Accountant in Bryan, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Bryan Stands

Welcome to Bryan, Texas. If you're an accountant considering a move here, you're probably wondering how the numbers stack up. Let's cut straight to the data. The median salary for an accountant in Bryan is $83,678/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.23/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080/year. However, the real story for a financial professional in Bryan isn't about mirroring big-city pay scales; it's about what that salary can do for you in a community with a lower cost of living.

The Bryan-College Station metro area, which includes the larger city of College Station and the home of Texas A&M University, has a population of 89,606. The job market isn't sprawling, with 179 accountant jobs in the metro. The 10-year job growth is a modest 4%. This isn't a boomtown for accounting, but it's a stable, university-driven economy. This stability is a key selling point. You're not chasing explosive growth; you're stepping into a reliable market with predictable demand, primarily tied to the university, healthcare, and agriculture sectors.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Estimated Salary Range (Bryan)
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	Senior Accountant, Controller	$70,000 - $95,000
Senior-Level (8-12 yrs)	Accounting Manager, Tax Manager	$90,000 - $115,000
Expert/Partner (12+ yrs)	Director of Finance, Partner	$110,000+

Insider Tip: While the median is $83,678, specialized roles in areas like forensic accounting or tax for agricultural businesses can command a premium. Don't just look at the overall median; niche expertise pays off in this market.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities:

• Austin: Higher cost of living, salaries often 15-20% higher, but competition is fierce.
• Dallas/Fort Worth: Significantly higher salaries ($90,000+ median), but traffic and urban sprawl are major drawbacks.
• Houston: Strong energy sector demand, salaries competitive with Dallas, but with a higher cost of living and hurricane risk.
• Waco: Similar cost of living to Bryan, but fewer major corporate employers, leading to slightly lower average salaries.

Bryan offers a middle ground: a lower salary than major metros, but a cost of living that makes your paycheck stretch much further.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. With a median salary of $83,678/year, what does your monthly budget look like in Bryan?

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Accountant):

• Gross Monthly Income: $6,973
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA): ~$1,600 (This is an estimate; consult a tax professional for your specific situation).
• Net Monthly Income: ~$5,373

Housing & Living Expenses:

• Average 1BR Rent: $1,015/month (Bryan average, not the trendy downtown core).
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $150 - $200
• Groceries: $300 - $400
• Car Payment & Insurance: $400 - $600 (Public transit is limited; a car is a necessity).
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): $200 - $400
• Miscellaneous/Discretionary: $500

Total Estimated Expenses: ~$2,565 - $3,115
Remaining Monthly Savings: ~$2,258 - $2,808

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With a median home price in Bryan around $280,000, a 20% down payment is $56,000. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would result in a monthly payment of roughly $1,400-$1,600 (including taxes and insurance). This is only marginally higher than the average rent. Given your potential monthly savings, saving for a down payment is very feasible. Many local accountants live in Bryan and commute to College Station for work, where housing prices are slightly higher due to the immediate proximity to Texas A&M.

Where the Jobs Are: Bryan's Major Employers

The accounting job market in Bryan is anchored by a few key sectors. You won't find a Wall Street-style corporate HQ, but you will find stable, reputable employers.

1. Texas A&M University: The largest employer in the region. They hire accountants for their central finance department, individual colleges (like the College of Agriculture), and research grants management. It's a massive, stable employer with good benefits. Hiring is consistent but competitive.
2. St. Joseph Health (Now part of CHI): The major healthcare provider. Their financial department needs accountants for billing, revenue cycle management, and internal controls. Healthcare accounting is a growing specialty.
3. Bryan ISD & College Station ISD: Large school districts require accounting staff for budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting. These are public sector jobs with great benefits and pensions.
4. Agriculture & Agribusiness: This is Bryan's heritage. Companies like Collins & Aikman (automotive interiors, a major local manufacturer) and numerous agricultural co-ops, cotton gins, and food processing plants (like Pilgrim's Pride) need accountants familiar with inventory, cost accounting, and commodity trading.
5. Local CPA Firms: Bryan has a robust network of local firms serving small businesses, farms, and regional clients. Firms like Glaser & Company or Hensley, Segura & Associates are examples. These are excellent places to get broad experience, especially in tax and auditing.
6. City of Bryan & Brazos County: Government entities require accountants for public fund management, compliance, and financial reporting.

Hiring Trends: Demand is steady, not explosive. The university and healthcare sectors are the most consistent recruiters. There's a growing need for accountants with ERP system experience (like SAP or Oracle) and data analytics skills, even in traditional roles.

Getting Licensed in TX

To practice as a CPA in Texas, you must meet the state board's requirements. The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) is your governing body.

Requirements:

1. Education: A 150-semester-hour curriculum, including a baccalaureate or higher degree, with a concentration in accounting. You need specific hours in accounting and business.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of experience in accounting or auditing under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can include industry, government, or public accounting.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Texas-specific ethics exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state).
• Application & Licensing Fees: ~$200-$400.
• Study Materials: $1,500 - $3,000.
• Timeline: From starting education to full licensure can take 5-6 years (4-year degree + 1 year for 150 hours + 1 year experience). If you're already licensed in another state, Texas has reciprocity. You'll still need to apply and pay fees, but the exam portion may be waived.

Insider Tip: The TSBPA website is your best friend. Start your application early, and keep meticulous records of your education and work experience. The process is bureaucratic but straightforward if you're organized.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Bryan impacts your commute, lifestyle, and social life. Here are four areas to consider:

1. Downtown Bryan: The historic, walkable core. You'll find renovated lofts, unique restaurants, and a growing arts scene. It's ideal for a young professional who wants a vibrant, urban feel without big-city chaos. Commute to most employers is under 10 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,400/month.
2. South Bryan (near Texas A&M campus): This area blends the university influence with established residential neighborhoods. It's convenient if you work at the university or in College Station. Expect a younger, more student-centric vibe in some parts.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,250/month.
3. Bryan East: A more established, residential area with good value. You'll find single-family homes, older apartments, and a quieter, family-oriented atmosphere. It's a 10-15 minute drive to downtown or the university.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $850 - $1,100/month.
4. Brazos County (Rural Fringe): If you own a car and don't mind a 20-30 minute commute, the rural areas surrounding Bryan offer more space, lower housing costs, and a peaceful environment. Perfect for those who want a home office and a yard.
   • Rent Estimate (House): $1,200 - $1,600/month for a 2-3BR house.

Insider Tip: The "Texas A&M effect" means rental demand is high from August to May. If you're moving in the summer, start your housing search early. Winter moves can sometimes yield better deals.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Bryan, career growth is often about depth and specialty rather than rapid vertical climbs.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Tax Accounting: Specializing in agricultural tax law or international student taxation (for A&M's large foreign population) can be lucrative.
  • Forensic Accounting: With major employers like the university, there's a need for internal audit and compliance work.
  • Systems Implementation: Companies adopting new software (like a new ERP) need accountants who can bridge the gap between finance and IT.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Manager → Controller/Director. In a smaller market, you may need to move between employers (e.g., from a local CPA firm to a corporate controller role) to advance. The local network is tight—reputation matters.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth indicates a stable, but not booming, market. Your long-term success will depend on continuous learning. Get certified (CPA), learn data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI, and consider a CMA (Certified Management Accountant) if you're in industry. The university and healthcare sectors are not going away, so demand for skilled accountants in these areas will remain steady.

The Verdict: Is Bryan Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary of $83,678 goes much further than in major metros.	Limited Job Market: Only 179 jobs in the metro; you may have fewer employers to choose from.
Stable, University-Driven Economy: Texas A&M provides a recession-resistant anchor.	Slower Pace (Cultural): If you crave big-city nightlife, museums, and concerts, Bryan will feel small.
Friendly, Tight-Knit Community: Easy to network and build a professional reputation.	Reliance on a Car: Public transit is minimal; you must drive everywhere.
Excellent for Homeownership: Affordable housing makes buying a home very attainable.	Salary Ceiling: Top-tier salaries are lower than in Austin, Dallas, or Houston.
Outdoor & Family-Friendly: Abundant parks, lakes, and a strong focus on school quality.	Traffic: While not a major city, game days and events at A&M can cause significant congestion.

Final Recommendation:
Bryan is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize quality of life over maximum salary. If you value owning a home, a short commute, a strong sense of community, and the stability of a university town, Bryan offers a compelling package. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to settle down, or for those who want to work in public accounting (serving local agriculture and small business) in a supportive environment. If you're a young accountant seeking the fastest career acceleration and a high-energy urban environment, you may find Bryan too limiting. However, for many, the math simply works: a solid salary, an affordable lifestyle, and a stable career path.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for a non-CPA accountant in Bryan?
It's competitive but not impossible. Many staff and senior accountant roles require or prefer a CPA, but not all. Your best bet is to target private industry roles (manufacturing, agribusiness, school districts) and small CPA firms where a bachelor's degree and strong experience may suffice. Highlighting any specialized software or industry knowledge (e.g., inventory for ag) is key.

2. Is it realistic to commute from Bryan to College Station for work?
Absolutely. Many people do the reverse (live in College Station, work in Bryan). The commute is typically 10-20 minutes via Texas Avenue or Highway 6. Traffic is manageable except during major A&M events (football games, graduation). It's a very common and accepted practice.

3. What's the networking scene like for accountants here?
It's small but active. The Bryan-College Station Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs (TSCPA) is the primary hub. Attend their monthly meetings and events at places like the Hilton College Station. The local Chamber of Commerce is also a good resource. Given the size, word-of-mouth is powerful.

4. How does the cost of living (90.7 index) really impact my lifestyle?
Significantly. A national average cost of living index is 100. At 90.7, Bryan is 9.3% cheaper. For an accountant earning $83,678, this is equivalent to having an effective purchasing power of about $92,000 in an average-cost city. It's the single biggest financial advantage of living here.

5. Are there opportunities for remote accounting work from Bryan?
Yes, the trend is growing. While local employers prefer in-office, many accountants in Bryan work remotely for companies based in Austin, Dallas, or even out of state. The reliable internet infrastructure in the Bryan-College Station area supports this. It's a good way to access higher salaries while enjoying Bryan's low cost of living.