There are currently an estimated 1,397,700 accountants in the United States. The accountant job market is expected to grow by 10.0% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are accountants?

CareerExplorer rates accountants with an A- employability rating, meaning this career should provide great employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 145,700 accountants. That number is based on 139,900 additional accountants, and the retirement of 5,800 existing accountants.

Are accountants in demand?

Employment growth of accountants is closely tied to the health of the overall economy: as the economy grows, so, too, does the number of enterprises requiring professionals to manage books, prepare taxes, and provide management advice. Globalization of businesses and economies; international mergers and acquisitions; changing laws and governance regulations borne of financial crises; increased accountability and transparency for protecting stakeholders; and corporate fraud all create a stable demand for skilled accountants. In addition, the movement towards a judgment-based system used to determine the fair market value of assets and liabilities – International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) – should increase the demands for the specialized auditing and financial reporting expertise of accountants. Forensic accountants will be needed to detect illegal financial activity. In general, job opportunities for accountants should be favourable, particularly for those who have a professional CPA certification and/or a post-graduate degree in accounting or business administration. Knowledge of accounting and auditing software and information systems; a background in international business; and familiarity with current legislation are also considered invaluable attributes for prospective accountants. Due to the large size of this occupation, the need to replace those retiring from the field will add to the demand for new entrants. Despite increasing demand, however, competition for positions with large and prestigious firms will remain intense.

What’s the supply of accountants?

The accountant industry is concentrated in California, Texas, New York

Accountant job market by state

State Name Employed Accountants
California 143,670
Texas 116,000
New York 108,130
Florida 73,910
Pennsylvania 52,150
Illinois 51,250
Ohio 44,500
Virginia 38,330
Georgia 37,830
New Jersey 37,110
Massachusetts 35,260
Colorado 34,540
Michigan 32,300
North Carolina 31,470
Washington 30,460
Maryland 26,230
Missouri 25,130
Minnesota 23,970
Wisconsin 22,090
Indiana 20,190
Arizona 19,300
Tennessee 18,300
Alabama 15,770
South Carolina 14,630
Connecticut 14,490
Oklahoma 13,510
Kansas 12,390
Oregon 12,200
Kentucky 10,970
District of Columbia 10,860
Louisiana 10,380
Iowa 9,930
Utah 9,770
Puerto Rico 8,450
Nebraska 8,340
Nevada 7,830
Arkansas 6,660
New Mexico 5,790
Delaware 5,660
Mississippi 5,450
New Hampshire 5,040
Hawaii 4,670
South Dakota 4,410
Rhode Island 4,400
Maine 4,150
Idaho 3,960
West Virginia 3,760
North Dakota 3,490
Montana 3,340
Vermont 3,120
Alaska 2,180
Wyoming 1,750
Guam 520
Virgin Islands, U.S. 410