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Accountant: the path

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data. Description from O*NET

Also called: Accountant, Accounting Officer, Audit Partner, Auditor, Cost Accountant

Typical pay$83,680Median yearly pay, BLS 2025
Job outlook+5% jobsProjected change, 2025–35. All jobs: +3.5%.
Time after high schoolAbout 4 to 5 yearsTypical full-time study and training
  1. Step 1Bachelor’s in accounting4 years
  2. Step 2Extra college credits for the CPAMost states require 150 credit hours, often a 5th year
  3. Step 3CPA examCertified Public Accountant, optional but valuable
  4. Step 4Entry-level job

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree · More on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Clubs and volunteering for this career →

Colleges for this path

Related majors: Accounting and Computer Science · Security Science and Technology · Accounting and Related Services · Taxation

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1,146 colleges match

College Scorecard, 2024 data. Earnings are the median for graduates of the related majors, 4 years after graduating. All figures are estimates.

Best value = earnings ÷ (net price × years of study). Net prices under $1,000 count as $1,000.

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