Business & Banking
Accountant / CPA
Prepare and audit financial records. Becoming a CPA unlocks higher pay, public accounting, and partner-track careers.
office-workremote-friendly
30
ROI · Moderate
Investment vs return
Cost · time · demand normalized 0–100
Salary progression
What you'll earn over your career
$55k
$78k
$130k
Entry
Mid-career
Senior
10-yr outlook
+4%
+4% (Average)
Open positions
126,000
Estimated nationwide
Entry paths
How to get here
Multiple paths lead to this career. Compare time, cost, online vs in-person delivery, and program links.
Fastest ROI
Degree Hybrid
BS Accounting + 150 credits for CPA
Time
4–5 years
Cost
$40,000 – $130,000
Most states require 150 credits to sit for CPA.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the program links above may be affiliate partnerships. If you enroll, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to programs we have actually reviewed against our methodology. See our methodology for how we evaluate schools.
Quick math
If you took the fastest path…
You'd train for
4–5 years
You'd spend (avg)
$85,000
Starting salary
$55,000
Mid-career
$78,000
Read more
Articles & resources
Sources: BLS OOH 2024 · AICPA