Accountants in Bloomington, IN: A Complete Career Guide

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping out professional paths in Indiana, I’ve found Bloomington to be a unique market. It’s not Indianapolis—it doesn’t have the corporate density, but it offers a distinctive blend of university-driven stability, healthcare, and a surprisingly robust small business scene. For an accountant, this translates into a career path that’s less about climbing a Fortune 500 ladder and more about becoming a trusted, multi-faceted financial expert in a tight-knit community. Let’s break down the real numbers, the local landscape, and what it takes to build a career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Bloomington Stands

Bloomington’s salary for accountants is solid for the region, though it sits slightly below the national average. The key here isn’t chasing top-dollar metro salaries; it’s the cost-of-living advantage. With a median salary of $84,375/year and an hourly rate of $40.56/hour, you’re earning a wage that affords a comfortable life in this city. The national average for accountants is $86,080/year, so you’re only slightly behind, a gap that’s easily closed by Bloomington’s lower living expenses.

The job market is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 148 accountant jobs in the metro area, which includes Monroe County and surrounding communities. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is modest but steady. This reflects Bloomington’s economy: it grows with the university and healthcare sectors, not through volatile tech booms. It’s a market for professionals who value stability over rapid, high-risk growth.

Experience-Level Breakdown Table

Experience Level	Typical Bloomington Salary Range	Key Responsibilities & Local Context
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $70,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, payroll processing, basic tax prep. Common in small CPA firms and local businesses.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$75,000 - $95,000	Senior accountant, financial reporting, non-profit audits, corporate tax. Often in IU departments or regional healthcare.
Senior/Manager (8-15 yrs)	$95,000 - $120,000	CPA firm manager, controller for local manufacturing, university financial department head. Requires CPA license.
Expert/Partner (15+ yrs)	$120,000+	CPA firm partner, CFO for major local employer (e.g., Cook Group), university associate dean of finance.

Comparison to Other Indiana Cities

Bloomington’s salary is competitive within the state, especially when paired with its cost of living.

• Indianapolis: The state’s financial hub. Salaries are 5-10% higher (median ~$90,000), but the cost of living is ~8% higher, and the commute is often 30-60 minutes. The job pool is larger (thousands of openings), with more Fortune 500 opportunities (Eli Lilly, Salesforce, etc.).
• Fort Wayne: A smaller, more industrial metro. Accountant salaries are ~5% lower than Bloomington, with a slightly lower cost of living. The market is heavily tied to manufacturing and logistics.
• Evansville: Located in southwest Indiana. Salaries are ~10% lower than Bloomington, with a cost of living index similar to or slightly below Bloomington’s. The job market is smaller and less diverse.

Insider Tip: The "Bloomington premium" comes from its lifestyle. You trade the higher salary ceiling of Indianapolis for shorter commutes, walkable neighborhoods, and the cultural amenities of a major university town. For many, that trade-off is worth it.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary of $84,375/year sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Bloomington?

First, taxes. For a single filer with no dependents (the most common starting scenario for a mid-career professional moving here), your take-home pay after federal, state (5.23% flat), and FICA taxes is approximately $59,000-$61,000/year, or about $4,900-$5,100/month. This is a rough estimate; your actual take-home will depend on benefits, 401(k) contributions, and health insurance.

Now, housing. The average 1BR rent in Bloomington is $979/month. However, this is an average of everything from a basement apartment in Elm Heights to a luxury unit in the Switchyard development. For a single accountant, aiming for a safe, convenient 1BR in a decent neighborhood, you’ll likely spend between $950 and $1,150/month.

Let’s build a sample monthly budget for an accountant earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,000	After taxes and a 5% 401(k) contribution.
Rent (1BR)	$1,050	Mid-range for a clean, safe apartment in a good area.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Higher in summer due to AC, lower in spring/fall.
Groceries	$350	Bloomington has several good grocery stores; costs are near national average.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$450	This is critical. Bloomington is walkable in parts, but a car is essential for most jobs and errands.
Health Insurance (employer contribution)	$150	Employee portion of a mid-tier plan.
Entertainment & Dining	$300	Bloomington has a fantastic food scene, especially international cuisine.
Student Loans/Other Debt	$300	Varies widely; included as a placeholder.
Savings & Misc.	$1,200	This includes discretionary spending, emergency fund, and IRA contributions.
TOTAL	$4,000	Leaves a healthy $1,000 cushion.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

With a median home price in Bloomington of around $300,000, and a take-home of nearly $5,000/month, homeownership is within reach for a dual-income household or a single accountant with a few years of savings and no high-interest debt. With a 20% down payment ($60,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (~7%) would be around $1,600/month, including taxes and insurance. That’s about 32% of your gross income, which is on the higher end but manageable if you’ve cleared other debts. For a single accountant, it’s tighter but possible with disciplined saving. Insider Tip: Many local lenders have special programs for professionals in healthcare, university, and public accounting. It’s worth asking around.

Where the Jobs Are: Bloomington's Major Employers

Bloomington’s economy is anchored by education and healthcare, with a strong undercurrent of manufacturing and tech startups. Here’s where accountants actually work:

1. Indiana University (IU): The city’s largest employer. The IU Bloomington Office of Financial Management and University Stores hire dozens of accountants, financial analysts, and auditors. The work is stable, benefits are excellent, and the pace is predictable. Hiring is constant but competitive. Insider Tip: Look for jobs posted on IU’s internal portal and be prepared for a slower, more bureaucratic hiring process.
2. Cook Group: A family-owned, global medical device manufacturer headquartered in Bloomington. Their corporate finance and accounting department is large and hires for roles from staff accountant to controller. They offer competitive salaries and a strong 401(k) match. Growth is tied to the medical industry, which is resilient.
3. IU Health Bloomington Hospital: Part of the massive IU Health system. They employ healthcare accountants specializing in revenue cycle management, compliance, and grant accounting. The work is complex and in high demand. Hiring often picks up in Q4 as the fiscal year ends.
4. City of Bloomington & Monroe County Government: Local governments are significant employers for accountants. The Bloomington Controller’s Office and Monroe County Auditor’s Office handle public funds, budgets, and audits. These jobs offer great work-life balance and pensions but require a deep understanding of public sector accounting (GASB).
5. Bloomington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC): While small, they and the City of Bloomington’s Economic Development Department hire financial analysts to evaluate business incentives and support local economic growth. This is a niche but interesting role for someone with a public policy bent.
6. Local CPA Firms: Bloomington has a vibrant ecosystem of mid-sized and small CPA firms (e.g., Katz, Sapper & Miller, BDO USA’s local office, and several reputable local practices). These firms provide tax, audit, and consulting services to local businesses, non-profits, and IU. Hiring is cyclical (busy season), and the path to partner is a classic accounting career ladder.
7. Bloomington Hospital (now part of IU Health): Before the merger, it was a separate entity. Its legacy finance department still exists and is a key employer, especially for those specializing in non-profit healthcare accounting.

Hiring Trends: The most consistent hiring comes from IU and healthcare. Manufacturing (Cook) hires steadily but has a smaller turnover rate. The tech startup scene is growing but rarely hires a full-time accountant until they reach 20+ employees. If you want stability, target the university and healthcare systems. If you want higher growth potential, look to Cook or the tech startups.

Getting Licensed in IN

To advance beyond a staff accountant role in Indiana, you’ll need to sit for the CPA exam. Indiana’s requirements are straightforward but have a specific educational component.

State-Specific Requirements (Indiana Board of Accountancy):

1. Education: You must have 150 semester hours of college credit, with a bachelor’s degree (24 hours in accounting, 24 hours in business). Many Bloomington accountants get their undergraduate degree from IU’s Kelley School of Business (a top-tier program) and then complete a Master’s in Accounting (MAcc) or a 5th-year non-degree program to hit the 150-hour mark. IU’s MAcc program is well-respected and feeds directly into the local and national firms.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). The exam is administered by NASBA.
3. Experience: You need one year (1,800 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government. The supervisor must verify your work.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Indiana-specific ethics exam (offered by the Board).

Costs:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,000 total for all four sections (prices vary slightly).
• Application Fee: $100 for the Indiana Board.
• Study Materials: Becker, Roger, Wiley, etc. Expect to spend $1,500 - $3,000 for a comprehensive review course. Many local firms will cover this cost.
• Total Upfront Cost (without firm support): $2,600 - $4,100.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Month 1-2: Gather transcripts, submit your Application for CPA Exam to the IN Board.
2. Month 3: Receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS).
3. Month 4-10: Study for and pass the four exam sections. Most candidates take 6-9 months while working full-time.
4. Month 11-12: Once the exam is passed, your experience period begins (or continues). You must have the full year under a CPA to be licensed.
5. Month 13-14: Submit the experience verification form and ethics exam results to the Board. Receive your license.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving to Bloomington without a job, enroll in IU’s MAcc program or an online program to start your 150 hours while looking for work. The local accounting community is small; getting to know professors and attending IU accounting career fairs is a direct path to a job and a CPA supervisor.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Bloomington’s neighborhoods offer distinct lifestyles. Your choice will depend on your commute, budget, and social preferences.

1. Downtown/Elm Heights: The Walkable Core. This is the heart of student and professional life. You’re steps from the courthouse, IU’s campus, and countless restaurants and cafes. Commute to most jobs is under 10 minutes by car or walkable. Rent for a 1BR: $1,100 - $1,500. Insider Tip: Parking is a nightmare here. If you work at IU or downtown, you might not need a car, but for jobs outside the core (like Cook Group or the hospital), you will.
2. The Near-West Side (West of I-69): The Established Professional. Quiet, tree-lined streets with older, larger homes and newer townhomes. Popular with IU faculty, hospital staff, and young professionals. The commute to downtown or IU is 5-15 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $1,000 - $1,300. Insider Tip: The area near the B-line Trail is fantastic for biking and walking.
3. The Bryan Park Area: The Family-Friendly Option. A bit further from downtown but still a 10-15 minute drive. Offers more space for the rent, including single-family homes. Great for accountants who are looking to buy their first home soon. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,100. Insider Tip: Strong sense of community with local parks and the famous Bryan Park Pool.
4. Switchyard (New Development): The Modern Urbanite. A new, master-planned community on the city’s south side with modern apartments, condos, and retail. It’s a 10-15 minute drive to downtown and is designed for walkability. Rent for a 1BR: $1,200 - $1,500. Insider Tip: Still building out its sense of community, but it’s perfect if you want a new build with amenities like a pool and gym.
5. Southside (Near I-69 & 3rd Street): The Commuter & Budget-Conscious. This area has a mix of older apartments and newer complexes. It’s a straight shot to the airport, the hospital, and Cook Group (all on the south side). Commutes are under 10 minutes for those jobs. Rent for a 1BR: $850 - $1,050. Insider Tip: Less walkable, but you get more square footage for your dollar.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Bloomington isn’t a “get rich quick” market for accountants, but it offers a sustainable, high-quality career path with clear advancement.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: The single biggest salary booster. CPAs in Bloomington can earn 10-20% more than non-CPAs in similar roles.
• Non-Profit & Government Accounting: Specializing in GASB and grant accounting is a niche that pays well here due to the proliferation of universities, hospitals, and non-profits.
• Manufacturing & Cost Accounting: Expertise in inventory, cost controls, and plant accounting is highly valued by Cook Group and other local manufacturers. This can command a premium over general ledger roles.

Advancement Paths:

• Public Accounting Track: Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager → Partner. In a local firm, reaching partner can take 12-15 years. The salary ceiling is high, but it requires business development skills. Local Insight: The partner at a Bloomington CPA firm is likely a well-known figure in the community.
• Industry Track: Staff Accountant → Senior → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. There is a real path to CFO here, especially at Cook Group, IU Health, or a mid-sized local business. The CFO of a local manufacturer can earn well over $150,000.
• Government/Municipal Track: Staff Accountant → Senior → Finance Director. This path offers unparalleled job security and benefits but slower salary growth. The City of Bloomington’s Finance Director is a respected, high-profile role.

10-Year Outlook (4% growth): The market will remain stable. Demand will be strongest in healthcare accounting (revenue cycle, compliance) and tech/innovation accounting (for the growing startup scene). The rise of AI and automation will reduce demand for basic data entry roles but increase demand for accountants who can analyze data, advise on strategy, and manage systems. To stay competitive, you’ll need to be proficient with ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle), data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI), and have a strong grasp of financial analysis.

The Verdict: Is Bloomington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordability: With a Cost of Living Index of 93.4, your $84,375 salary goes much further than in a major coastal city.	Limited Corporate Ceiling: Few Fortune 500 HQs. The highest salaries are in business leadership (CFO) or partnership, which takes time.
**Quality