I started working in the accounting industry after I completed my diploma at the end of year 2, at this time I was also taking 3 - 4 courses for my degree. That way I can graduate with 2 - 3 years of experience and start my CPA. I also did my CFA lvl 1 along the way.
I think transparency on salaries is becoming less taboo with the millennial generation which is also important since it'll help everyone else negotiate salary in future positions. Here's my progression over the last 2.5 years of school while working in entry-level jr.accountant positions which is nowhere near the 60-80k+ grads you hear about.
2nd Year - Job 1 $33.5k+Benefits
3rd Year - Job 2 $15/hr no benefits, start-up accountant role, so spend a lot of time being paid to play ping pong and foosball
3rd Year - Job 2 - Raise - $18/hr
3rd Year - Job 2 - Raise - $40k + Benefits - Start-up got bought out
4th Year - Job 2 - Raise - $43k + benefits
4th Year - Job 3 - Raise - $50k no benefits yet, but I can work from home and paid breaks. So that's an extra 2 hours each day towards a better work-life balance. I'll be graduating this semester as well.
It's funny because I remember being super motivated when I was in school on how I'd make $60 - 100k within 3 -4 years of graduating. But realistically that's not the case if you aren't graduating from a recognized business school or in doctor/lawyer/tech/engineer/sales as mentioned above. I think realistically you'll make $33-55k starting in most fields.
I plan on completing my CPA in the next 2 years and start job hunting for something around $80 - 90k. I hope to hit 100k+ before I am 30.
https://www.bccpa.ca/news-events-pub...ary-survey-en/