Accountant's Career Guide: Aurora, Colorado

As a Career Analyst who's watched Aurora's job market evolve from a Denver suburb to a major economic hub, I'll give you the unvarnished truth about accounting careers here. Aurora isn't just "Denver's eastern neighbor"—it's the third-largest city in Colorado with its own distinct professional ecosystem. This guide cuts through the noise with data-driven insights and local knowledge.

The Salary Picture: Where Aurora Stands

Aurora's accounting salaries cluster around the national average but offer a solid value proposition when you factor in the local cost structure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for accountants in Aurora is $87,500/year, translating to an hourly rate of $42.07/hour. This edges past the national average of $86,080/year by a modest 1.6%, which might seem small until you consider Colorado's strong job market.

Here's how compensation breaks down by experience level:

Experience Level	Salary Range (Annual)	Key Local Employers Hiring at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$58,000 - $72,000	Small CPA firms, local government, healthcare admin
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$73,000 - $95,000	Regional banks, construction firms, Aurora Public Schools
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$96,000 - $125,000	Large healthcare systems, aerospace manufacturers, corporate HQs
Expert/Controller (15+ years)	$126,000 - $160,000+	Fortune 500 regional offices, major hospital systems, government

Compared to other Colorado cities, Aurora offers a middle-ground approach. Denver's accountants average $92,000 but face a 15% higher cost of living. Colorado Springs comes in lower at $81,000 but with more affordable housing. Boulder is the outlier at $95,000 but with extreme housing costs. Aurora's sweet spot is the $87,500 median paired with housing that's 20-30% cheaper than Denver proper.

Insider Tip: The 4% 10-year job growth might seem modest, but it's concentrated in specific sectors. Healthcare accounting (especially with UCHealth and Children's Hospital expanding) and government/public sector accounting (Aurora is a major municipal employer) are where the real opportunities are. The 789 current openings in the metro area suggest a healthy, steady market rather than explosive growth.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get concrete about what that $87,500 actually means in your pocket. For a single filer with no dependents in 2024, Colorado's flat state income tax of 4.4% plus federal taxes means you'll keep approximately $65,625 annually after taxes, or $5,469/month.

Now factor in the average 1BR rent of $1,835/month. That leaves you with $3,634/month for everything else. Here's a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR average)	$1,835	Mid-range apartment in safe area
Utilities (electric, gas, internet)	$250	Aurora's utility costs are near national average
Groceries	$450	Slightly above national average due to Colorado's food costs
Transportation	$400	Car insurance is high; gas fluctuates with oil prices
Health Insurance	$350	Through employer or marketplace
Student Loans (avg)	$300	If you have typical accounting degree debt
Discretionary/Entertainment	$600	Dining out, activities, etc.
Savings/Investments	$804	10% of gross pay recommended
Total	$4,989	Leaves $480 buffer from $5,469 take-home

Can they afford to buy a home? Aurora's median home price is $455,000 (as of Q2 2024). With a 20% down payment ($91,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be about $2,425/month plus property taxes ($3,800/year) and insurance. That's $2,750/month total, which is actually less than the $1,835 rent plus utilities.

However, the challenge isn't the monthly payment—it's the $91,000 down payment. At your $87,500 salary with $804/month savings, you'd need about 9.5 years to save that amount (assuming you don't touch it for other expenses). Many locals use Colorado's first-time homebuyer programs, which can reduce down payment requirements to 3-5%. Reality check: Most accountants in their 20s and early 30s rent unless they have family help or dual incomes.

Where the Jobs Are: Aurora's Major Employers

Aurora's employment landscape is dominated by healthcare, aerospace, and government—three sectors with complex accounting needs. Here are the key players:

1. UCHealth - Anschutz Medical Campus
   This isn't just a hospital—it's a massive medical complex employing over 12,000 people. They're constantly hiring accountants for revenue cycle management, grant accounting, and compliance. Recent expansion includes a new cancer center. Hiring trend: Steady growth with emphasis on Medicare/Medicaid specialists.

2. Children's Hospital Colorado
   Located near the Anschutz campus, this pediatric system has grown 22% in the last five years. They need accountants familiar with nonprofit accounting and research grants. Insider insight: Their fiscal year ends June 30, meaning hiring spikes in April-July.

3. Raytheon Technologies (Aerospace)
   Aurora's aerospace corridor along E-470 is major. Raytheon's local facility works on satellite systems and defense contracts, requiring accountants with DCAA-compliant experience (defense contracting accounting). Security clearance can boost salary by 10-15%.

4. Aurora Public Schools
   The state's third-largest school district with a $620 million budget. They hire accountants for payroll, budgeting, and federal grant management. Hiring trend: Increased need as Colorado's school funding formula evolves.

5. Aurora City Government
   Aurora's municipal government employs over 3,000 people. The finance department regularly hires accountants for tax collection, utility billing, and public fund management. Stable government jobs with excellent benefits.

6. Denver Health (Aurora campuses)
   While based in Denver, their Aurora facilities are growing. They need accountants for their community health centers, which serve Medicaid populations. Bilingual Spanish speakers have an edge here.

7. Regional Banks
   FirstBank and ANB Bank have significant Aurora presences. Commercial lending and branch accounting roles are common. Bonus: These positions often offer better work-life balance than public accounting.

Hiring Trends to Watch: Healthcare is the clear winner for growth, especially with Colorado's aging population. The aerospace sector is stable but sensitive to federal budgets. Government positions are recession-proof but competitive. The 789 jobs in the metro area distribute roughly: 35% healthcare, 25% government/education, 20% finance/banking, 10% aerospace, 10% other.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado requires accountants to have a CPA license to offer certain services, though many work as accountants without it. Here's the practical path:

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree (120 credit hours) minimum
• 30 additional credit hours (150 total) for CPA exam eligibility
• Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam
• One year of accounting experience (under a licensed CPA)
• Pass Colorado-specific ethics exam

Cost Breakdown:

• CPA Exam fees: $1,500 (all four sections)
• Ethics exam: $250
• Study materials: $1,500 - $2,500
• Colorado licensing fee: $150
• Total estimated cost: $3,400 - $4,400

Timeline:

• 0-6 months: Complete remaining 30 credit hours (often done via community college like Community College of Aurora or Metro State University)
• 6-12 months: Study for and pass CPA exam (most take 6-12 months)
• 12-18 months: Gain qualifying experience while studying
• 18-24 months: Apply for license after experience requirement met

Insider Tip: Colorado has a "provisional license" that allows you to work while completing experience requirements. Many Aurora accountants work at local firms like Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman (EKS&H) or large local practices while getting their license. The Colorado State Board of Accountancy website provides detailed requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are top choices:

Neighborhood	Avg 1BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers	Best For
Aurora Hills	$1,650	15 min to Anschutz, 20 min to downtown Denver	Young professionals, balanced lifestyle
Sable Ridge	$1,550	20 min to Anschutz, 25 min to aerospace corridor	Budget-conscious, growing area
Tallyn's Reach	$2,000	25 min to most employers, excellent schools	Families planning ahead
Downtown Aurora	$1,700	10-15 min to government jobs, 25 min to Denver	Urban feel, walkable
Chambers Heights	$1,450	30 min to Anschutz, 40 min to Denver	Maximum affordability

Neighborhood Insights:

• Aurora Hills offers the best balance with good access to the Anschutz Medical Campus via I-225. The area is safe, has decent restaurants, and is popular with healthcare workers.
• Sable Ridge is Aurora's "next big thing"—newer construction, slightly cheaper, but still 15-20 years from full maturity. Good for accountants who want space but don't need nightlife.
• Downtown Aurora has revitalized significantly in the last decade. The "Aurora Cultural Arts District" is actually worth visiting, and you're closest to the municipal government jobs. Street parking can be a headache.
• Chambers Heights is the most affordable but feels more suburban. It's where many Aurora Public Schools teachers live because of the value. Commutes are longer but manageable.

Commute Reality Check: Aurora's public transit (RTD light rail and buses) is improving but still limited compared to Denver. Most accountants drive. The E-470 toll road gets you to the aerospace corridor quickly but costs $8-12 daily if you use it regularly. Factor this into your budget.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% 10-year job growth tells a story of stability rather than boomtown dynamics. Here's how to maximize your career trajectory:

Specialty Premiums (additional salary potential):

• CPA License: +15-25% over non-CPA accountants
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant): +10-20% in corporate settings
• Forensic Accounting: +20-30% (niche but growing with healthcare fraud investigations)
• Government Accounting: +5-10% (but with unparalleled job security)
• Bilingual (Spanish): +5-15% (critical for healthcare and government roles)

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting Track: Staff → Senior → Manager → Partner (at local firms like EKS&H or regional firms). Timeline: 8-12 years to manager.
2. Corporate Track: Staff Accountant → Senior → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. Aerospace and healthcare offer the fastest corporate growth.
3. Government Track: Accountant → Senior → Finance Director → City Manager. Slower but extremely stable.
4. Nonprofit/Healthcare: Staff → Grant Accountant → Financial Manager → CFO. Growing with healthcare expansion.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth will be uneven. Healthcare accounting will grow 6-8% as Aurora continues to be a medical hub. Aerospace will stay flat or slightly decline with federal budget pressures. Government will grow 3-5% with population increases. The key is positioning in healthcare or government early.

Insider Tip: Aurora accountants who get their CPA and specialize in Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement will be in the highest demand for the next decade. The aging population and healthcare expansion guarantee this. Consider taking a job at UCHealth or Children's even if it pays slightly less initially—this specialty pays dividends.

The Verdict: Is Aurora Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong healthcare sector with growing accounting needs	Less diverse economy than Denver (more vulnerable to healthcare cuts)
Affordable housing compared to Denver/Boulder	Limited nightlife/entertainment for young professionals
Stable government employment base	Car-dependent - public transit is limited
Proximity to Denver without Denver prices	Air quality can be poor due to geography and ozone
Good work-life balance in most accounting roles	Competitive job market for best positions
Low unemployment in professional sectors	Less prestige than Denver/Boulder for resume building

Final Recommendation: Aurora is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize affordability, stability, and work-life balance over urban excitement. It's particularly strong for:

• Healthcare-focused accountants
• Those seeking government/public sector jobs
• Professionals who want to buy a home within 5-7 years
• Families with children (good schools, reasonable housing)

It's less ideal for:

• Recent graduates seeking fast-paced corporate finance careers
• Those who want a vibrant urban lifestyle
• Accountants specializing in tech/startup sectors

Bottom Line: At the $87,500 median salary, you can live comfortably in Aurora, save meaningfully, and build a stable career. The 4% growth suggests steady opportunities rather than explosive growth, making it a "slow and steady" market. If you value predictability and affordability over cutting-edge excitement, Aurora delivers.

FAQs

1. What's the real cost difference between Aurora and Denver for accountants?
While Denver salaries are about $4,500 higher annually, Denver rent averages $2,200/month (47% higher). After housing, take-home pay is nearly identical, but Aurora offers more square footage and easier homeownership.

2. Do I need a CPA license to work as an accountant in Aurora?
No, but it significantly increases earning potential. Many government and corporate roles don't require it, but public accounting and senior positions do. The $87,500 median includes both CPA and non-CPA salaries. CPAs typically earn $105,000+ at the median.

3. How competitive is the Aurora job market?
With 789 jobs in the metro area and steady growth, it's moderately competitive. Entry-level roles get 50-100 applicants, while specialized roles (government, healthcare) get fewer. Having a CPA and healthcare experience makes you stand out immediately.

4. What's the commute like from Aurora to Denver?
From central Aurora to downtown Denver is 20-30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The R-Line light rail connects some Aurora neighborhoods to Denver, but coverage is limited. Most accountants drive—the RTD system is improving but still not comprehensive.

5. Is Aurora a good place to start an accounting career?
Yes, especially if you're interested in healthcare or government accounting. The lower cost of living allows you to save while gaining experience. Many start at local firms or government agencies, get their CPA, then move to Denver or elsewhere if desired. The $58,000-$72,000 entry-level range provides a comfortable starting point.