Accountant's Career Guide: Bellevue, Nebraska

So, you're an accountant looking at Bellevue. I get it. You’ve heard it’s affordable, growing, and maybe you have family or a job offer pulling you here. I’ve lived in the Omaha metro for years, and I’ve seen Bellevue transform from a quiet suburb into a bustling, affordable hub. It’s not flashy like West Omaha, but it’s got grit, history, and a cost of living that lets you actually breathe.

This isn't a promotional brochure. This is a breakdown of the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the reality of building a career here. We’ll use data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Nebraska Department of Education, and local market observations to give you the full picture.

Let's get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Bellevue Stands

First, the bottom line. In Bellevue, the median salary for an accountant is $84,143 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.45. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, but given Bellevue's cost of living, your money goes much further.

The job market here is tight but stable. There are currently about 128 accountant jobs available in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which aligns with the national average. This isn't a boomtown for accounting, but it’s not stagnant either. The growth is steady, driven by the expansion of healthcare, manufacturing, and local government.

To understand where you fit in, let's look at the experience breakdown:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Bellevue)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, data entry, assisting with monthly closes, basic AP/AR.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$75,000 - $92,000	Full-cycle month-end close, financial reporting, budgeting, variance analysis, supervising junior staff.
Senior-Level (8-12 yrs)	$90,000 - $115,000	Complex financial modeling, audit preparation, process improvement, managing a small team, interfacing with department heads.
Expert/Manager (12+ yrs)	$110,000 - $140,000+	Controller duties, strategic planning, overseeing entire accounting departments, managing external audits, ERP implementation leadership.

How does this compare to other Nebraska cities?

• Omaha: Salaries are roughly 5-7% higher on average, but so is the cost of living, especially in West Omaha. Commuting from Bellevue to downtown Omaha is common (about a 20-minute drive without traffic).
• Lincoln: Similar to Bellevue in pay, but the job market is dominated by the state government and University of Nebraska. If you want to work in public accounting for a larger firm, Lincoln is a strong option.
• Grand Island/Kearney: Salaries can be slightly lower, and the job count is significantly smaller. Bellevue offers a better balance of opportunity and cost.

Insider Tip: Don't get hung up on the "median" salary. In Bellevue, mid-sized manufacturing firms and healthcare systems (like Methodist Health) often pay at the top of these ranges because they need specialized cost accountants and financial analysts. Public accounting firms (like BKD or smaller local CPA practices) often start lower but offer faster advancement paths.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's do the math. An accountant earning the median salary of $84,143 has a different financial reality here than on the coasts.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home (After Taxes):
Using standard federal and Nebraska state tax deductions (assuming single filer, no dependents), monthly take-home pay will be approximately $5,100 - $5,300.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent	$878	This is the citywide average. More on neighborhoods below.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Nebraska has lower energy costs, but heating in winter adds up.
Groceries & Household	$400	Bellevue has affordable chains (Hy-Vee, Aldi) and local markets.
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance)	$500	A car is non-negotiable here. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Employer Premium)	$150	Varies by employer, but this is a common estimate for a good plan.
Savings/401k Contribution	$500	Aiming for 10-12% of gross is standard for retirement planning.
Discretionary Spending (Entertainment, Dining, etc.)	$1,000	You have real disposable income here.
Total	$3,628	Leaves ~$1,500/month as a buffer or for extra savings.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Bellevue is roughly $210,000 - $240,000. With a $84,143 salary, a 20% down payment ($42,000-$48,000) is a few years of disciplined saving, but entirely manageable. A monthly mortgage payment (with taxes and insurance) would likely be between $1,300 and $1,500, which is only slightly more than the average rent. This is a key reason accountants move here: you can build equity on a middle-class income.

Where the Jobs Are: Bellevue's Major Employers

The job market isn't as diverse as Omaha, but it's anchored by a few key sectors. Here’s where you’ll find most of the 128 available jobs:

1. Bellevue Public Schools (BPS): The largest employer in the city. They have a dedicated finance department. Jobs here are stable, come with excellent benefits (including state pension), and are often posted on the district website. Salaries are competitive with the public sector.
2. Methodist Health System: While the main campus is in Omaha, Methodist has a significant presence in Bellevue and nearby Papillion. They are constantly hiring staff accountants, billing specialists, and financial analysts. Healthcare accounting is a specialized, in-demand field.
3. Offutt Air Force Base: This is the economic engine. While many jobs are federal civilian positions (which require U.S. citizenship and often a clearance), the base supports hundreds of contracting companies. These contractors need accountants to manage government contracts (DCAA compliance is a huge plus here). Look for companies like Leidos, Northrop Grumman, or CACI that have offices near the base.
4. Manufacturing & Industrial Firms: Bellevue has a strong manufacturing base. Companies like Andersen Windows (they have a facility nearby) and Valmont Industries (a major global company with a local presence) need cost accountants and plant financial managers. This is where you get experience in standard costing, inventory valuation, and plant overhead analysis.
5. Local Government: The City of Bellevue and Sarpy County (where Bellevue is located) have robust finance departments. These jobs offer great work-life balance and are posted on governmentjobs.com. Experience with grant accounting is a big advantage here.
6. Small & Mid-Sized CPA Firms: While the big national firms are in downtown Omaha, Bellevue has local firms like Kutak Rock (though they're larger, they have a presence) and many smaller practices serving local businesses. These are great for getting a broad range of tax and audit experience.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. General ledger accountants are always needed, but those with experience in cost accounting (manufacturing), healthcare revenue cycle, or government contracting can command a premium. Remote work is growing, but hybrid models (2-3 days in the office) are more common than fully remote, especially for mid-sized local firms.

Getting Licensed in NE

If you're aiming for a CPA license or need to maintain one, Nebraska has clear requirements.

1. Educational Requirements: You need 150 semester hours with a concentration in accounting. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum, but most CPAs have a Master’s in Accounting or a double major. The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and Creighton University have excellent, accredited programs.
2. Exam: You must pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can take the exam in Omaha (at the Pearson VUE center). There is no center in Bellevue proper.
3. Experience: Nebraska requires one year of experience (1,600 hours) under the supervision of a licensed CPA. The experience must involve the use of accounting, attest, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting skills.
4. Ethics Exam: You must pass the Nebraska-specific ethics exam (a self-study course and exam).
5. Cost & Timeline:
   • Exam Fees (NASBA): ~$1,500 total for all four sections.
   • Prep Course (Becker, Wiley, etc.): $2,000 - $4,000 (often reimbursed by employers).
   • Licensing Fee: ~$500.
   • Total Estimated Cost: $4,000 - $6,000.
   • Timeline: From starting the process to holding a license typically takes 12-18 months (exam prep, passing all parts, finding a supervisor, applying for the license).

Insider Tip: If you're an out-of-state CPA wanting to relocate, Nebraska has reciprocity. You'll need to verify your license is in good standing and may need to complete the Nebraska ethics exam. Contact the Nebraska Department of Education, Office of Professional Practice for the current process.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Bellevue is comprised of distinct areas. Your choice depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Old Bellevue (Main Street)	Historic charm, walkable to local shops and restaurants. Close to Offutt AFB (5-10 min). Older apartments, some with character.	$800 - $1,000	Those who want a small-town feel with a short commute to the base.
South Bellevue (Harrah's Area)	Newer apartments and townhomes. Close to the Sarpy County Fairgrounds and I-80 for commuting to Omaha. Quieter, more suburban feel.	$900 - $1,100	Younger professionals who want modern amenities and easy highway access.
Cedar Creek / Twin Creek	Master-planned community on the southern edge. Very quiet, family-oriented, with walking trails. Farther from downtown Bellevue but close to Papillion.	$950 - $1,200	Those who prioritize space and a planned community feel, don't mind a 15-min drive to work.
Bennett Park / North Bellevue	Older, established neighborhoods with single-family homes and some apartments. Close to Bellevue University and the public library. Central location.	$750 - $900	Budget-conscious professionals who want to save for a house. Good mix of renters and owners.
Papillion (Adjacent City)	Technically a separate city, but part of the metro. More shopping, newer builds, and a vibrant downtown. Commute to Bellevue is 10-15 mins on 25th St.	$950 - $1,150	Those who want more upscale amenities and a slightly larger city feel while staying affordable.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Where does an accountant go from here? Bellevue offers a solid path if you're strategic.

Specialty Premiums:

• Government Contracting (DCAA): If you can handle cost accounting for DoD contracts (Defense Contract Audit Agency compliance), you can command a 15-20% premium over a general accountant. Offutt AFB contractors are your target.
• Manufacturing Cost Accounting: Experience with standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation at a place like Andersen or Valmont is highly transferable and pays well.
• Healthcare Revenue Cycle: Billing, coding, and patient accounting for Methodist Health system is a niche that's always in demand.

Advancement Paths:

• Public Accounting: Start at a local firm, get your CPA, then jump to industry (a local manufacturer or healthcare system) for a higher salary and better work-life balance. This is a classic, proven path.
• Industry (Corporate): Start as a Staff Accountant -> Senior Accountant -> Accounting Manager -> Controller/Assistant Controller. This path is very doable in Bellevue's mid-sized companies. A Controller at a local manufacturing firm can make $120,000+.
• Government: Start in the City or County finance office. Move from staff accountant to Finance Director. The pay is steady, and the benefits (including pension) are excellent.

10-Year Outlook (4% Growth):
The growth won't be explosive, but it will be consistent. The key industries driving demand will remain healthcare, government contracting, and local manufacturing. Remote work will allow some accountants to work for Omaha firms while living in Bellevue, expanding the opportunity pool. The biggest risk? Stagnation. To advance, you need to either get your CPA or specialize. The days of a generalist accountant rising to Controller without a CPA or deep niche expertise are fading.

The Verdict: Is Bellevue Right for You?

This is a personal decision, but here’s a data-driven breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Extremely Affordable Cost of Living (Index 92.5). Your $84,143 salary feels like $100k+ in most cities.	Limited Public Transit. A car is a must, adding to monthly costs.
Stable, Anchor Employers (Offutt, Methodist, BPS). Job security is high.	Less Diverse Job Market. If you hate your job, options are more limited than in Omaha.
Short Commutes. Most jobs are within a 10-15 minute drive. No traffic hell.	Cultural/Social Scene is Quieter. You'll go to Omaha for major concerts, pro sports, or a wider variety of dining.
Strong Community Feel. You get to know your neighbors. It's safe and family-friendly.	Weather Winters. It can be harsh, with snow and cold. Heating bills and winter driving are real.
Path to Homeownership. The math works. You can build equity.	Slower Career Pace. It's not a fast-paced, cutthroat finance hub.

Final Recommendation:
Bellevue is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and work-life balance over a high-stress, high-reward career in a major financial center. It is ideal for mid-career professionals or couples looking to start a family. If you're a young, single accountant wanting the buzz of a large city with endless nightlife and job options, Omaha (or Lincoln) might be a better fit. If you're looking to stretch your salary, buy a home, and work for stable institutions, Bellevue is a hidden gem.

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FAQs

1. Can I survive in Bellevue without a car?
No. The public bus system (METRO) exists but is not comprehensive enough for a reliable daily commute, especially to employers like Offutt AFB or industrial parks. You need a reliable vehicle.

2. Is it easy to find a job if I'm not a CPA?
Yes, especially at the entry and mid-level. Many staff accountant roles don't require a CPA. However, for senior accountant, manager, or controller roles, the CPA license becomes a significant differentiator and is often preferred or required.

3. How does the cost of living compare to a city like Omaha?
Bellevue is about 10-15% cheaper than the Omaha metro average, primarily due to lower housing costs. While a similar apartment in West Omaha might run $1,100, you can find one in Bellevue for $878. Daily expenses (groceries, utilities) are similar.

4. What's the commute like from Bellevue to downtown Omaha?
It's manageable. From most Bellevue neighborhoods, it's a straight shot on I-80 or 25th Street. In good weather, it's 15-25 minutes. During rush hour or in winter snow, it can stretch to 30-45 minutes. Many accountants work in Bellevue itself, making the commute a non-issue.

5. Are there networking opportunities for accountants in Bellevue?
Yes, but you have to be proactive. The Nebraska Society of CPAs (NSCPA) has events in Omaha, which is a short drive. Locally, the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce is active and hosts mixers. Many accountants also find success through informal networks at their churches, kids' sports leagues, or community groups. The local market is relationship-driven.