Okay, let’s tackle this. So Ben Wickum has a CPA certification, which is a well-respected credential in the accounting industry. However, his skills are quite broad, including financial analysis, investments, and process improvement. While these skills are valuable, they don’t quite align with the highest-paying roles. Location is Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which is a mid-sized city. According to national averages, CPAs in smaller cities tend to earn lower rates than those in larger cities. I’ll use a national average for CPAs in the United States, which is around $50–$100 per hour. Considering Ben’s certification and skills, I’ll estimate his rate to be around $75 per hour.