Accountants and Auditors
O*NET 13-2011.00 · SOC 13-2011
Accountant is a solid career choice. Median pay is $84k a year with +5% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 115,300 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Prepare and review financial statements and reports
- →Conduct internal and external audits for compliance
- →Ensure accurate tax filing and regulatory compliance
- →Analyze financial data and identify discrepancies
- →Advise management on cost reduction and budgeting
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Accountant roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Accountant involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Accountant?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Accountant Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Accountants and Auditors is projected to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·59% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·Industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Accountant make?
The median Accountant earns $84k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Accountant jobs?
Our model puts Accountant at 62 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 59% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory.
Is Accountant a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 115,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Accountant?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Accountant roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Accountant?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Accountant career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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