Accounting Today reports that early results from the third annual CPA Career Satisfaction Survey show a small rise in the number of accountants who are happy with their careers. This year, 54% said they are “highly satisfied,” compared to 50% in 2024 and 53% in 2025.

The survey also highlights what makes accountants feel satisfied at work. The most important factor was having specialized work, followed by good pay, respect for work-life balance, feeling comfortable asking for mental health support, and getting help from the firm with difficult clients. The results show that pay matters most when employees believe it is truly competitive, not just acceptable.

Firm size also plays a role. Accountants working at firms with 11 to 24 employees had the highest satisfaction, with 70% highly satisfied and only 5% dissatisfied. By comparison, 41% of sole practitioners were dissatisfied, and just 23% were highly satisfied. Managers had their own challenges, with only 32% highly satisfied and 18% dissatisfied.

Another important change is that more employees are willing to seek support. The number who feel comfortable asking for mental health help went up from 20% in 2025 to 38% in 2026. More people are also open to talking about burnout, rising from 17% to 31%. Most respondents remain optimistic about technology, with 84% saying artificial intelligence will help them in the long run.