Business & Finance Virginia (VA) Rank #11 of 50

Accountant Salary in Virginia

The median accountant salary in Virginia is $87,069 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $79,880.

Median Salary
$87,069
vs National
+$7,189
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Accountant Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #11 out of 50 states for accountant compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for accountant pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $87,069 per year, accountants in Virginia earn $7,189 more than the national median of $79,880.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning accountant salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: accountants at the 10th percentile earn $54,936, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $144,752 — a $89,816 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $109,436.

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for accountants across the country.

Accountant Salary in Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level accountant earns around $56,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,800 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,680
+$4,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,200
+$7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,800
+$10,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $54,936
25th Percentile $68,343
Median (50th) $87,069
75th Percentile $111,616
90th Percentile $144,752

Accountant Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for accountants in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Accountant in Virginia

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Virginia has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook in Virginia

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Virginia's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Virginia

How much does a Accountant make in Virginia? ▼
The median accountant salary in Virginia is $87,069 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $54,936 (10th percentile) to $144,752 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,069, a accountant in Virginia earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for accountants? ▼
Virginia ranks #11 out of 50 states for accountant pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level accountants earn $56,680, while senior professionals earn $130,800.
How does Virginia compare to other states for accountant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for accountants is Hawaii at $135,796. Virginia's median of $87,069 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($91,862) and Oregon ($87,868).
What is the entry-level accountant salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level accountant in Virginia earns approximately $56,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $87,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $130,800.
What city in Virginia pays accountants the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for accountants, with a median salary of $109,436. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.