Average Salary Levels for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
Career News May 12, 2014Those with an interest in obtaining a bachelor’s degree in accounting may also be interested in the salary that comes with the jobs associated with the degree. This article expands on degree information, career options offered, and how much, on average, accounting majors make.
Salary Levels for Bachelor’s Degree Graduates in Accounting
Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Accounting are taught about keeping books, analyzing financial information, and recording financial transactions for nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses. Some general coursework in the accounting major may include topic areas such as business law, tax accounting, cost accounting, auditing, and introductory accounting. In some programs, students might also engage in conducting research and tackling real-world projects.
Career Choices
While many graduates seek entry-level careers as professional accountants, they have a wealth of other career options, such as an insurance underwriter, loan officer, IRS investigator, and auditor. Government, financial services organizations, banks, insurance agencies, and accounting firms are included among potential employers. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in accounting, employers also expect these individuals to have:
•Problem-solving skills
•Analytical-thinking skills
•Interpersonal skills
•Teamwork strengths
•Attention to detail
Wage Information
The salaries earned by accounting graduates vary by job title and the degree held. In 2010, graduates with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Accounting earned slightly less than those with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Accounting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2012, accountants earned an average yearly salary of $63,550.