The DOL (Department of Labor) sets H1B prevailing wages at 4 levels based on experience and location. Employers must pay at least the Level I prevailing wage — but top companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon typically pay 50–100% above DOL minimums. Education required: Accounting, CPA License.
H1B Accountant / CPA Salary Overview (2026)
The DOL (Department of Labor) sets H1B prevailing wages at 4 levels based on experience and location. Employers must pay at least the Level I prevailing wage — but top companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon typically pay 50–100% above DOL minimums. Education required: Accounting, CPA License.
Accountant / CPA H1B Salary by State
| State | Median H1B Salary | State Tax | Take-Home (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California (SF/Bay Area) | $110,700 | Up to 13.3% | $68,634 |
| New York | $102,500 | Up to 10.9% | $64,575 |
| Washington (Seattle) | $104,960 | None (0%) | $73,472 |
| Texas (Austin/Dallas) | $90,200 | None (0%) | $63,140 |
| Massachusetts (Boston) | $96,760 | 5.0% | $63,861 |
| Illinois (Chicago) | $86,100 | 4.95% | $57,687 |
H1B Accountant / CPA Salary by Experience Level
Transfer money internationally with real mid-market rates and low fees. Trusted by 16M+ customers.
Send Money with Wise →
| DOL Level | Experience | DOL Minimum | Market Rate (top companies) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level (0–3 yrs) | $46,750 | $55,000–$71,500 |
| Level II | Qualified (3–6 yrs) | $63,249 | $77,000–$82,000 |
| Level III | Experienced (6–10 yrs) | $73,800 | $82,000–$114,799 |
| Level IV | Expert (10+ yrs) | $90,200 | $123,000–$160,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about h1b accountant / cpa salary 2026: wages by state, level & employer
What is the H1B prevailing wage for Accountant / CPA in 2026?
The H1B prevailing wage for Accountant / CPA ranges from $55,000 (DOL Level I, entry-level) to $160,000+ (Level IV, expert). The median across all levels and locations is approximately $82,000/year. Required education: Accounting, CPA License. Salaries are highest in California (Bay Area) and lowest in rural areas.
Which states pay the most for H1B Accountant / CPA roles?
California (San Francisco/Bay Area) consistently pays the highest H1B salaries for Accountant / CPA roles — approximately $110,700/year. However, California also has the highest state income tax (up to 13.3%). Washington state (Seattle) pays $104,960 with no state income tax, making it the best after-tax location for many Accountant / CPA roles.
What companies sponsor H1B for Accountant / CPA roles?
Top H1B sponsors for Accountant / CPA positions include Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Cognizant, and Accenture. The biggest sponsors are IT consulting firms (Infosys, TCS, Wipro) by volume, but tech giants pay 2–3x more per position. Check myvisajobs.com for the latest H1B petition data by employer.
How do I negotiate H1B salary as a Accountant / CPA?
Research DOL prevailing wages for your role and location at flcdatacenter.com — this is the legal minimum your employer must pay. Then benchmark market rates on levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and Blind. H1B holders can and should negotiate; your visa status does not prevent salary negotiation. At offer stage, negotiate base salary, signing bonus, and RSU grant size.
What is the total compensation for an H1B Accountant / CPA?
Total compensation for an H1B Accountant / CPA includes base salary ($82,000 median), annual bonus (10–25% of base), RSU vesting (varies widely by company and level), and benefits (health insurance, 401k match worth $5,000–$15,000/year). Total compensation at top companies is typically 30–80% higher than base salary alone.