[Reverie]

So how long does it take you to earn 6 figures in public accounting?

I would reckon you would be earning 80K to 100K once you’re manager with a CPA? Is that true?

So I start off as a Staff. After a year or 2 passing my CPA, I get promoted to Manager. Does this mean my payscale increases from 50K to 90-120K? Or does it take time for me to earn 6 figs when I become manager?

[Anonymous]

When I was interviewing with a local firm or relatively small size (20-30 cpas) I was told that I would start off making more than what the partners started off making and they were clearing six figures in less than 5 years. I'm currently in industry and I recently opted not to take an offer for $75k and I've only been out of school for 3 years and have yet to pass my CPA exam. BTW I live in Baton Rouge, LA, which isn't exactly leading the country in accountant pay scale.

[Spartans92]

Not sure when exactly but public would take some time. Im currently in the mid 50's first year staff in Detroit. We have a pay raise every year around 2-4%. My firm structure is after 4-5 years we get to manager which is probably around 70-80k. I wouldn't mind staying at this company though because the culture is amazing!

BEC- PASS

[Reverie]

6 figs in 5 years with the CPA? I live in Cali. So how is that? I think thats my goal now. I wana be racking up $$$ and have fun. This will only motivate me to get my CPA. I have to now.

[Anonymous]

It all depends on location, starting pay and promotions. I believe typical B4 and mid-tier firm promotion schedule is 2 years as staff then SR, then another 2-3 years before a promotion to manager. Of course this is all based on performance as only a small ratio of people in accounting firms make it to the manager level. Even then, I believe 6 figures is a stretch unless you're in a high COL area like NYC or San Fran. People in industry will make over 100K as a manager, assistant controller, controller or a very good SR with more than 5 years of experience. You will see 8-10 years is more likely to hit the 100k threshold.

[Author]

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