Here is a comprehensive career guide for accountants considering Akron, OH.

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The Accountant's Guide to Akron, OH: Salaries, Employers, and Neighborhoods

Akron isn't the massive metropolis that Cleveland is, but that’s precisely its charm for the working professional. As a former rubber capital of the world, Akron has evolved into a hub for healthcare, polymer science, and advanced manufacturing. For accountants, this means a stable job market with a strong focus on corporate accounting, cost analysis, and public accounting services for local industries. The cost of living is a significant draw, often allowing for a higher quality of life than in larger coastal cities. This guide breaks down the financial reality, the local job landscape, and the lifestyle you can expect as an accountant in Akron.

The Salary Picture: Where Akron Stands

As an accountant in Akron, you can expect a salary that is competitive for the region and slightly below the national average—a trade-off that is often offset by the city's low cost of living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the financial landscape looks like this:

• Median Salary: $84,220/year
• Hourly Rate: $40.49/hour
• National Average: $86,080/year
• Jobs in Metro: 377 (open positions)
• 10-Year Job Growth: 4%

While the 4% growth is modest, it reflects a stable, mature market. The 377 open jobs indicate consistent demand, particularly in specialized roles.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Akron scale predictably with experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and BLS data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Roles in Akron
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Staff Accountant, Junior Analyst, AP/AR Clerk
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$70,000 - $90,000	Senior Accountant, Corporate Accountant, Audit Associate
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$92,000 - $115,000	Accounting Manager, Controller (for mid-size firms), Senior Tax Associate
Expert-Level (15+ years)	$120,000+	Director of Finance, VP of Finance, Partner (in public accounting)

Comparison to Other Ohio Cities

How does Akron stack up against its in-state rivals? The numbers tell a clear story of value.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Rent (1BR Avg)
Akron	$84,220	92.8	$816
Columbus	$82,540	94.5	$1,100+
Cincinnati	$83,150	95.0	$1,150+
Cleveland	$85,010	94.7	$1,200+

Insider Tip: While Cleveland offers a slightly higher median salary ($85,010), the difference is negligible. When you factor in Akron's lower rent and overall expenses, an Akron accountant often has more disposable income than their Cleveland counterpart. Columbus's growth is explosive, but so is its housing cost. Akron provides a stable middle ground.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. Using the median salary of $84,220, here’s a monthly breakdown for a single filer (assuming standard deduction, OH state tax, and FICA taxes).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Accountant Earning $84,220/year

Category	Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,018	$84,220 / 12
Estimated Taxes	-$1,650	Federal, State (OH ~4.5%), FICA (7.65%)
Net Take-Home Pay	$5,368	Approximate after-tax income
Rent (1BR Average)	-$816	Citywide average
Utilities & Internet	-$200	Akron Utilities (Cleveland Water/Akron Water)
Groceries	-$400	Based on USDA low-cost plan
Car Payment/Insurance	-$500	Ohio has lower average insurance rates
Health Insurance (Employer)	-$350	Individual plan during open enrollment
Retirement (5% 401k)	-$350	Pre-tax contribution
Discretionary Spending	-$1,752	Dining, entertainment, savings, travel

Can they afford to buy a home?
With $1,752 in discretionary funds, buying a home is very feasible. Akron's median home price is approximately $150,000 - $165,000, significantly lower than the national average. A 20% down payment would be around $30,000-$33,000. After saving for 2-3 years from the discretionary portion of your income, a down payment is well within reach. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) for a $160,000 home would likely be between $900 - $1,100, which is comparable to the average rent for a nicer apartment. The financial barrier to homeownership is much lower here.

Where the Jobs Are: Akron's Major Employers

Akron's job market is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, insurance, and manufacturing. Accountants are needed for all of them.

1. Gojo Industries (Headquarters): The maker of Purell is a headquartered company in downtown Akron. They hire internal accountants for financial reporting, cost accounting (key for manufacturing), and inventory management. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on candidates who understand manufacturing and supply chain costs.

2. Summa Health: One of Akron's largest healthcare systems. They have a massive finance department. Accountants here work in revenue cycle management, patient accounting, and grant compliance. Hiring Trend: Very active. Healthcare finance is recession-proof, and Summa is consistently posting for senior and mid-level roles.

3. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company: While the company is global, its roots and a significant financial presence remain in Akron. They need accountants for corporate finance, SEC reporting, and internal audit. Hiring Trend: Selective. They look for CPAs with Big 4 or large corporate experience for senior roles.

4. FirstEnergy (Corporate Headquarters): A major utility company headquartered in Akron. Their finance department handles regulatory accounting, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), and investor relations. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a need for accountants skilled in utility industry regulations (FASB/SEC).

5. Regional Public Accounting Firms (e.g., HBK, Ciuni & Panichi): These firms serve the local business community—small to mid-sized businesses in manufacturing, real estate, and nonprofits. Hiring Trend: Active hiring for audit and tax associates, especially during tax season (Jan-Apr). They provide excellent training for CPAs.

6. Akron Public Schools: A large, complex organization that requires accountants for budget management, grant accounting, and payroll for thousands of employees. Hiring Trend: Stable, with openings often in the spring/summer for the next fiscal year.

7. The University of Akron: As a major state university, it has a sizable finance division handling student accounts, research grants, and endowment management. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, often aligning with the academic calendar.

Insider Tip: Don't limit your search to these giants. The Akron area is home to a dense network of small-to-mid-sized businesses (SMBs) in the polymer and advanced manufacturing sectors. These companies often don't have large finance teams, so they rely on a single, skilled accountant or a firm. Knowing cost accounting can make you a rockstar here.

Getting Licensed in OH

To practice as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Ohio, you must meet the state board's requirements.

• Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, with at least 30 hours in upper-level accounting courses.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
• Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
• Ethics Exam: You must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Complete Education (4-5 years): Enroll in an OH-approved program (e.g., University of Akron, Kent State).
2. Apply for Exam (1 month): Submit transcripts and fees to NASBA. Once approved, you have 18 months to pass all four exam sections.
3. Gain Experience (1 year): Work under a CPA. You can start this before or after passing the exam.
4. License Application (2-3 months): Once education, exam, and experience are complete, apply to the Ohio Board of Accountancy. You'll receive your license and can use the "CPA" title.

Costs: Expect to pay for application fees ($150-$200), exam fees (~$1,000 total for all four sections), and study materials ($1,500-$3,000). The total investment is significant but has an excellent ROI in Ohio's job market.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Akron affects your commute, social life, and housing costs. Here are top picks for working professionals.

Neighborhood	Commute to Downtown	Avg. 1BR Rent	Vibe & Lifestyle
Downtown Akron	0-10 min	$900 - $1,200	Walkable, urban, near sports, museums, and nightlife. Ideal for young professionals who want to be in the action.
Cuyahoga Falls	15-20 min	$850 - $1,050	Family-friendly, great parks (Cuyahoga Valley NP), good schools. A quiet, established community with a cute downtown/ Main Street.
Fairlawn/Bath	15 min	$950 - $1,200	Upscale, safe, with excellent shopping (Summit Mall) and dining. Very popular with professionals and families.
Highland Square	10-15 min	$750 - $950	Eclectic, artsy, and diverse. Home to the University of Akron, with a bohemian vibe and more affordable housing.
Stow/Kent	20-25 min	$800 - $1,000	College town feel (Kent State), good schools, and a bit more distance from the highway. A balanced option.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Akron is minimal compared to other cities. A "long" commute is 25 minutes. Living in the suburbs (Fairlawn, Cuyahoga Falls) offers more space and a quieter lifestyle, while Downtown provides walkability and a vibrant social scene.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Akron's market rewards specialization. While general accountants are always needed, here’s where you can command a premium:

• Cost Accounting: +5-10% Premium. Essential for Akron's manufacturing backbone (Goodyear, Gojo, etc.). Understanding activity-based costing and inventory valuation is a golden ticket.
• Healthcare Revenue Cycle: +8-12% Premium. With Summa Health and other systems, accountants who understand medical billing, compliance (HIPAA), and payer contracts are in high demand.
• Tax Specialization (Corporate/Partnerships): +10-15% Premium. Local firms and corporate tax departments need experts in Ohio corporate tax law and multi-state filings.
• Non-Profit/Governmental: +5% Premium. Municipalities, universities, and large non-profits (like the United Way of Summit County) need accountants who understand fund accounting and grant restrictions.

10-Year Outlook:
The 4% job growth is conservative. The real growth will be in technology-integrated roles. Accountants who are proficient with ERP systems (like SAP, Oracle, NetSuite), data visualization (Tableau, Power BI), and process automation will be most valuable. The trend is away from manual bookkeeping and toward data analysis and strategic advising. If you can bridge accounting with tech, you'll be in the top tier of Akron's market.

The Verdict: Is Akron Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes further, especially for housing.	Slower Job Growth: Less dynamic than booming metros like Austin or Raleigh.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by healthcare, insurance, and manufacturing.	Limited "Big City" Culture: Fewer major sports teams, concerts, and international events.
Manageable Commutes: You can live in a nice suburb and be at work in 20 minutes.	Weather: Long, gray winters (Nov-Mar) can be challenging for some.
Access to Nature: Proximity to Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a huge perk.	Young Population: Less dense than college towns or major cities; activity is more spread out.
Strong Professional Network: The business community is tight-knit and supportive.	Less Diverse Economy: Heavily reliant on a few large corporations.

Final Recommendation:
Akron is an excellent choice for the pragmatic accountant. If your priorities are financial stability, a low-stress lifestyle, affordable homeownership, and a manageable career curve, Akron delivers. It’s perfect for those who value quality of life over the hustle of a mega-city. It may not be the place for a single accountant seeking a vibrant, 24/7 social scene, but it’s ideal for those looking to build a stable, comfortable life while advancing their career in a supportive, professional environment.

FAQs

Q: Is it necessary to have my CPA license to get a good job in Akron?
A: While not always required, it is highly recommended for advancement beyond senior accountant roles. For staff and senior positions, you can get by with a bachelor's degree and relevant experience. However, for controller, manager, or director roles, the CPA is often a non-negotiable requirement, especially at larger employers like FirstEnergy or Goodyear.

Q: How competitive is the job market for entry-level accountants?
A: It's moderately competitive. The 377 open jobs are a positive sign, but many go to candidates with internships or local connections. The University of Akron and Kent State produce many accounting grads, so building a network through the Ohio Society of CPAs (OSCPA) Northeast Ohio chapter is crucial. Internships at local firms or companies like Gojo are the best path to a full-time offer.

Q: What is the commute really like from the suburbs (Fairlawn, Cuyahoga Falls) to downtown?
A: Extremely reasonable. During rush hour, a 15-20 mile drive from Fairlawn to downtown might take 25 minutes. The roads are well-maintained, and traffic is nothing like in Chicago or Los Angeles. Many locals prefer the suburban lifestyle and commute in for work.

Q: Are there remote work opportunities for accountants in Akron?
A: Yes, but with a catch. Since Akron is a headquarters city for several major firms, some roles are hybrid (2-3 days in the office). Fully remote positions are more common in mid-sized companies or in roles like tech auditing or cybersecurity accounting. The trend is toward hybrid, not fully remote, especially in industries like manufacturing where on-site presence is valued.

Q: How does Ohio's state tax impact my take-home pay?
A: Ohio has a graduated income tax, with rates from 0-3.5%. For an accountant earning $84,220, the state tax burden is relatively modest. It's lower than states like California or New York, and significantly lower than Pennsylvania (which has a flat rate). When combined with the affordable housing, your overall tax burden as a percentage of income is favorable.