Associate Accountant
Ohio Staffing – Columbus, OH
How much does an Associate Cost Accountant make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Cost Accountant in the United States is $66,966 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, an Associate Cost Accountant's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
Associate Cost Accountant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $72,468 | $6,039 | $1,394 | $35 |
| Average | $66,966 | $5,580 | $1,288 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,550 | $5,213 | $1,203 | $30 |
An Associate Cost Accountant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Cost Accountant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Cost Accountant | less than 1 year | $65,819 |
| Cost Accountant II | 1-2 years | $77,718 |
| Cost Accountant III | 2-4 years | $92,263 |
| Cost Accountant IV | 5-8 years | $106,806 |
| Cost Accounting Supervisor | over 8 years | $104,515 |
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Associate Cost Accountants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Associate Cost Accountant professionals enter the field with a Bachelor's degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Associate Cost Accountant with a Bachelor's is between $65,943 and $69,754.
| Typical Education for Associate Cost Accountant | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Degree | 0.6% |
| High School | 7.1% |
| Associate's Degree | 6.5% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 70% |
| Master's Degree or MBA | 15.8% |
| JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent | 0% |
Understanding how an Associate Cost Accountant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $72,468 | $6,039 | $1,394 | $35 |
| Average | $66,966 | $5,580 | $1,288 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,550 | $5,213 | $1,203 | $30 |
Salaries for an Associate Cost Accountant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $56,457 in 2023 to around $54,979 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Associate Cost Accountant salary trends, click here.
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $56,457 |
| 2024 | $55,528 |
| 2025 | $54,979 |
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Associate Cost Accountant roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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