Accounting Degree.com

The salary prospects for accounting degree graduates are strong, but there are many different careers available to people with accounting degrees, and pay typically varies with experience and education. (See the previous section for a sampling of jobs available for people with accounting degrees.) But for more typical accountants, the outlook is still bright. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants held 1.3 million jobs in 2006, and employment in the field is expected to grow 18% through 2016. That’s faster than the national average for all occupations. The growth spurt will be driven by changes in financial laws, corporate regulations, and the increased need to remain accountable and protect an organization’s stakeholders.

Median earnings in 2006 for accountants and auditors were $54,630. Those working in tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services earned $57,020, while accountants working in company management earned $55,560. Many accountants also worked for the government, whether local ($50,120) or state ($47,200). Accountants working in the field of depository credit intermediation earned median wages of $49,380.

It’s also important to remember that advanced schooling can affect your salary. A recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that accountants with a bachelor’s degree recorded initial offers averaging $46,718, while those with master’s degrees saw starting offers of $49,277 on average.