We compiled the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to compile a list of the Top 10 Cities For Accountants, plus give you a quick peek at current job openings for CPA-holders.
Find yourself a city to live in.
10. Denver
Enjoy the high life in the Mile High City where accountants are in high demand and command higher salaries than most. You’ll quickly realize why Peyton Manning owns all those pizza joints.
Number of Accountants: 21,360
Average Annual Salary: $74,780
9. Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love, cheesesteaks, and the always-mediocre Eagles is a great place to live and work. The weather may not always be sunny but Philly offers big-city culture at affordable prices.
Number of Accountants: 22,040
Average Annual Salary: $78,160
View Open CPA Jobs in Philadelphia
8. Boston
New England’s banking center and a boomtown for healthcare companies, Boston boasts a wealth of opportunities for CPAs. Just know that the winters and parking are brutal.
Number of Accountants: 24,150
Average Annual Salary: $79,630
7. Dallas-Fort Worth
Everything is bigger in Dallas, from the hairdos to the paychecks. The city proper boasts eclectic neighborhoods as well as some of the best restaurants in the state.
Number of Accountants: 25,300
Average Annual Salary: $77,100
6. Atlanta (Hey, y’all!)
The “New York of the South,” Hotlanta is one of America’s top draws for relocation due to its reasonable cost of living, plentiful jobs, and abundant Waffle Houses.
Number of Accountants: 28,460
Average Annual Salary: $76,040
5. Houston
It’s not just oil, old money, and BBQ joints in Houston anymore. Today, it boasts some of the finest museums and cultural attractions in the country and is a great place to raise a family.
Number of Accountants: 29,650
Average Annual Salary: $80,590
4. Chicago
The high cost of living in the Windy City has a way of blowing people’s paychecks. But with a CPA salary, you can enjoy all Chicago has to offer.
Number of Accountants: 31,340
Average Annual Salary: $74,460
3. Washington D.C.
The home of Machiavellians and wonks, D.C. offers the second-best pay for accountants in the nation. The city lacks tall buildings but there are cultural events (and fundraisers) for as far as the eye can see.
Number of Accountants: 35,350
Average Annual Salary: $84,910
View Open CPA Jobs in Washington, D.C.
2. Los Angeles
It’s no strange thing that the second-largest U.S. city has the second-most accountants. Make sure you buy or own a car you love because you’re going to be spending some time in it.
Number of Accountants: 43,490
Average Annual Salary: $78,090
View Open CPA Jobs in Los Angeles
1. New York (The perennial #1)
Are you shocked? Well, you shouldn’t be, seeing as the Big Apple is the big leagues for financial services firms. It’s also the big leagues for brunch, hipsters, and indie bands you’ve probably never heard of.
Number of Accountants: 71,070
Average Annual Salary: $93,480
View Open CPA Jobs in New York City
Bummed to only see U.S. cities listed? Don’t worry, soon we’ll rank the top 10 international cities (hint: NYC will still be on the list). While money alone isn’t the sole factor driving accounting career decisions, it continues to play a fundamental role.
Visit our CPA Salary and Career Guide to see how much you can earn as a CPA!
