Business & Finance New York City, NY Pop. 8,336,817

Accountant Salary in New York City, New York

The median accountant salary in New York City, NY is $158,961 per year, which is 99.0% above the national median and 48.5% above the New York state average.

City Median
$158,961
vs State Avg
+$51,922
vs National
+$79,081
Cost of Living
187%

Accountant Pay in New York City: What to Expect (2026)

New York City offers a median accountant salary of $158,961, which is $51,922 above the New York state average of $107,039. Compared to the national median of $79,880, New York City pays above average for this role.

However, New York City's cost of living index is 187%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $158,961 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $85,006. Housing, transportation, and food costs in New York City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for accountants in New York City spans from $100,296 at the 10th percentile to $264,272 at the 90th percentile — a $163,976 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $103,480, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $238,800. As a major metro area with a population of 8,336,817, New York City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Accountant Salary in New York City by Experience

In New York City, an entry-level accountant earns around $103,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $238,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$103,480
+$51,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$159,200
+$79,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$238,800
+$118,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New York City, NY

Percentile New York City
10th Percentile $100,296
25th Percentile $124,773
Median (50th) $158,961
75th Percentile $203,776
90th Percentile $264,272

Accountant Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Accountant in New York City

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. New York City and the surrounding New York area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in New York City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in New York City

Browse open accountant positions in New York City, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in New York City

How much does a Accountant make in New York City, NY? ▼
The median accountant salary in New York City, New York is $158,961 per year, which is 99.0% above the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $100,296 (10th percentile) to $264,272 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in New York City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $158,961, a accountant in New York City earns approximately $76 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New York City compare to the New York state average for accountant pay? ▼
New York City's median accountant salary of $158,961 is 48.5% above the New York state average of $107,039. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New York City, NY? ▼
New York City has a cost of living index of 187% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $158,961 in New York City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in New York City? ▼
Most accountant positions in New York City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.