Accounting has long been described as the language of business, a foundational discipline that supports financial decision-making, regulatory compliance and organizational transparency. As the field evolves, driven by technology, policy changes and growing complexity in global markets, accounting professionals are increasingly expected to have not only technical knowledge but also broader analytical and leadership capabilities.
This has led many students and early-career professionals to look to higher education and truly question: Is it worth it? What is the significance of earning a Master of Accounting (MACC) degree? What is its effect on career outcomes compared to earning just a bachelor’s?
This article addresses those questions, exploring current data around job outlooks, salary differentials, and career opportunities, with a specific look at how these factors apply not only on a national level, but at a graduate level for students enrolled in Florida International University’s (FIU) accounting programs.
Job Market Outlook for Accounting Professionals
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for accountants and auditors will grow by approximately 4 percent between 2022 and 2032, keeping pace with the average growth rate across all occupations. This translates to about 126,500 new job openings annually, factoring in both growth and replacement needs. The demand is expected to remain steady due to the continued need for financial documentation, auditing and compliance in both public and private sectors.
Bachelor’s vs. Master’s in Accounting: Career Entry Points and Salaries
National Salary Benchmarks
National data indicates a noticeable, though not universal, salary difference between graduates holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the average starting salary for Class of 2024 graduates with a master’s degree in business fields is about 20 percent higher than graduates with a bachelor’s.
Additionally, the 2025 National Management of an Accounting Practice (MAP) survey conducted by the AICPA found that average starting pay for CPA firm hires with master’s degrees rose 11 percent to $60,834, compared to smaller increases for firm hires with bachelor’s degrees.
FIU Alumni Outcomes: Salary and Career Trajectory
Institution-specific data from College Factual shows a differential in early-career salaries among FIU graduates:
- Bachelor’s in Accounting: Median early-career salary of approximately $54,963
- Master’s in Accounting: Median early-career salary of approximately $70,524
These figures suggest that FIU graduates who pursue the master’s degree report, on average, higher earnings in the initial years after graduation. While this is not a guaranteed outcome for every student, it does reflect broader national trends observed in graduate business education.
Career Pathways: Bachelor’s vs. Master’s
Students with a bachelor’s degree in accounting often begin careers in roles such as:
- Staff Accountant
- Tax Associate
- Financial Analyst
- Audit Associate
These positions provide a solid entry point into the profession, often within public accounting firms, corporations or government agencies.
Graduates with a master’s degree may be eligible for similar entry-level roles but are also more competitive for positions that require or prefer advanced training, such as:
- Senior Auditor
- Financial Reporting Analyst
- Accounting Manager
- Risk or Compliance Analyst
In many cases, a master’s degree is also used to meet the 150-credit hour requirement for CPA licensure eligibility, which FIU’s Master of Accounting program offers, and can influence long-term career advancement opportunities.
Bachelor’s vs. Master’s: Typical Starting Salary Comparison
| Position | Entry-Level Salary (Bachelor’s) | Entry-Level Salary (Master’s) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Accountant | ~$60,834 | ~$67,750 | AICPA MAP Survey 2025 |
| Tax Associate | ~$60,000–$65,000 | ~$67,000–$72,000 | Robert Half 2026 Guide |
| Financial Analyst | ~$62,000–$68,000 | ~$74,000–$82,000 | NACE 2025 / BLS |
| Audit Associate | ~$60,834 | ~$67,750 | AICPA MAP Survey 2025 |
| Senior Auditor | N/A (typically requires experience) | ~$72,000–$90,000 | Robert Half 2026 Guide |
| Financial Reporting Analyst | ~$64,000–$68,000 | ~$75,000–$82,000 | BLS / Robert Half |
| Accounting Manager | N/A (not an entry-level role) | ~$80,000–$95,000 (early manager) | Robert Half 2026 Guide |
| Risk or Compliance Analyst | ~$58,600–$68,800 | ~$64,000–$75,000 | Salary.com |
Note: These are national averages and ranges. Salaries can vary by location, employer, industry and certification (e.g., CPA).
The CPA Pathway and Graduate Education
One practical consideration is that most U.S. states, including Florida, require 150 college credit hours to sit for the CPA exam. A bachelor’s degree typically covers 120 credit hours, which means additional coursework is necessary. A structured master’s program, such as the one offered at FIU, can help fulfill these requirements while providing more focused preparation for the CPA exam itself.
In this way, a Master of Accounting can serve both as an academic credential and a step toward professional licensure.
Other Factors: Skills, Specialization and Career Mobility
Beyond salary, graduate accounting programs often emphasize higher-order skills such as:
- Advanced data analysis
- Taxation and regulatory policy
- Financial statement auditing
- Strategic decision-making
These competencies are increasingly sought after in roles that go beyond traditional accounting, including positions in consulting, financial services and corporate leadership.
FIU’s Master of Accounting program, in particular, offers flexibility (including online and hybrid formats) and is aligned with AACSB accreditation standards, which are held by fewer than 6 percent of business schools worldwide.
Is It Worth It? That Depends on Your Goals
Choosing to pursue a Master of Accounting depends on your career goals, financial plans and interest in specialization. Compared to a bachelor’s degree, a master’s program offers deeper technical knowledge in areas such as taxation, auditing and financial reporting and can help satisfy the 150-credit requirement for CPA eligibility. Graduates with a master’s degree may have access to higher starting salaries and expanded career opportunities, particularly in roles that value advanced expertise. However, as with any degree decision, outcomes vary based on location, industry demand and individual experience. The best choice is one that aligns with your long-term professional goals.
To learn more about Florida International University Chapman Graduate School of Business Master of Accounting programs, click below.