Forensic Accountants and Auditors

Most forensic accountants work within accounting firms and earn salaries that are commensurate with those of other accountants. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual earnings for accountants and auditors as a whole were $79,880 in May 2023. The top paid 10 percent of accountants earned more than $137,280, and the bottom paid 10 percent earned less than $50,440. Accountants for local government agencies had mean annual earnings of $79,220.

Median annual earnings for forensic accountants were $77,593 in 2024, according to PayScale.com. Salaries ranged from less than $55,000 to $119,000 or more.

Forensic accountants earned salaries that ranged from $84,750 to $121,750 or more, according to Robert Half's Finance and Accounting Salaries and Hiring Trends 2025 Salary Guide.

Partners in accounting firms can make even more. Naturally, salaries are affected by such factors as size of the firm, the level of the accountant's education, and any certification the accountant may have.

As forensic accountants become more experienced, they may earn slightly more than traditional accountants because many firms tend to charge premium rates for litigation support services. A forensic accountant's salary and bonus figures usually reflect, at least to some degree, the revenue they generate for the accounting firm. For this reason, a forensic accountant's salary tends to grow as he or she gains experience. According to the National Association of Forensic Accountants, forensic accountants who had fewer than 10 years of experience charged between $80 and $140 per hour for their services. About 25 percent of those who had 11 to 15 years of experience charged between $141 and $170 per hour, and another 25 percent charged more than $170. Practitioners with between 16 and 20 years of experience charged between $171 and $200. Thirty percent of those with more than 20 years of experience charged more than $200.

Most forensic accountants receive standard benefits such as paid vacation and sick days, health insurance, and 401(k) savings plans. Many who work for major accounting firms can also expect to earn bonuses based on their performance and the overall performance of their firm. Forensic accountants who become partners also may earn shares in the firm. Forensic accountants who act as self-employed consultants typically will not receive benefits and will have to provide their own health insurance and retirement plan.