Accounting Assistant Average Salary & Hourly Rate in 2025
Accounting assistants play a key role in maintaining financial records, handling transactions, and supporting accounting teams with daily tasks. For 2025, the average annual salary for accounting assistants in the United States is $46,910
Accounting assistant salaries can vary depending on factors such as education level, experience, location, and company size. In the following sections, we’ll provide an overview and analysis of salary ranges, key responsibilities, and the job outlook for accounting assistants in 2025.
An Overview of Accounting Assistant Salaries
For 2025, the average salary for accounting assistants in the United States is $46,910 per year, or $22.55 per hour, which is a 2.2% increase from the 2024 annual salary of $45,900.
Accounting assistant salary ranges typically fall between $37,112 and $57,172, with most professionals earning between $41,300 and $51,800, based on recent data.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10% Percentile | $37,112 | $17.84 |
| 25% Percentile | $41,300 | $19.86 |
| 50% Percentile (Median) | $45,900 | $22.07 |
| 75% Percentile | $51,800 | $24.90 |
| 90% Percentile | $57,172 | $27.49 |
Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary of an accounting assistant also varies depending on the industries in which they work. Accounting assistants in finance and insurance can earn up to $83,250, while those in government can only earn $79,130.
| Finance and insurance | $83,250 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | $82,620 |
| Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services | $79,410 |
| Government | $79,130 |
Accounting Assistant Salary: Hourly, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Breakdown
The salary of accounting assistants can be broken down into hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly amounts. According to Salary.com, the average rate for accounting assistants in the United States is $22 per hour or $3,825 per month as of December 2024.
- Average salary per hour: $22
- Average salary per week: $883
- Average salary per month: $3,825
- Average salary per year: $45,900
As with most roles, accounting assistant salaries in the United States can vary based on several factors, including geographic location, years of experience, and education level. These factors can significantly influence compensation, and will be discussed in more detail below.
How Experience Impacts Accounting Assistant Salaries
Experience plays a key role in determining the salary of an accounting assistant in the United States. As shown in the data below, there are noticeable salary differences at various experience and degree levels such as associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and advanced certifications.
Based on our data, the salary difference between hiring an entry-level accounting assistant and an expert-level accounting assistant is around $2,247. The salary for an expert-level accounting assistant averages $47,604, while an entry-level accounting assistant earns around $45,357.
Salary by experience level:
- Entry-level salary (0-1 year): $45,357
- Intermediate-level salary (1-2 years): $45,700
- Senior-level salary (2-4 years): $46,739
- Specialist-level salary (5-8 years): $47,431
- Expert-level salary (8+ years): $47,604
These data highlight how additional work experience can gradually increase the salary potential for accounting assistants, reflecting the increased skills and responsibilities over time.
State-by-State Breakdown of Average Salaries for Accounting Assistants
The average salary for accounting assistants can vary significantly from state to state, influenced by factors such as cost of living, local demand for accounting professionals, and regional economic conditions.
According to the latest salary data, District of Columbia. offers the highest average annual salary for accounting assistants at $51,100. California follows with an average salary of $50,700, while New Jersey ranks third with an average salary of $50,300.
State-by-state average salary for accounting assistant:
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $51,100 |
| California | $50,700 |
| New Jersey | $50,300 |
| Massachusetts | $50,000 |
| New York | $49,000 |
| Washington | $49,500 |
| Connecticut | $49,300 |
| Rhode Island | $48,000 |
| Hawaii | $48,000 |
| Minnesota | $47,000 |
| Maryland | $47,400 |
| Illinois | $47,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,800 |
| Nevada | $46,100 |
| Oregon | $46,700 |
| Colorado | $46,900 |
| New Hampshire | $46,700 |
| Delaware | $46,600 |
| Florida | $43,600 |
| Michigan | $45,300 |
| Virginia | $46,100 |
| Maine | $44,700 |
| North Carolina | $44,100 |
| Georgia | $44,400 |
| Ohio | $44,900 |
| North Dakota | $45,500 |
| Missouri | $43,800 |
| Indiana | $44,600 |
| Iowa | $44,000 |
| Texas | $45,000 |
| Arizona | $44,700 |
| Kansas | $43,700 |
| South Carolina | $43,400 |
| Tennessee | $42,500 |
| Utah | $43,700 |
| Montana | $42,900 |
| Idaho | $42,900 |
| Alaska | $50,000 |
| South Dakota | $41,300 |
| West Virginia | $41,300 |
| Mississippi | $41,000 |
| Nebraska | $43,300 |
| Kentucky | $43,200 |
| Louisiana | $43,700 |
| Arkansas | $41,900 |
| Oklahoma | $42,500 |
| Wyoming | $41,000 |
Accounting Assistant Salaries: Top Earning Cities Revealed
According to the latest data, the top-paying cities for accounting assistant positions in the United States are San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, all located in California.
These cities consistently offer some of the highest salaries for accounting assistants, reflecting the higher cost of living and demand for skilled financial professionals in the region.
Top paying cities for accounting assistants:
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $57,600 |
| San Francisco, CA | $57,400 |
| Oakland, CA | $56,000 |
| New York, NY | $53,600 |
| Queens Village, NY | $53,300 |
| Paramus, NJ | $52,900 |
Explore Accounting Assistant Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary
In addition to their base salary, accounting assistants often receive a comprehensive package of benefits and perks that can significantly enhance their overall compensation. According to data from Salary.com, these benefits typically include important financial and health-related benefits, along with time off and retirement plans.
Common benefits for accounting assistants:
- Social Security
- 401(k)/403(b) Retirement Plans
- Disability Insurance
- Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
- Pension Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
These benefits help provide financial security, health protection, and work-life balance. It's important to note that while these benefits are common, the specifics may vary based on the company and its policies. Be sure to check with your employer to understand the full scope of your benefits package.
Accounting Assistant Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities
An accounting assistant supports the accounting department by helping with a variety of financial tasks. These various clerical tasks can include processing invoices, maintaining financial records, reconciling accounts, and preparing reports. Accounting assistants help ensure that an organization’s financial processes run smoothly and efficiently.
The job description of an accounting assistant includes performing a wide range of roles and responsibilities, such as:
- Handle invoices, payments, and collections.
- Organize and update accounting documents, such as receipts and balance sheets.
- Verify and reconcile bank statements and financial records.
- Assist in preparing financial statements and reports for management.
- Help process employee payroll, including hours and benefits.
- Prepare documents for tax filings.
- Track expenditures and help manage budgets.
- Provide financial documentation for audits.
When and How to Ask for a Raise as an Accounting Assistant
As an accounting assistant, you support financial operations, manage records, respond, and assist with reports and payroll. If you believe your work merits a raise, here’s how to address it.
When to ask
- After key achievements: Highlight accomplishments like improving processes or saving costs.
- During performance reviews: A natural time to discuss compensation.
- When exceeding expectations: Consistently going beyond your job description.
- With market data: If salaries in your role are higher elsewhere.
- When the company is thriving: Leverage good financial performance.
How to ask
- Prepare your case: Document achievements and research salary benchmarks.
- Schedule a meeting: Pick a time when your manager is likely to be receptive.
- Communicate clearly: Present your contributions and salary data professionally.
- Listen and adapt: Be open to feedback and propose alternatives like bonuses if necessary.
- Follow up: Set a timeline to revisit the discussion if needed.
Why Does Accounting Assistant Make So Much?
Accounting assistants earn well due to their key role in maintaining financial accuracy and stability by managing clients and partners' invoices, accounts, payroll, and reports.
To be successful, an accounting assistant needs a variety of skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some important qualities for an accounting assistant include:
- Analytical and critical-thinking skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Detail oriented
- Math skills
- Organizational skills
In addition to foundational accounting skills, acquiring expertise in certain areas and certifications can significantly boost your earning potential.
Based on our real-time job posting salary data, In-demand skills for accounting assistants include accounting, accounts payable, and spreadsheet software, while the highest salary increases are seen in the general ledger, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.
| Skill | Demand (%) | Salary Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | 80.00% | 3.13% |
| Accounts Payable | 38.75% | 4.73% |
| Spreadsheet Software | 32.28% | 2.45% |
| Bookkeeping | 29.85% | 2.22% |
| Accounts Receivable | 22.26% | 4.79% |
| Accounting Software | 14.22% | 3.47% |
| General Ledger | 12.33% | 7.42% |
| Billing | 12.06% | 4.44% |
The Future of Accounting Assistants: Job Outlook and Career Trends
The job outlook for accounting assistants is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. Around 91,400 job openings are expected annually, primarily due to retirements or career changes.
While automation and AI may reduce demand for some routine tasks, accounting assistants will remain essential for maintaining financial records, supporting audits, overseeing, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Those skilled in financial software and problem-solving will continue to be in demand as businesses need accurate and efficient financial support.
