<p>Almost every CPA that I know is earning at least 70-80K and MORE. This is even true for government accounting jobs after only a few years. The key is that you have to be good at your field and be willing to constantly keep up with the changes in the field. In fact, most CPAs that I know are earning in excess of 100K. Thus, 70-80K is an extremely achievable, although rather low goal.</p>