Find a Job You Really Want In
Accountants are among the most essential professionals in the United States, with a significant presence in every state. This profession is not limited to just a few areas like California or the Southern states; instead, opportunities abound nationwide.
As accountants play a pivotal role in the economy, we at Zippia analyzed the landscape to identify where accountants have the best opportunities, considering job availability and competitive salaries throughout their careers.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we examined which states provide the best prospects for accountants.
After thorough analysis, we compiled this list of the top states for accountants in 2026:
These states offer a thriving environment for accountants, ensuring competitive salaries and abundant job opportunities.
Curious about how we arrived at these rankings? Read on to discover our methodology and insights into the top ten states for accountants.
If you’re looking for more information, check out the job market in these areas:
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Virginia
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Virginia Beach
- These Are The 100 Largest Companies In Virginia
How We Determined the Best States for Accountants
At Zippia, we engage with diverse job seekers to understand their priorities. Our research indicates that the two main factors they consider are:
- Job Availability
- Competitive Salaries
To identify the best states for accountants, we analyzed job opportunities and salary data. Our criteria derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics for 2022 included:
- Location Quotient: A measure of job prevalence in a state.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Average Annual Salary for Entry-Level Positions.
- Average Annual Salary for Experienced Professionals.
To standardize salary comparisons across states, we adjusted figures relative to each state’s cost of living. This approach ensures that we account for variations in living expenses. For instance, while California may offer an average salary of $84,430, that figure stretches further in states with lower living costs, such as Illinois.
After ranking each state based on these criteria from 1 to 50, with 1 being the best, we calculated an overall Job Score. The state with the lowest score emerged as the best state for accountants in America.
Now, let’s delve into the highlights of each state that makes it a great place for accountants.
1. Virginia
Total Jobs: 41,230
Average Annual Salary: $85,640
Average Entry Level Salary: $50,370
Average Experienced Salary: $130,400
Location Quotient: 1.24
2. Texas
Total Jobs: 115,270
Average Annual Salary: $80,200
Average Entry Level Salary: $45,290
Average Experienced Salary: $122,810
Location Quotient: 1.09
3. Illinois
Total Jobs: 53,280
Average Annual Salary: $81,060
Average Entry Level Salary: $45,120
Average Experienced Salary: $125,340
Location Quotient: 1.02
4. Delaware
Total Jobs: 5,600
Average Annual Salary: $78,120
Average Entry Level Salary: $51,210
Average Experienced Salary: $115,630
Location Quotient: 1.43
5. Michigan
Total Jobs: 33,610
Average Annual Salary: $74,370
Average Entry Level Salary: $42,890
Average Experienced Salary: $111,240
Location Quotient: 0.89
6. Georgia
Total Jobs: 37,200
Average Annual Salary: $75,930
Average Entry Level Salary: $40,580
Average Experienced Salary: $120,560
Location Quotient: 0.97
7. Colorado
Total Jobs: 36,290
Average Annual Salary: $82,320
Average Entry Level Salary: $43,870
Average Experienced Salary: $127,720
Location Quotient: 1.59
8. North Carolina
Total Jobs: 33,020
Average Annual Salary: $76,880
Average Entry Level Salary: $46,110
Average Experienced Salary: $117,850
Location Quotient: 0.87
9. Oklahoma
Total Jobs: 13,650
Average Annual Salary: $73,040
Average Entry Level Salary: $39,550
Average Experienced Salary: $111,050
Location Quotient: 0.98
10. Ohio
Total Jobs: 45,670
Average Annual Salary: $72,370
Average Entry Level Salary: $41,820
Average Experienced Salary: $110,970
Location Quotient: 0.97
There You Have It – The Best States for Accountants
If you are pursuing a career as an accountant, these states should be at the top of your list. They offer high salaries, plentiful job opportunities, and paths for career advancement.
For a contrasting perspective, here are the states where accounting opportunities are less favorable:
For additional insights, explore:
Detailed List Of The Best States For Accountants
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia | $85,640 |
| 2 | Texas | $80,200 |
| 3 | Illinois | $81,060 |
| 4 | Delaware | $78,120 |
| 5 | Michigan | $74,370 |
| 6 | Georgia | $75,930 |
| 7 | Colorado | $82,320 |
| 8 | North Carolina | $76,880 |
| 9 | Oklahoma | $73,040 |
| 10 | Ohio | $72,370 |
| 11 | New Jersey | $90,400 |
| 12 | Washington | $78,970 |
| 13 | Missouri | $70,240 |
| 14 | Alabama | $70,310 |
| 15 | Tennessee | $69,690 |
| 16 | Indiana | $70,780 |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | $75,250 |
| 18 | New York | $96,300 |
| 19 | Arkansas | $67,700 |
| 20 | Kansas | $66,530 |
| 21 | Nebraska | $67,920 |
| 22 | Minnesota | $72,480 |
| 23 | Utah | $70,980 |
| 24 | Rhode Island | $81,090 |
| 25 | Wyoming | $66,180 |
| 26 | Iowa | $67,030 |
| 27 | Wisconsin | $68,410 |
| 28 | Kentucky | $67,080 |
| 29 | Florida | $71,790 |
| 30 | South Dakota | $65,800 |
| 31 | Connecticut | $84,890 |
| 32 | New Mexico | $66,370 |
| 33 | Mississippi | $62,850 |
| 34 | Maryland | $82,610 |
| 35 | West Virginia | $68,160 |
| 36 | Louisiana | $66,860 |
| 37 | Arizona | $69,190 |
| 38 | Montana | $66,410 |
| 39 | Vermont | $75,360 |
| 40 | Massachusetts | $81,460 |
| 41 | Idaho | $66,110 |
| 42 | Maine | $70,810 |
| 43 | North Dakota | $61,870 |
| 44 | South Carolina | $64,750 |
| 45 | California | $84,430 |
| 46 | New Hampshire | $72,690 |
| 47 | Nevada | $66,600 |
| 48 | Alaska | $82,920 |
| 49 | Oregon | $71,450 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $65,580 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
