The short answer
Accountants typically charge $70–$120 per hour, with a typical rate around $90. A CPA charges more than a general accountant; complex advisory work sits at the top. The market spread:
| Tier | Range | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Junior / general accountant | $40–$70 | Straightforward books, basic returns, data-heavy tasks. |
| Experienced accountant | $70–$110 | Financial statements, planning support, business returns. |
| CPA | $110–$150 | Licensed expertise, audits, complex tax, representation. |
| Specialist advisory | $150+ | Niche industry, multi-state, or transactional work. |
What actually moves the price
CPA vs. non-CPA. A Certified Public Accountant has passed licensing exams and can represent you before the IRS, sign audited statements, and handle complex situations. For simple bookkeeping-adjacent work you may not need one; for anything involving audit risk or complicated tax, the higher rate buys real protection.
Hourly vs. fixed fee. Many accountants offer flat rates for defined work — a return, a monthly close, a specific filing — which is more predictable than the clock. Ask for a fixed quote where the scope is clear; reserve hourly for genuinely open-ended advisory.
Complexity, not size. A single-member LLC with clean books is cheap regardless of revenue. Multiple entities, inventory, multi-state activity, or messy records drive hours up fast. If you’re self-employed, the IRS Self-Employed Tax Center is worth reading before you meet.
How this guide is priced
Figures are compiled from public rate listings and market data — see the sources below and our data methodology. As Mindhyv grows, these ranges will be based on real, anonymized engagement data from the marketplace.
Before you hire
Read the accountant hiring guide to know when you need a CPA and when you don’t. For ongoing monthly records rather than one-time filings, compare it against what a bookkeeper costs. Spell the engagement out in the project brief builder so every firm quotes against the same list of returns and schedules.