Accountant in Amarillo, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Amarillo Stands

As a local who’s watched the Amarillo economy from the Texas Panhandle's unique vantage point, I can tell you the numbers tell a clear story. The accounting profession here isn't about Wall Street glamour, but about solid, stable numbers that make the local economy tick. For an Accountant in Amarillo, the median salary sits at $83,704/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.24/hour. This is a respectable figure, especially when you weigh it against the city's low cost of living.

To understand where you fit, let's break it down by experience. The following table, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and local market surveys, outlines what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Job Titles in Amarillo
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor, Accounts Payable Specialist
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$70,000 - $90,000	Senior Accountant, Tax Accountant, Financial Analyst
Senior (8-15 years)	$90,000 - $115,000	Accounting Manager, Controller, Senior Tax Specialist
Expert/Partner (15+ years)	$115,000 - $145,000+	Partner (Large Firm), CFO, Director of Finance

Now, how does Amarillo stack up against other Texas cities? It’s crucial to understand the trade-off. While the national average for Accountants is $86,080/year, Amarillo's median of $83,704 is slightly below the national figure but significantly above the Texas state average. The real difference is in the lifestyle. You could make more in Dallas or Houston, but your paycheck would be devoured by a much higher cost of living. Amarillo’s cost of living index is 90.8 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches further here than in most major metros. For the 406 accounting jobs listed in the metro area, this salary provides a very comfortable living.

Insider Tip: The gap between entry-level and senior roles is where the opportunity lies. In Amarillo, demonstrating expertise in local industries—oil and gas accounting, healthcare systems management, or agricultural finance—can fast-track you past the mid-career ceiling faster than in a saturated major market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. Earning the median salary of $83,704/year sounds great, but what does it mean for your daily life in Amarillo? We need to account for taxes and that all-important rent.

First, the numbers. Assuming you file as a single filer (with the standard deduction and no other major deductions for simplicity), your take-home pay would be approximately $64,200/year or about $5,350/month before any retirement contributions. This is a gross estimate, but it gives us a solid baseline.

Now, the biggest expense: rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Amarillo rents for $879/month. This is a game-changer for your budget.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for an Accountant earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Percentage of Take-Home Pay
Take-Home Pay	$5,350	100%
Rent (1BR Avg)	$879	16.4%
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$180	3.4%
Groceries & Household	$450	8.4%
Car Payment & Insurance	$550	10.3%
Fuel (Avg. 15-mile commute)	$150	2.8%
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$350	6.5%
Retirement Savings (401k)	$535	10%
Discretionary / Entertainment	$1,256	23.5%
Total	$5,350	100%

With this budget, you still have a healthy $1,256 for discretionary spending, saving, or tackling debt. The key takeaway: the low rent, which is 35% below the national average, frees up hundreds of dollars monthly compared to larger metros.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With the median home price in Amarillo hovering around $200,000 - $220,000, a 20% down payment is $40,000 - $44,000. Given your take-home pay and low rent, saving for a down payment is achievable within a few years with disciplined budgeting. A mortgage on a $200,000 home would be roughly $1,200/month (including taxes and insurance), which is less than 25% of your take-home pay, well within the recommended guidelines.

Where the Jobs Are: Amarillo's Major Employers

Amarillo’s job market is anchored by a mix of healthcare, energy, agriculture, and public sector giants. The 406 accounting jobs in the metro area are not spread evenly; they cluster around these key players. Here’s who’s hiring and what to know:

1. Amarillo College & Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center: As the city's largest employers, these institutions offer stable, well-paying staff accountant, grant accountant, and financial analyst positions. Hiring is steady, often tied to the academic calendar and grant cycles. Knowledge of governmental accounting (GASB) is a plus here.

2. Baylor Scott & White Health and Northwest Texas Healthcare System: The healthcare sector is booming. Accountants with experience in revenue cycle management, cost accounting, and compliance (especially with Medicare/Medicaid) are in high demand. These hospitals are often the first stop for mid-career accountants looking for a premium salary bump.

3. Tyson Foods (Cactus Feeders) & JBS USA (Beef Plant): The agribusiness sector is the backbone of the Panhandle. These processing plants require cost accountants, payroll specialists, and financial controllers. The work is fast-paced and numbers-focused. It's a great place to learn commodity-based accounting.

4. Atmos Energy & Xcel Energy: With natural gas pipelines and wind farms crisscrossing the Panhandle, energy companies are major employers. These roles often involve regulatory accounting, asset management, and project finance. They typically offer strong benefits and are less susceptible to boom-bust cycles than pure oil exploration firms.

5. City of Amarillo & Potter/Randall Counties: Government accounting is a stable career path. The City and County governments hire accountants for budgeting, financial reporting, and audit roles. Hiring is often slower but very secure, with excellent benefits and a clear, structured career ladder.

6. First United Bank & Amarillo National Bank: Local and regional banks are significant employers for loan officers, credit analysts, and internal auditors. These roles are great for accountants interested in finance and lending. Networking at local events like the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce meetings is key here.

Insider Tip: The best jobs at these employers are often not posted publicly. They’re filled through internal referrals. Once you’re in the market, connect with other accountants at these companies on LinkedIn. A simple message like, "I'm an accountant considering a move to Amarillo and value your perspective on the local industry" can open doors.

Getting Licensed in TX

To practice as a CPA in Texas, you must follow the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) requirements. This is non-negotiable for advancement to senior and management roles.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Education: A minimum of 150 semester hours, including a bachelor's degree and 30 hours of upper-level accounting courses. Most candidates complete a Master’s in Accounting or Taxation to meet this.
2. Exam (CPA): Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam within an 18-month rolling window.
3. Experience: One year of qualifying experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can include industry, government, or public accounting.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Texas-specific ethics exam.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Months 1-6: If you're short on hours, enroll in a post-baccalaureate program or a Master's at Amarillo College or Texas Tech University (which have programs in the area).
• Months 7-12: Apply to the TSBPA, get your Notice to Schedule (NTS), and begin scheduling CPA exam sections. It's common to take 1-2 sections per quarter.
• Months 13-24: Complete the exam and secure your qualifying experience. You can work in Amarillo under a CPA while you finish the exam.
• Month 25+: Apply for licensure. The entire process, from starting education to receiving your license, typically takes 2-3 years.

Cost Breakdown (Approximate):

• CPA Exam Fees (4 sections, plus application): $1,500 - $2,000
• Ethics Exam: $300
• Education Review Course (e.g., Becker, Roger): $2,000 - $4,000
• TSBPA License Fee: $200
• Total Estimated Cost: $4,000 - $6,500

Insider Tip: If you're moving to Amarillo, contact the TSBPA early to confirm how your existing credits and experience will transfer. Texas is notoriously specific about coursework, so don't assume.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Choosing where to live in Amarillo depends on your lifestyle and commute. The city is spread out, but traffic is generally light. Here’s a breakdown of top neighborhoods for professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Southwest Amarillo	Established, quiet, family-friendly. 15-20 min commute to downtown.	$900 - $1,100	Senior professionals & families seeking space and safety.
The Medical District	Modern apartments, walkable to restaurants. 5-15 min commute to hospitals.	$1,000 - $1,300	Mid-career accountants at healthcare employers.
Downtown/Urban Core	Historic lofts, vibrant nightlife. 5-10 min commute to offices.	$850 - $1,200	Young professionals who value culture and walkability.
North Amarillo	Affordable, sprawling, new developments. 15-25 min commute to downtown.	$750 - $900	Entry-level accountants on a tight budget.
Canyon (South of Amarillo)	Small-town feel, excellent schools. 20-30 min commute.	$800 - $950	Those wanting a quieter, suburban lifestyle.

Insider Tip: For the best value and a central location, look at the Paramount or Med Park neighborhoods. They offer a mix of older, affordable homes and new apartment complexes, putting you halfway between downtown and the medical district, with easy access to I-40 for commutes anywhere in the city.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Amarillo’s market rewards specialization and leadership. While the 10-year job growth for accountants nationally is projected at 4% (slower than average), the local story is about quality over quantity. The growth will come from replacing retirees and the expansion of local businesses.

Specialty Premiums:

• Certified Management Accountant (CMA): Especially valued in manufacturing (Tyson, JBS) and energy firms. Can add a 10-15% salary premium.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): Sought after by banks, government, and large healthcare systems. A clear path to management.
• Tax Specialization (Especially with SALT): State and Local Tax expertise is a niche that can command higher fees for local CPA firms serving multi-state clients.

Advancement Paths:
The most common path is: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller/Finance Director. In public accounting, the path is: Staff → Senior → Manager → Partner. In Amarillo, the path to Controller is often faster than in larger cities because there's less competition for leadership roles. Expect to reach a six-figure salary as a Controller or Manager in a mid-sized local company within 8-12 years.

10-Year Outlook:
The outlook is stable, not explosive. Automation will handle more transactional work, increasing the demand for accountants who can analyze data, manage systems, and provide strategic advice. The key to growth in Amarillo will be developing deep industry knowledge (energy, ag, healthcare) and pursuing certifications. The 4% growth rate means that proactive, certified professionals will have the pick of the litter, while those who are stagnant may find it harder to move up.

The Verdict: Is Amarillo Right for You?

Here’s a clear breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, allowing for an early home purchase and a high quality of life.	Limited Job Market Size: With only 406 jobs, the market is small. A layoff can mean a longer search.
High Starting Salary Relative to Cost: The $83,704 median is powerful when rent is $879.	Geographic & Cultural Isolation: It's a 6-hour drive to Dallas or Albuquerque. The cultural scene is smaller than in major metros.
Stable, Major Employers: Healthcare, energy, and agribusiness provide recession-resistant jobs.	Slower Pace of Advancement: While the path is clear, the ceiling can be lower than in a Fortune 500 hub.
Friendly, Tight-Knit Community: Easier to network and build a reputation in the local business world.	Weather & Climate: The Panhandle is known for its wind, extreme temperature swings, and occasional blizzards or dust storms.
Great for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Access to Palo Duro Canyon, Lake Meredith, and wide-open spaces.	Limited Diversity in Specialties: May be harder to find niche roles in areas like forensic accounting or international tax.

Final Recommendation:
Amarillo is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize financial stability, a high quality of life, and homeownership over the fast-paced, high-stress environment of a major coastal city. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to stretch their salary, young professionals building experience in a stable market, and families seeking a safe, affordable community with good schools. However, if your goal is to become a CFO at a Fortune 500 company or specialize in a highly niche accounting field, you may find the market limiting in the long term.

FAQs

Q: Is the accounting job market in Amarillo competitive?
A: It's competitive for the number of openings, but not cutthroat. With only 406 jobs, employers are looking for the right fit. Having 2-3 years of experience and a CPA or CMA will make you a top candidate. Networking is crucial here.

Q: How does the cost of living really compare to other Texas cities?
A: It's a night-and-day difference. While the cost of living in Amarillo is 90.8 (US avg=100), Dallas is around 102 and Austin is 117. Your rent in Amarillo ($879) is typically half or even less than what you'd pay for a comparable unit in Austin or Dallas.

Q: Can I get a job in Amarillo without a CPA license?
A: Yes, especially for entry-level and corporate staff accountant roles. However, for senior, manager, and all public accounting roles, a CPA is almost always required. It's a gatekeeper for career advancement.

Q: What is the biggest challenge for new accountants in Amarillo?
A: Adjusting to the slower pace and smaller network. The biggest challenge isn't finding a job, but finding a variety of jobs. You must be intentional about your specialty and proactive in your job search. Don't wait for postings; reach out to the major employers directly.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work for Amarillo-based accountants?
A: Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many national or regional firms with offices in Amarillo offer hybrid models. However, fully remote roles for national companies are less common than in larger tech hubs. It's a growing trend, but local employers still prefer an in-office presence for junior roles.