How much should I expect to make?

How much disposable income can I expect to make as an accountancy grad?

• I'm going to graduate with a bachelor's degree in Accounting within the next two years. I have two basic questions I've been thinking about: 1. I'm wondering if anyone has an idea of how much I would earn after taxes (either monthly or annually). As in, how much would I expect to have as Disposable Income? What are some real-life examples, or personal examples you have, or examples you know of? 2. As a recent grad in a big city, how much do you expect to pay as a minimum for living expenses each month or each year? (An estimate/example for single or married would be ok.) Any estimates or relative examples would be alright! I just want to get a good enough idea about salary and expenses.

• Answer:

  In a large city can can expect to get a starting salary of about $50,000 per year. Work on getting the CPA designation and that should double. You are paid a gross salary and taxes must be counted as an expense. As to expenses, that all depends on your life style. Taxes take about $10,000 of the gross. A frugal life style in a small apartment, without an expensive girl friend take about $20-$25,000 per year and from there you can go up into the stratosphere, to the point where you can't pay your monthly Visa bill any more.