Accountants and Auditors vs Firefighters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Accountants and Auditors professionals earn $22,150 more per year than Firefighters professionals — that's 37.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Accountants and Auditors earns $141,420 compared to $101,330 for Firefighters.
Salary Range Comparison
Accountants and Auditors$52,780 – $141,420
Firefighters$34,490 – $101,330
$34,490$141,420
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Accountants and Auditors | Firefighters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,780 | $34,490 | +$18,290 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,660 | $44,180 | +$20,480 |
| Median (50th) | $81,680 | $59,530 | +$22,150 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,450 | $77,410 | +$29,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $141,420 | $101,330 | +$40,090 |
| Mean (Average) | $93,520 | $63,890 | +$29,630 |
Employment Numbers
Accountants and Auditors
1,448,290
employed nationwide
Firefighters
332,240
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Accountants and Auditors
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $121,630 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $105,750 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $105,100 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $99,440 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $99,380 |
Best Cities for Firefighters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $164,940 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $121,270 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $108,320 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $105,250 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $102,220 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Accountants and Auditors or Firefighters?
Accountants and Auditors professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $22,150 (37.2% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Accountants and Auditors?
Accountants and Auditors salaries range from $52,780 (10th percentile) to $141,420 (90th percentile), with a median of $81,680.
What is the salary range for Firefighters?
Firefighters salaries range from $34,490 (10th percentile) to $101,330 (90th percentile), with a median of $59,530.
How many Accountants and Auditors and Firefighters jobs are there?
There are approximately 1,448,290 Accountants and Auditors positions and 332,240 Firefighters positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Firefighters to Accountants and Auditors?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Accountants and Auditors has a median salary of $81,680 while Firefighters earns $59,530. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS