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Just because you’ve closed an account, that doesn’t mean the information will automatically disappear from your credit report. That account can continue to impact your credit score for years — in good ways and not-so-good ways.

There are a few different things you can try if you want the account removed from your credit reports, but it may take some time. And since a closed account can sometimes have a beneficial effect on your credit score, you might decide it’s best to simply leave it alone.

Read on to learn more about how an account can continue to impact your credit even after it’s closed and how to get a closed account off your credit report.

What Happens When You Close an Account?

When you close an account, your credit reports will reflect the account’s new status. But information about the closed account, including how much you borrowed and your payment history, may still be used to calculate your credit score and inform lenders about your overall creditworthiness.

Even if you’ve paid every penny you owe, the account still may be included in your reports. And if you have an outstanding balance, you can expect payments and other activity to show up on your reports every month.

The Fair Credit Report Act, the federal law that regulates how consumer credit agencies handle and report information, allows the credit bureaus to include positive and negative information about closed accounts on a credit report for up to 7-10 years.

Recommended: Should I Sell My House Now or Wait?

How Can Closed Accounts Affect Your Credit?

Closing an account can affect your credit in ways both good and bad. Here’s a look at what can happen in the months and years after you close an account.

An Unexpected Credit Score Dip

Something that surprises a lot of people is that closing an account can actually have a negative impact on credit scores, even if the account was in good standing. That’s because closing an account can affect certain factors that go into calculating your FICO Score. The dip may be temporary (as long as you stay on track with managing your debt), but here’s what’s behind it:

Credit Utilization Ratio

Your credit utilization ratio represents the amount of your available credit that you’re currently using. It’s part of the “amounts owed” category, which determines 30% of your FICO Score.

If you close an account and the amount of credit available to you is reduced, that can affect your ratio. And a higher credit utilization ratio can mean a lower credit score.

Length of Credit History

Closing a long-held credit card account can also affect the “length of credit history” category, which accounts for 15% of your FICO Score. FICO looks at the age of your oldest account, the age of your newest account, and the average age of all your accounts. So closing an older account after you pay it off can lower your score.

Credit Mix

FICO also looks at your “credit mix” when it’s calculating your overall score, so it can help if you have both revolving debt (with a credit card or line of credit) and some type of installment debt (such as a student loan, personal loan, car loan, or mortgage). Your credit mix is 10% of your FICO Score.

Recommended: What Credit Score Is Needed to Buy a Car?

But There May Be Good News, Too

Should you still decide to close your account, there is some happy news: If you did a good job managing that particular credit card or loan, the information can stay on your credit reports for up to a decade, continuing to boost your credit score. However, the bump from a closed account may not be as significant as from an open one.

When Should You Remove a Closed Account from Your Credit Report?

Since information about a closed account in good standing can be a positive thing for both your credit reports and credit scores, you may decide it makes sense to bask in those benefits for as long as possible.

But if your closed account is littered with negative information that could make you look like a risk to lenders and potentially lower your credit scores, you may want to attempt having it removed from your credit reports. Any negative information, such as late payments, defaults, or the account went to collections, will stick around and can lower your score for up to seven years.

There are a few different strategies you can try. If, for example, the closed account contains inaccurate or fraudulent information or if the information is dated, you have a right to pursue having it removed. If you suspect that you’re a victim of identity theft, you may want to learn the differences between a credit lock vs. a credit freeze.

But if the negative information is accurate, you may have to appeal to that creditor to help you clean up your record. Or you can decide to wait it out, and the closed account will eventually come off your report.

Recommended: How to Remove Student Loans From Your Credit Report

Steps for Removing a Closed Account from Your Credit Report

There are four basic strategies for removing a closed account from your credit report.

Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report

If you believe your credit report includes inaccurate, incomplete, or fraudulent information on an open or closed account, you can follow the steps listed below.

Contact the Credit Bureaus

First, review the data on file with all three credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Or request a tri-merge credit report that combines the data from all three.

Then contact the credit bureaus and explain why you’re disputing the information and include supporting documents. All three bureaus have a page just for this purpose on their website. Or you can download a dispute form, fill it out, and mail it in. Either way, following the recommended format will help ensure you include all necessary data.

Recommended: What Is the Difference Between TransUnion and Equifax

Contact the Company That Furnished the Information

Contact the bank, credit card company, or business that provided the disputed information to the credit bureaus. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) offers instructions and a sample letter to assist with this process. If you suspect the inaccurate information could be the result of identity theft, you can find help through the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.

Wait for a Fix

The credit bureaus typically have 30 calendar days (45 in some situations) to look into your dispute. Once the investigation is complete, they have five business days to let you know, and you should receive a copy of your updated credit report.

If they don’t agree that the information should be removed, you can send a letter and ask that they note the dispute on future reports. You can also send a complaint to the CFPB or contact an attorney.

Write a Goodwill Letter or Pay-for-Delete Letter

Although a creditor isn’t required to remove negative information from your credit reports, you can try writing a goodwill or pay-for-delete letter asking for their help.

Not much of a writer? You can try calling instead. Either way, be prepared to plead your case clearly and respectfully.

Goodwill Letter

A goodwill letter can give you an opportunity to explain to a creditor why you fell behind on your payments and why you’re hoping to get the negative information removed from future credit reports.

If you’ve been a long-standing customer (or can manage to write a heartstring-tugging letter), you may be able to convince the financial institution or business to help you turn over a new leaf.

Pay-for-Delete Letter

If the closed account still has a balance, you may be able to use a pay-for-delete letter as an incentive to get it removed from your credit reports. This strategy involves offering to pay the outstanding balance in exchange for getting the account off your reports.

Wait for the Account to Come Off on Its Own

It may feel like a lifetime, but negative information can be listed for only seven years. So you may decide just to wait it out.

If the information is still on your reports after the seven-year mark, you can use the dispute process to have it removed.

Establishing Healthy Credit Habits for the Future

Watching your credit score take a dip after you close an account can be frustrating. But practicing good financial habits going forward can go a long way toward bolstering your credit scores. Here are a few steps to consider:

Make Timely Payments

Payment history makes up 35% of your FICO Score, so if you want to boost your score, it’s critical to pay your bills on time.

Keep Your Credit Utilization Low

Because credit utilization is another important factor that goes into calculating your credit score, it’s a good idea to keep credit card balances low. Don’t let a high limit on a card or line of credit tempt you into spending more than you can manage.

Let Your Credit Accounts Age Gracefully

It may be tempting to cancel a credit card you’ve finally managed to pay off. But since your credit score is partially based on the age of your accounts, it may make more sense to keep open an account that’s in good standing.

Track Your Spending

If you like the convenience of using credit and debit cards to pay for purchases, but you tend to lose sight of your spending, a money tracker app such as SoFi can help you see exactly where your money is going, so you aren’t just winging it month to month.

Monitor Your Credit

If you aren’t monitoring your credit, you may not have any idea what your credit score is. By using an app such as SoFi, which has free credit monitoring, you can check your score regularly. You can also request a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three credit bureaus via AnnualCreditReport.com.

Be Vigilant Regarding Credit Report Errors and Fraud

In order to dispute problems on your credit report, you have to know what to look for. Learning how to read your credit report can help save you from more serious financial trouble.

Familiarizing yourself with the various sections might help you spot common credit report errors and potential fraud.

The Takeaway

Closed accounts aren’t automatically removed from credit reports. The credit bureaus may keep information from a closed account on your reports for years: 7 years for negative information and 10 years for positive info. However, you can request to have the account removed if you file a dispute and can show that the information is inaccurate. Other strategies include writing a “goodwill” letter, a “pay-to-delete” letter, and contacting the creditor directly. It’ll take time, but persistence often pays off.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Can you remove a closed account from your credit report?

Unless information about a closed account is inaccurate, it may appear on your credit report for years. But there are strategies that can help you with getting the information removed or updated.

How long does it take for a closed account to be removed from a credit report?

It can take up to seven years for negative information from a closed account to come off a credit report. And it can take up to 10 years before positive information goes away.

Will paying off a closed account help a credit score?

Your credit reports will continue to include negative information about a closed account for up to seven years. But if you follow through and pay off the debt, the change in the account’s status can be noted on your reports. And if you’ve lowered the amount of debt you’re carrying by paying off the account, it can help improve your credit score.

Can a closed account still affect my ability to get approved for new credit?

Yes. Lenders may review the payment history, balances, and overall management of closed accounts when evaluating your creditworthiness. Positive account history can help your application, while past delinquencies or collections may make approval more difficult.

How long does it take to remove a closed account from a credit report after filing a dispute?

Credit bureaus generally have 30 days to investigate a dispute, though some cases may take up to 45 days. After the investigation is complete, you should be notified of the results and receive an updated credit report if any changes are made.

Photo credit: iStock/fizkes

SoFi Coach offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery, or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You must confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SORL-Q226-040

The average annual salary for detectives is $60,150 for 2025, the most recent year reviewed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This can be an exciting career for many people. Is there anything quite as satisfying as solving a big mystery? For anyone who’s passionate about putting the puzzle pieces together until they discover the truth, working as a detective could be a dream job.

Read on to learn more about this career path. In addition to how much a detective makes a year, you can find out about the responsibilities and benefits involved.

What Are Detectives?

Working as a private detective involves searching for and piecing together financial, legal, and personal matters to help get to the root of an unanswered question. For example, private detectives can help find missing persons or investigate cybercrimes. Here’s a quick breakdown of some common on-the-job responsibilities that detectives tackle on a daily basis:

•   Conducting interviews to help collect information

•   Pursuing evidence

•   Reviewing civil judgments and criminal history

•   Planning and executing surveillance

•   Searching records (court, public, and online)

Some private detectives work for themselves and offer their services to a variety of clients, whereas others work for businesses, such as law firms.

Regardless of where one works, being a detective can involve a good number of interviews and interpersonal interaction. For this reason, it may not be a good job for antisocial people.

💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.

How Much Do Starting Detectives Make a Year?

In the early days of their career, detectives can expect to earn less until they gain more experience and a strong reputation for their sleuthing skills. When it comes to entry-level detective work, competitive pay can be fairly low. The lowest 10% of detective earners make less than $36,740 per year.

However, there is considerable room for improvement when it comes to salary for this role. The highest 10% earn more than $97,630 annually. This indicates that it can be possible to earn $100,000 per year as a detective.

Recommended: What Is a Six-Figure Salary?

What Is the Average Salary for a Detective?

Some detectives earn an annual salary (an average of $60,150), but others earn an hourly wage. How much does a detective make an hour? The average hourly wage is $28.92.

How much someone earns on average working as a detective can vary based on where they live and the industry they work in. When it comes to working in different industries, these are the average annual wages for detectives in a few different industries for 2025, the most recent year available:

•   Government: $75,130

•   Professional, scientific, and technical services: $78,610

•   Investigation, guard, and armored car services: $55,450

•   Retail trade: $45,120

The state someone works in also plays a big role in their earning potential. The following table highlights how average detective wages can vary by state, with salaries listed from highest to lowest.

What Is the Average Detective Salary by State for 2026?

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Detective Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

Detectives who work for businesses, such as large corporations or law firms, on a full-time basis often receive employer-sponsored benefits as a part of their compensation package. These benefits can include paid time off, retirement accounts with employer contribution matches, and health insurance.

However, many detectives work on a part-time basis or are self-employed and then are on the hook for supplying their own benefits, which can be quite expensive.

Recommended: The Highest Paying Jobs in the U.S.

Pros and Cons of Detective Salary

Detectives can earn a very good salary, and the work can be very interesting.

However, the tradeoff may not be worth it for some. Working as a detective often involves long and varied hours due to the nature of their work — especially when they’re conducting surveillance. Some people may find that working on weekends, nights, or holidays isn’t worth the salary. It simply may not align with their career goals and their desired work-life balance.

The Takeaway

Skilled detectives stand to earn a lot of money (close to six figures) as they work their way up in their industry. This can be a very exciting but also extremely demanding role.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Can you make 100K a year as a detective?

It’s possible to make $100,000 a year or more as a detective. The top 10% of earners in this field make at least $97,630 per year. As a detective gains years of experience and improves their skills, they can expect to earn more competitive pay.

Do people like being a detective?

Many people pursue a career as a detective because they’re passionate about the work they do and enjoy a lot of satisfaction from their job. It’s worth noting that this job can require a lot of personal interactions and may not be the best fit for anyone who is antisocial.

Is it hard to get hired as a detective?

Getting hired as a detective can be competitive, but there are currently anticipated to be 3,900 openings for private detectives each year until 2034. There’s also a projected 6% growth in employment opportunities, so someone with the right qualifications should be able to find a job in this field.

Photo credit: Andrii Lysenko

SoFi Coach offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery, or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You must confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

SORL-Q226-022

You made it through the interview process and have an official job offer via email. But how do you accept an offer letter? Say yes right away, or take time to think it over? Should you talk to your new employer on the phone even if you received the offer by email?

Before you commit, you’ll want to make sure you take the right steps. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process once that job offer appears in your inbox.

How to Accept a Job Offer

It’s important to know how to reply to your new employer in order to show them you’re a professional and reinforce their choice in hiring you. Accepting the job offer with clear, respectful communication helps make a good impression and establish a positive rapport from the beginning.

Whether or not the employer offers you the job by email or phone, the first thing to know is that you don’t have to give a definitive answer right away. Employers realize a new hire may need time to mull it over. It’s perfectly okay to reply with, “Thank you for the offer. I really appreciate it. May I take the next day or two to think it over before I respond?” This is important, particularly if you want to prepare to discuss salary, bonuses, your title, or other company benefits such as health or employer-sponsored life insurance.

Unless it’s urgent for the employer to fill the position ASAP, they’ll most likely be fine with granting you two or three days to make your final decision. Try not to take too long, though. It’s best to stay within a 24- to 48-hour timeframe so you don’t leave them hanging.

Recommended: Average U.S. Salary By State

Evaluate the Job Offer

If you’re taking a couple of days to give your final answer, you’ll want to truly assess if this position is right for you. First, and probably most important, is evaluating the salary offer. Is what they’re paying enough for you to live on, or are you going to need a side hustle or a second job to make ends meet?

Another factor to consider is whether the offered income is commensurate with the job’s duties, responsibilities, and your experience. Researching similar positions in the industry can give you an idea if the company is offering competitive pay.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re satisfied with the benefits package, work hours, and vacation and sick time policies. Is the employer offering any other perks that may seal the deal, such as college tuition assistance or an employer match on your 401(k) contribution?

Other factors you may want to evaluate include the work culture and environment. For example, if you tend to be someone who works alone and the company loves hosting after-work happy hours or frequent team-building workshops, it might not be the best fit for you.

Lastly, think about your career trajectory and how this job might help move you forward. If it provides challenges, allows you to learn, and offers room for advancement, it may be a clear-cut answer, especially if it’s your first job or you’re changing careers.

Questions to Ask the Employer Before Accepting a New Job

Before accepting an offer letter, make sure you get answers upfront to any questions you may have. During the time you’re evaluating your options, gather your thoughts and make a list of what you want to know. These queries can eliminate any doubts you might have, provide answers to questions you may not have asked during the interview, and prepare you for what to expect on your start date.

Asking important questions also clarifies what your role is, the company’s expectations of you, and, in turn, what your expectations of the employer should be.

Some questions you may want to ask:

•   Is the salary negotiable?

•   When will I be eligible to receive benefits?

•   What types of employee savings plans are offered?

•   What types of preemployment background checks or screening does the company do?

•   To whom will I be reporting?

•   What should I expect from the onboarding process?

•   What type of training will I receive?

•   What is the company policy regarding remote or hybrid work?

•   Will I be expected to work late or on the weekends?

•   Does this position offer bonuses or commissions?

•   What’s the workplace dress code?

Negotiate the Job Offer

Seeing if there’s any wiggle room with certain aspects of the job is important before you make your official decision. For example, if the job doesn’t require you to be on-site every day, you might ask if you can work a hybrid schedule. Or perhaps there’s a possibility of a flexible schedule where you choose the eight-hour shift you want to work.

Although it can feel awkward and uncomfortable to bring it up, many employers actually expect potential new hires to bring up the salary subject. In fact, according to a poll by CareerBuilder, 73% of employers in the U.S. anticipate a salary negotiation upon the initial job offer. And bringing it up can literally pay off. A review by the University of California, Los Angeles’ Anderson School of Management found that around 85% of tech job seekers who negotiated their salary got at least some of what they asked for.(If you find yourself more interested in maximizing your income and managing your finances, a free budget app can help you get started.)

Talking to your new boss about salary before signing on may be the only time you’re in the driver’s seat in salary negotiations. Take advantage of this moment and the fact that the employer wants you. Asking for more money, even if it’s for an entry-level salary, demonstrates you’re a confident, business-savvy professional who knows their worth.

If you want to negotiate the salary after you get the job offer, do your homework. Find out what salaries competitors are offering for someone with your skill set and experience, on such sites as Payscale.com, Glassdoor.com, or Salary.com. Set the bar high initially and ask for the top of your range, knowing you’ll probably end up somewhere in the middle between what you want and the maximum the employer is willing to offer. Be prepared to give reasons as to why you should earn more, touting your experience, accomplishments, and the value you’ll bring to the company.

In the event you don’t get your desired salary, see if you can negotiate for other things that might make up for it, such as a signing bonus or employee stock options.

Accept the Job Offer Over the Phone

A phone call is a common way employers let the applicant know they’ve landed the job. When that call comes, you’ll want to be prepared to know exactly what to say.

If you’re offered the job by phone, first thank the caller, confirm you’re interested, and express your gratitude for the opportunity to fill the position. This gesture helps to establish a good relationship and lets the supervisor know you’re enthusiastic. A reply can be as simple as, “Thank you for extending this offer. I’m delighted and am excited by the opportunity to work with you and the company.”

At this time, you’ll want to ask the employer to send you the written offer letter or contract detailing the conditions of employment, salary information, job duties, and benefits. Once you get it, review it carefully to make sure the terms are acceptable, determine what you might want to negotiate, and look for any small details in fine print that may not have come up during the interview process.

Follow Up With an Email

The process for accepting a job through email closely follows the same protocol as by phone.

In an email, you’ll want to open with a thank you for considering you for the position and say you’re excited about the prospect of joining the team. Here’s the opening to request time to think about the offer, letting them know you have some questions, and inquiring when it may be possible to discuss them. The person will then set up a time to talk on the phone or by video chat, or might ask you to send your questions along in an email.

You should also ask for the written offer here if it’s not included in the email. If you’re recently out of school, your offer letter can serve as proof of income for student loan repayment plans and apartment applications.

Who Should You Email to Accept a Job Offer?

The person who officially offers you the job is the one to whom you should directly respond. At this point, it will most likely come from the hiring manager or your future boss. Regardless, reply to the person sending the email. If there are ccs, be sure to hit reply all to include those parties.

What to Include in a Job Offer Acceptance Letter

A job acceptance letter gives you the chance to document key points about your new job and clarify the terms of employment. Getting it in writing helps prevent future misunderstandings.

Your acceptance letter should include the following:

•   A thank you to the employer for offering you the position, stating the full job title

•   A formal acceptance of the job offer

•   Confirmation of the terms and conditions of employment: starting salary, health benefits, work hours, and start date

•   A close showing appreciation for the opportunity and your eagerness to join the company

Advice on Writing a Job Offer Acceptance Letter

Don’t quickly jot off and send a job acceptance letter. Instead, carefully plan out what you want to say. Make sure it’s well-written, strikes a professional and polite tone, and covers all of the important bases. Be sure to proofread carefully for spelling and grammar errors before sending.

When composing the acceptance via email, create a concise subject line such as:

•   Acceptance of [Job Title] job offer — [Your name]

•   [Your Name] — [Job Title] job offer acceptance

Here are some sample templates to help you craft your response:

Job Offer Acceptance Letter Sample #1

Dear Ms. Jones,

Thank you for offering me the position of Account Executive with XYZ company. It is with great enthusiasm that I accept the job offer and look forward to starting employment with your company on [Month, Date, Year].

As we discussed, my starting salary will be $50,000 and health insurance benefits will be provided after 60 days of employment.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time if there’s anything more you need from me.

Thank you again for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I am eager to join the team and make a positive contribution to the organization.

Sincerely,

Your signature

Typed name

Job Offer Acceptance Letter Sample #2

Dear Ms. Jones,

I am writing to confirm my acceptance of your job offer on [Date job was offered] and to let you know how delighted I am to be joining the XYZ company as an Account Executive. I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the company, and I am very grateful for the opportunity you have given me.

As discussed, my starting salary is $50,000 with the full range of benefits granted to your employees. My scheduled work hours are from 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday. I will report to work on [Start date].

Thank you for the confidence you have expressed in me. I look forward to a long and productive career with XYZ company.

Sincerely,

Your signature

Typed name

Job Offer Acceptance Letter Sample #3

Dear Ms. Jones,

I was very excited to get your call and receive the job offer for the Account Executive position at XYZ company.

After reviewing the offer, I had a few questions I wanted to run by you — particularly about the base salary and the company’s benefits package. Would it be possible to arrange a phone call to discuss?

Thank you in advance for your help with this. I look forward to speaking to you again soon.

Sincerely,

Your signature

Typed name

What to Expect When Accepting a Job Offer

Once you and your new employer have hashed out any negotiated terms in your offer letter, ask them if anything else is needed from you prior to your first day. If you’re employed elsewhere, inform your current boss you’re leaving and set your termination date (typically two weeks after you give notice). You’ll also want to determine if you have the option of utilizing COBRA to stay on your current employer’s health insurance plan if your new employer’s health benefits don’t kick in right away. And look into how to roll over your 401(k) to the new employer’s plan if you wish to do so.

Your new workplace may require certain things before you start, including filling out paperwork and submitting documentation for your HR file, plus drug testing or a background check. There may be an orientation, training classes you’ll need to attend when you start, and an employee handbook to study.

Recommended: What Is The Difference Between TransUnion and Equifax?

The Takeaway

Whether you’re offered a job by phone or email, it’s important to respond in a timely, professional manner, especially if you decide to take the position. But you don’t have to say yes immediately. It’s acceptable to ask the employer if you can have a couple of days to think about it before you can make a final decision. Depending on what the company is offering benefits- and salary-wise, you may want to come to the negotiating table with the employer to see how to maximize your situation.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

What do you say when you accept a job offer?

Thank the employer, let them know you appreciate the offer, and communicate you’re excited about joining their company. Responding in an upbeat, positive way shows your enthusiasm and signals to the employer that they made the right choice.

How do I accept an informal job offer?

You can accept the job offer over the phone or by email, but follow the employer’s lead. If they call you, it’s best to respond in kind and accept it over the phone, but in the case of an emailed job offer, you can send your response that way. Most likely, even if they offer you the job over email, the employer will follow up to solidify things verbally.

How do you say yes to a job offer?

Once you’ve sorted out any questions with the employer and completed any negotiations, ask for the offer in writing if you haven’t already received an offer letter. Read over the offer letter carefully to ensure all of the details are correct, and if everything is in order, you can send the email confirming your salary, job title, start date, and any other agreed-upon conditions. Be sure to thank them again and express again how much you’re looking forward to joining the team.

What should you avoid saying in a job acceptance email?

Avoid overly casual language, mentioning competing offers, or introducing new negotiation points after agreeing to the terms. Your acceptance email should remain professional, positive, and concise.

Is it okay to change your mind after accepting a job offer?

While it’s possible to withdraw after accepting an offer, it should only be done carefully and professionally. Backing out may affect your reputation with the employer, so it’s best to be certain before formally accepting the position.

Photo credit: iStock/Tempura

SoFi Coach offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery, or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You must confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

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The median annual salary for physician assistants is $133,260 per year, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is significantly more (about twice) the average pay of all jobs in the U.S. as of January 30, 2026.

Working as a physician assistant can be a fulfilling way to have a career in the medical industry without having to spend as much time or money on school as a doctor. Like doctors, physician assistants stand to make a lot of money and can save on tuition costs since they typically only need a master’s degree to work in this role.

Keep reading to learn more about what physician assistants do and how much money they make.

What Are Physician Assistants?

A physician assistant is capable of performing a lot of tasks a medical doctor would perform, such as conducting patient examinations, diagnosing illnesses, and delivering treatments. They complete their work under physician supervision, and their day-to-day responsibilities can include tasks such as:

•   Obtaining and reviewing medical histories

•   Ordering diagnostic tests

•   Prescribing medications

•   Collaborating with health care teams

A physician assistant can specialize in a specific health care field, such as primary care, emergency medicine, and psychiatry, which can affect their job responsibilities.

As mentioned above, these individuals typically have a master’s degree, which is usually a requirement for licensing. However, you don’t need to go to and pay for medical school.

Job opportunities are likely to be plentiful. The projected growth over 2024-2034 is 20%, which is very well above the single-digit average for most professions.

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How Much Do Starting Physician Assistants Make a Year?

Like with any career, it takes time to earn a high salary when working as a physician assistant. When a physician assistant is entry-level, their salary may compare with the lowest 10% of earners in this role, who make $99,380 or less, but there’s a lot of room for improvement here.

The highest 10% of earners make more than $190,280. In other words, it’s indeed possible to earn $100,000 a year.

What is the Average Salary for a Physician Assistant?

The answer to the question, “How much money does a physician assistant make?” can vary depending on where a physician assistant works. Some jobs will pay more due to location. The following table illustrates the average salary for this role in each state, and a quick glance makes it clear that there’s a lot of variance in pay by state. For example, a physician assistant in Washington makes $46,318 more on average than someone in this role in Florida, which is quite a gap.

The table below shares how much a physician assistant job pays both by state and by different rates, including hourly pay, from highest to lowest.

Recommended: Best Jobs for Extroverts That Pay Well

Physician Assistant Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

It’s very common to work full-time as a physician assistant, which typically means that in addition to competitive pay, these professionals gain access to employer-sponsored benefits.

These may include:

•   Health insurance

•   Retirement plans

•   Paid sick days

•   Paid vacation

The tradeoff for a great compensation package can be having to work long hours or be on call. In addition, you may be exposed to medical emergencies, which can be stressful, and germs.

In addition, a career as a physician assistant requires much interaction with patients and the other members of the medical team. For this reason, it may not be a top choice as a job for antisocial people.

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Physician Assistant Salary

The main advantage of a physician assistant salary is that it’s well over the national average for all jobs, which is $64,505 as of May 30, 2026. As you have seen, a physician assistant can possibly make twice that amount.

This high take-home pay may make it easier to create and stick to a monthly budget.

The only real downside of this salary is that to earn it, a master’s degree is necessary, which could lead to student loan debt.

Recommended: How to Calculate Your Net Worth

The Takeaway

Building a career as a physician assistant can lead to making a high salary of $133,000-plus on average, or more than $190,280 for the top 10% of earners in this role. Many find this career path preferable to becoming a doctor, as it requires spending a lot less time in school, and the degree requirements come with a much lower sticker price. It’s also a fulfilling role for those who enjoy helping others.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Can you make 100K a year as a physician assistant?

It’s very possible to earn $100,000 a year or more as a physician assistant. The median annual salary for this job is $133,260, and only the bottom 10% of earners in this specific role make less than $99,380.

Do people like being a physician assistant?

Those who are passionate about the medical field and who enjoy working with people tend to get a lot of job satisfaction from working as a physician assistant. However, an introvert may dislike how social this job requires them to be.

Is it hard to get hired as a physician assistant?

The good news for prospective physician assistants is that there are plenty of job openings to be found in this field, with a rapid growth of 20% from 2024-2034. And there’s an average projection of approximately 12,000 job openings annually.

What factors can affect a physician assistant’s salary?

A physician assistant’s salary can vary based on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, specialty, and employer. Those who work in higher-paying states or specialized areas of medicine may earn significantly more than the national median salary.

What are the benefits of becoming a physician assistant?

Becoming a physician assistant can provide strong earning potential, job stability, and the opportunity to make a difference in patients’ lives. The role also typically requires less schooling and lower educational costs than becoming a physician while still offering many clinical responsibilities.

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The average annual pay for chefs is $66,700 as of 2025, the most recent year studied, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can be a great career for foodies and creative types who love being in the kitchen and can deal with the pressures of a food service job.

A good meal can really make someone’s day, whether they’re celebrating a special occasion or not. Chefs can work in a variety of settings, from local eateries to cruise ships, corporate dining rooms, and test kitchens. Read on to learn more about the kind of salary a chef earns and the factors that impact their earning potential the most.

What Are Chefs?

Professional chefs do so much more than cook food.

•   Many chefs are in charge of other kitchen staff and help guide them to success in their careers. (For this reason, it may not be a good job for introverts.)

•   They may also manage inventory, order food, and confirm that ingredients are fresh and ready to use.

•   They may develop recipes and create menus.

•   Chefs may hire and train other chefs to work under them.

•   If a chef owns their own restaurant, they’ll also take on all the work associated with running a business.

Chefs don’t exclusively work in restaurants. Some may work for catering companies, in hotels, on cruise ships, or at event spaces. They may even work for large offices that cater food for employees each day or at schools and universities, feeding hungry students. There are also chefs who run their own businesses, catering local parties and weddings or providing baked goods for cafes.

What’s more, chefs don’t necessarily need special training. Some may have degrees in food service or hospitality, while others may have attended culinary school or taken classes in various techniques. But others are simply talented people with great skills and taste who want to turn their passion for food into a career.

That said, working in food service can require being on your feet for long hours, and the pressure can be significant since there are hungry people waiting to be fed.

💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

How Much Do Starting Chefs Make a Year?

Entry-level chefs can expect to make less than average, as that figure includes chefs who have spent years working their way up the pay scale. Instead, a new chef might expect to be on par with the lowest 10% of chefs, or less than $37,900.

Worth noting: The top 10% of chefs make more than $98,560, indicating that there’s the potential to earn $100,000 a year in this career. That’s more likely to happen for those who live in major cities, land a job with a big brand or hospitality chain, or perhaps find fame as a chef on social media.

What Is the Average Salary for a Chef?

In addition to how experienced they are, the state a chef works in can also impact how much money they earn. While the average nationwide salary for chefs is currently $66,700, the following table highlights how much variance chefs can see in pay depending on the state they live and work in.

For example, chefs in Washington state tend to earn more than the national average ($58,017), whereas Florida chefs earn much less ($38,280).

This table is arranged from highest to lowest salary and features average annual, monthly, weekly, and hourly pay.

What Is the Average Chef Salary by State for 2026?

Source: ZipRecruiter

Recommended: Pros and Cons of Raising Minimum Wage

Chef Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

It’s hard to pinpoint what potential benefits chefs gain in addition to their hourly wage or annual salary because benefits packages vary considerably.

That being said, many chefs who work full-time will qualify for traditional employer-sponsored benefits, such as retirement savings accounts, health insurance, and paid time off.

Chefs who work part-time may not qualify for any benefits, and those who own their own businesses will be responsible for securing them.

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Chef Salary

One major advantage of being a chef is that many years of expensive schooling aren’t required to earn a decent salary. Not having to worry about student loans can help a chef’s salary stretch a lot further. While some chefs may choose to attend culinary programs at a technical school, culinary arts school, community college, or four-year college, this education can often be obtained affordably.

On the flip side, it can be challenging to find a full-time role as a chef that comes with benefits, and the trade-off for a decent salary is often very long and hard working hours, with a considerable degree of stress.

Recommended: What Does Competitive Pay Mean?

The Takeaway

Working as a chef can be an exciting way to earn a solid living. Those who are passionate about food will likely love going to work every day. This job does come with its challenges — primarily, it’s physically demanding and high-pressure — but it can be a great way to turn a love of food and cooking into a career.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a chef?

While it’s possible to earn $100,000 a year as a chef, it isn’t typical to earn that much. The average annual salary for chefs is $66,700. That being said, chefs who work in fine dining or who own their own businesses may be able to earn more competitive pay.

Do people like being a chef?

If someone loves to cook, they’ll likely enjoy being a chef. However, this job does require a lot of social interaction with other members of the kitchen and wait staff, so it’s not a great fit for anyone who considers themselves antisocial.

Is it hard to get hired as a chef?

There are about 24,400 openings annually for chefs and head cooks, and job opportunities are growing faster than average. So if someone has the right skill set and qualifications, they should be able to find a job as a chef. It’s important to note that it may be challenging to get hired as a chef if someone lives in an area without a lot of restaurants or lacks industry experience.

What factors influence a chef’s salary the most?

A chef’s salary is primarily driven by their title, their reputation, the type of establishment, and geographic location. Culinary skills matter, but the local market does the most to determine what chefs can demand, so major metropolitan areas and tourist hotspots will always pay more to retain quality talent.

How long does it take to become a chef?

Culinary school takes generally 2-4 years, but hands-on kitchen experience is essential for advancement. It generally takes 2-3 years to become a sous chef (a junior management role), and it can take over 10 years to reach the level of executive chef.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

Photo credit: Dimensions

SoFi Coach offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery, or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You must confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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