How Much Does a Chief Accounting Officer Make? (2025)
Understanding the Chief Accounting Officer salary is important for job seekers and employers to ensure fair compensation and make informed decisions.
In the United States, the average Chief Accounting Officer salary in 2025 is $290,400 per year. Additionally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. Around 343,800 openings are expected annually, primarily due to retirements and career transitions.
This guide provides everything you need to know about the Chief Accounting Officer role, including salary expectations, factors affecting compensation, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What Does a Chief Accounting Officer do?
A Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) manages an organization’s accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with regulations. They develop accounting policies, oversee audits, and advise top management on financial strategy. The CAO leads a team, ensuring effective financial operations and internal controls, which requires a strong connection between leadership and accounting functions.
According to Salary.com, completing the role requires a master’s degree in accounting or finance and extensive experience in financial management. They report to senior executives and handle high-level financial operations, strategy, and compliance.
What is the Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) Salary Overview?
The average salary for Chief Accounting Officers in the United States in 2025 is $290,400 per year or $140 per hour, as of January 01, 2025.
Based on our data, the Chief Accounting Officer salary range is between $209,588 to $378,472 per year. The Chief Accounting Officer salary per month is approximately $24,200.
CAOs typically earn an average of $140 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $119 to $162. The average weekly salary for CAOs is $5,585, with pay ranging from $4,032 to $7,277.
2025 Chief Accounting Officer Average Salary: $290,400 per year ($140 per hour)
Meanwhile, the median core salary for Chief Accounting Officers is $371,700 per year, including salary and bonuses, and this varies depending on the percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile Chief Accounting Officer | $228,607 |
| 25th Percentile Chief Accounting Officer | $296,800 |
| 50th Percentile Chief Accounting Officer | $371,700 |
| 75th Percentile Chief Accounting Officer | $479,300 |
| 90th Percentile Chief Accounting Officer | $577,264 |
The average total Chief Accounting Officer salary in the United States is $290,400, according to the latest Salary.com report. The total compensation package includes benefits such as healthcare ($8,352), time off ($45,748), and Social Security ($15,843), making up 20.2% of the total compensation.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $290,400 | 61.4% |
| Bonus | $81,300 | 17.2% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $15,843 | 3.3% |
| 401K/403B | $10,500 | 2.2% |
| Disability | $7,434 | 1.6% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 1.8% |
| Pension | $13,500 | 2.9% |
| Time Off | $45,748 | 9.7% |
| Total Compensation | $473,077 | 100% |
Keep in mind that these figures can vary based on location, company, and specific job requirements, so it’s important to verify these details with your employer.
What Can Affect Chief Accounting Officer Salaries?
The Chief Accounting Officer salary can vary greatly, especially when factors like experience, location, education, and skills are considered. Here’s a breakdown of the key components that affect earnings.
By Experience Level
Salary.com data shows that Chief Accounting Officers with less than one year of experience earn an average salary of $262,399 per year. In contrast, those with eight or more years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $288,100 per year.
| Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Chief Accounting Officer | $262,399 |
| Intermediate Level Chief Accounting Officer | $266,160 |
| Senior Level Chief Accounting Officer | $271,175 |
| Specialist Level Chief Accounting Officer | $278,697 |
| Expert Level Chief Accounting Officer | $288,100 |
As experience increases, salaries also rise, with the potential to earn significantly higher amounts in areas with high demand, such as California, where a Chief Accounting Officer can make over $320,300 annually.
By Geographic Location
The Chief Accounting Officer salary in the United States varies significantly by location. This is largely due to factors such as cost of living, the local economy, and the presence of specific industries.
Among the cities with the highest salaries, San Francisco, CA offers the highest median salary for a Chief Accounting Officer, at $364,400 per year. In contrast, other cities like Dallas, TX and Miami, FL offer lower median salaries, around $286,600 and $280,200, respectively.
| City | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile (Median) | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $310,100 | $363,400 | $420,600 |
| New York, NY | $289,800 | $339,200 | $393,000 |
| Boston, MA | $278,100 | $325,500 | $377,200 |
| Washington, DC | $276,100 | $323,200 | $374,500 |
| Chicago, IL | $260,300 | $304,600 | $353,000 |
| Dallas, TX | $244,900 | $286,600 | $332,100 |
| Miami, FL | $239,400 | $280,200 | $324,700 |
By Skills
High-demand skills significantly contribute to Chief Accounting Officers salary increases. According to Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, possessing skills in Financial Planning can lead to a 7.95% salary increase, while expertise in Financial Statements can provide a 7.19% salary boost. The demand for these skills is also strong, with GAAP seeing the highest demand at 31.77%.
| Skill | Salary Growth | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Planning | +7.95% | 17.71% |
| Financial Statements | +7.19% | 30.99% |
| Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) | +6.61% | 31.77% |
| Financial Accounting | +6.88% | 10.68% |
| General Ledger | +6.81% | 15.02% |
| Spreadsheet Software | +5.85% | 20.31% |
How to Become a Chief Accounting Officer
The path to becoming a Chief Accounting Officer is a challenging but rewarding one. It requires a combination of education, experience, and specific skills. Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:
- Obtain the Necessary Education: Earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. A master's degree in accounting or finance is typically required for advancing to higher roles, and obtaining a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license can enhance your qualifications.
- Gain Relevant Experience: Begin your career in entry-level accounting roles, gaining experience in financial reporting, bookkeeping, or auditing. As you progress, move into intermediate and senior-level positions, typically requiring 5-8 years of experience, where you will take on greater responsibilities and earn higher salaries.
- Develop Expertise in Accounting Systems: Learn to design and implement accounting systems and procedures that ensure compliance with regulatory standards such as GAAP and IFRS. You will also need to become proficient in operationalizing accounting and auditing systems for continuous monitoring and improvement.
- Build Leadership Skills: As a Chief Accounting Officer, you will need to manage teams, develop strategic plans, and advise top management on accounting regulations. Gain leadership experience by overseeing accounting functions and business units.
- Target High-Paying Locations and Companies: Consider relocating to high-paying areas like California, New York, or New Jersey to increase your earning potential. In locations such as San Francisco, CA, a CAO can earn up to $363,400 annually, which is a strong motivator for proceeding the top levels of the profession.
What are the FAQs about Chief Accounting Officer?
Here are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Chief Accounting Officer:
What is the average salary of a chief accounting officer?
The average annual salary of a Chief Accounting Officer is $290,400. This translates to an average hourly rate of $140, a weekly pay of around $5,585, and a monthly salary of about $24,200.
Where can a chief accounting officer earn the most?
The highest Chief Accounting Officer salaries are found in areas like San Jose, CA, where the salary can reach up to $364,400 annually. Other high-paying locations include New York, NY, and New Jersey.
What is the highest pay for a chief accounting officer?
The highest pay for the job title of a Chief Accounting Officer is $378,472 per year.
What is the lowest pay for a chief accounting officer?
The lowest pay for a Chief Accounting Officer is $209,588 annually.
How much does a chief accounting officer earn per hour, week, month, and year?
A Chief Accounting Officer earns approximately $140 per hour, $5,585 per week, $24,200 per month, and $290,400 annually.
