depend on the role and employer.