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How much do state auditor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for state auditor in the United States is $72,633.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much is an auditor's salary?

The salary of a State Auditor typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Entry-level auditors may earn lower wages, while experienced auditors or those in senior positions can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and overtime pay.

What qualifications do you need to be a state auditor?

To become a state auditor, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, along with relevant work experience in auditing or accounting. Professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) are often preferred and can enhance job prospects.

Do state auditors make good money?

State auditors typically earn a competitive salary that varies by state and experience level, with median annual wages often ranging from $60,000 to $90,000. They require strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and often hold certifications such as CPA or CIA, which can influence earning potential.

What are some common challenges faced by State Auditors when conducting audits of government agencies?

State Auditors often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulations, accessing complete and accurate data from agencies, and managing tight deadlines to deliver timely reports. Building cooperative relationships with agency staff is essential, as some may be hesitant to share information or may not fully understand audit requirements. Additionally, State Auditors must remain impartial and uphold ethical standards, even when facing pressure from stakeholders or encountering resistance during the audit process.

What is the difference between State Auditor vs State Accountant?

AspectState AuditorState Accountant
Required CredentialsTypically CPA or equivalent, accounting or auditing degreeAccounting degree, CPA preferred
Work EnvironmentAuditing government agencies, financial reviewsManaging state financial records, reporting
Employer & Industry UsageState government agencies, auditing departmentsState finance departments, accounting offices
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a State Auditor and a State Accountant lies in their focus: State Auditors primarily conduct audits and reviews of government financial operations to ensure compliance and accuracy, while State Accountants manage and maintain state financial records and prepare financial reports. Both roles require accounting credentials and work within state government, but their responsibilities differ in scope and purpose.

Is an auditor a high paying job?

State auditors typically earn competitive salaries that vary by location and experience level. While they may not be among the highest-paying jobs, they often receive benefits such as job stability and pension plans, especially with certifications like CPA or CIA. Salary ranges can increase with seniority and specialized skills in government or private sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a State Auditor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a State Auditor, you need expertise in accounting, auditing standards, and financial analysis, typically supported by a degree in accounting or finance and, often, CPA certification. Familiarity with audit management software, data analytics tools, and government financial systems is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and integrity enable effective evaluation and clear communication of findings. These skills ensure accurate oversight of public funds, promote transparency, and help maintain public trust in government operations.

What are State Auditors?

State Auditors are public officials responsible for reviewing and evaluating the financial operations and records of state agencies, departments, and sometimes local governments. Their primary role is to ensure that public funds are used efficiently, legally, and for their intended purposes. State Auditors conduct financial, compliance, and sometimes performance audits to detect fraud, waste, and abuse. They produce reports and recommendations that help improve government transparency and accountability. The position may be elected or appointed, depending on the state.
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State Auditor jobs near you
Performance Principal Auditor (State Principal Auditor)

Performance Principal Auditor (State Principal Auditor)

State of Oregon

Salem, OR • On-site

$9.2K - $14K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

State Of Oregon rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 50 rated states

Job description

Initial Posting Date:
06/22/2026
Application Deadline:
07/05/2026
Agency:
Secretary of State
Salary Range:
$8,763 - $13,561
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Performance Principal Auditor (State Principal Auditor)
Job Description:
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
LOCATION: Salem, OR
In-state remote work may be available for this position with supervisor approval. See definition and requirements of remote work for the Oregon Secretary of State's Office:Remote work with the Secretary of State's Office.
SALARY:
$8,763 - $13,561/per month Non-PERS Rate
$9,288 - $14,374/per month PERS Rate
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
The Performance Principal Auditor organizes and leads the execution of performance and compliance audits of various state agencies under the general direction and oversight of an Audit Manager. Specifically, Performance Principal Auditors:
  • Gather, collect, and assemble information to obtain an understanding of the organization or program under audit.
  • Identify and interview key agency or program managers and staff, stakeholders, legislative staff, legislators and experts in the field of study.
  • Determine the scope of audits, identify audit objectives, and write audit plans by identifying procedures to follow to achieve audit objectives.
  • Give direction on work procedures and review the work of lower-level audit staff members.
  • Provide on-the-job training and coaching to the staff and provide informal assessment of lower-level staff to the audit manager and elevate performance issues to the audit manager when needed.
  • Analyze and synthesize a broad array of quantitative and qualitative information on an organization or gram's resources, workload, and results to prepare recommendations on operational, budgetary, organizational, and other administrative matters.
  • Write and/or oversee writing audit reports and/or management letters and present audit results to auditees and others charged with governance such as audit and legislative committees.

For explicit duties, please request a copy of the position description from HR.SOS@SOS.oregon.gov
TO QUALIFY:
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our desired qualifications listed.
Your application must demonstrate education and/or experience in the following:
  • A Bachelor's degree or higher in Business or Public Administration, Public Policy, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or related field, AND
  • Three (3) years of experience conducting performance audits. Experience must include conducting performance audits in compliance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS or Yellow book), or IIA's International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Audits (Red book), including, project management experience, knowledge and application of professional auditing standards and audit methodologies, report writing, and verbal communication skills. Six (6) months of this requirement may be substituted with professional experience in any of the following areas: program evaluation, data analysis and presentation, policy analysis or operations research.

OR
  • An Associates degree or higher in Business or Public Administration, Public Policy, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or related field, AND
  • Five (5) years of professional level governmental audit experience conducting performance audits following Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS or Yellow book) for performance audits, or IIA's International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Audits (Redbook) for another state government comparable to the Oregon Secretary of State's office.

OR
  • A combination of experience or education equivalent to seven (7) years' experience that typically supports the knowledge and skill requirements listed for the classification, with up to five (5) years credit for professional level governmental audit experience conducting performance audits following Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS or Yellow book) for performance audits, or IIA's International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Audits (Redbook) for another state government comparable to the Oregon Secretary of State's office.

Preference may be given to candidates who have completed college level auditing coursework and/or who have experience* where job duties include work in any of the following areas:
  • Program evaluation, which includes collecting, analyzing, and using information to answer questions about projects, policies and/or programs, particularly about their effectiveness and efficiency data analysis and presentation, which includes analyzing quantitative and/or qualitative data and presenting it in oral and written formats;
  • Policy analysis, which includes examining and evaluating available options for implementing the goals of laws, elected officials, organizations or government programs; and/or
  • Operations research, which includes using advanced techniques, such as optimization, data mining, statistical analysis, and mathematical modeling, to develop solutions that help businesses and organizations operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.

*To receive credit for this experience, a candidate must have worked in a job for which one or more of the above categories comprised at least 50% of all job duties. We will evaluate the non-audit experience to determine what experience meets the qualifications.
As the most competitive candidate, your application will demonstrate the following requested skills and experience:
  • Demonstrate clear and effective communication, verbally and in writing; attentively listen to others and clearly and accurately express ideas and document audit support.
  • Use word processing, spreadsheet, database and other audit software.
  • Apply and adhere to government audit standards. Investigate situations and find facts. Analyze and assess data or information.
  • Works well as part of a team and independently.
  • Organize work assignments and manage time efficiently.
  • Think critically, logically, laterally, and creatively.
  • Work cooperatively and develop positive relationships with others.
  • Recognize and respect diversity in people.

If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.
HOW TO APPLY:
  • Click apply
  • Complete job history and education sections to clearly demonstrate how you meet minimum qualifications for the position
  • Upload your resume
  • Submit your finalized application
  • Complete additional inbox questionnaires on confidentiality and veteran status
  • Check back periodically for additional actions

Please note: you must attach your resume and complete the job history and education sections of the application. Failure to submit the required materials will remove your application from consideration.
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
  • This recruitment is scheduled to be open for application between: 6/22/26 - 7/5/26
  • Manager review of applications: 7/6/26 - 7/16/26
  • Top scoring candidates will tentatively be invited to an in-person interview between: 8/3/26 - 8/14/26
  • Tentative start date for the successful candidate: week of 9/14/26

ABOUT THE AGENCY:
The Oregon Secretary of State is one of three constitutional offices created at statehood. As an independent constitutional officer, the Secretary of State answers directly and solely to the people of Oregon.
The Secretary of State employs approximately 245 full-time, part-time, and temporary employees. The Secretary oversees the functions of seven program divisions: Archives, Audits, Corporation, Elections, Business Services, Information Systems, and Human Resources.
OUR MISSION:
Build trust between the people of Oregon and our state government so that public services can make a positive impact in peoples' lives.
OUR VISION:
We envision an Oregon without barriers, where we lead with our values and believe every voice should be heard. We do so by:
  • Building equitable access to our democracy.
  • Making tools easily available to achieve economic success.
  • Ensuring state resources are used sustainably, efficiently and accountable to the public.
  • Honestly acknowledging Oregon's history.

OUR VALUES:
Access for all
We elevate equity through identifying and actively eliminating barriers.
Authenticity
We have integrity and are honest and true to ourselves and others.
Clarity
We share stories, using plain language to increase understanding and impact.
Respect
We are committed to serving the people of Oregon and strive to understand all viewpoints.
Service
We are responsive and prioritize the needs of current and future Oregonians we serve.
For more information about the Oregon Office of Secretary of State, please visit: State of Oregon: Oregon Secretary of State - Home.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:
  • Family Friendly Work Life Balance (paid time off, 12 holidays, 3 personal days, short and long term disability benefits)
  • Take Care of Yourself and Your Family (comprehensive employee benefits, choice of medical plans, vision plan, life insurance, child care flexible spending account, employee assistance program)
  • Celebrate Uniqueness: Diversity and inclusion are cornerstones of our values. We recognize that diversity and inclusion are critical to developing a talented, high-performing workforce and are committed to providing a supportive work environment in which all of our employees can thrive and reach their full potential. We strive to maintain a culture that attracts, develops and retains a diverse workforce that closely mirrors the residents of our community. We learn from and respect the cultures in which we operate and value the uniqueness of individual talents, experiences and ideas.
  • Invest in Your Future: (Pension plan, deferred comp, short and long term disability plan, flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care)
  • Be Appreciated (employee recognition events, agency unique employee recognition program allowing for additional leave options such as vacation buy-out and sick leave roll-over, dynamic employees doing impactful work)
  • ADA: At the Secretary of State, we value community and foster a sense of belonging for our employees

See our current job listings and internship opportunities, compensation, and benefits here: Careers with the Secretary of State.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
  • Additional applicant screening will depend on the number of qualified applications received. Screening may include skills testing, the results which may be used as part of the applicant evaluation process.
  • Candidates whose background most closely matches the qualifications and required/requested skills of this position will be invited to an interview.
  • Successful candidates will require professional reference checks and must pass a criminal history check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.
  • Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards.
  • The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
  • Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources. Be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting in order to have the preference considered.
  • The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional 6%.

QUESTIONS?
For additional information you may contact us at HR.SOS@SOS.oregon.gov.
The Oregon Secretary of State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workplace.

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About State of Oregon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Not a traditional company, the State of Oregon is a governmental entity that serves the citizens of Oregon, United States. Based in the capital city of Salem, its industry spans a wide range of public services from health care, education, and transportation, to natural resources, housing, and public safety. Founded with the admission of Oregon to the Union in 1859, it operates on the judicious use of finite resources to enhance the quality of life for present and future generation. Its primary mission is to serve the public through their core values of integrity, accountability, excellence, and equity.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salem, OR, US

Year founded

1859

Social media

Twitter

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