Here is a comprehensive career guide for accountants considering a move to Carrollton, Texas.

The Accountant's Guide to Carrollton, TX: Salaries, Employers, and Local Insights

If you’re an accountant eyeing the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, Carrollton often flies under the radar compared to its flashier neighbors like Plano or Frisco. But for a career-focused professional, it’s a strategic sweet spot. Nestled in the heart of the metro, Carrollton offers a robust job market without the extreme price tags of the northern suburbs. I’ve spent years navigating the local corporate landscape here, and I can tell you that the city’s blend of affordability and access to major employers makes it a compelling base for your accounting career.

This guide breaks down everything from your paycheck to your career trajectory, using hard data and on-the-ground insights.

The Salary Picture: Where Carrollton Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. In Carrollton, accountants are paid a premium compared to the national average, reflecting the competitive DFW market.

• Median Salary: $86,932/year
• Hourly Rate: $41.79/hour
• National Average: $86,080/year
• Jobs in Metro: 264
• 10-Year Job Growth: 4%

As you can see, the median salary in Carrollton edges out the national benchmark, a trend common across the DFW metro. The 4% job growth over the next decade is slower than the explosive rates in tech hubs, but it signifies a stable, established demand for financial professionals, particularly in corporate accounting, audit, and tax roles.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries vary significantly based on experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the area:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$60,000 - $75,000	AP/AR, bookkeeping, junior staff accountant tasks
Mid-Level	4-9 years	$75,000 - $105,000	Senior accountant, financial reporting, mid-level analysis
Senior	10-15 years	$105,000 - $140,000	Managerial roles, technical accounting, supervision
Expert/Leadership	15+ years	$140,000+	Controller, CFO, Director of Finance, specialized advisory

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

While Carrollton pays well, it’s essential to see where it stands in the broader Texas landscape.

City	Median Salary (Accountant)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Rent (1BR Avg)
Carrollton	$86,932	103.3	$1,291
Dallas	~$89,000	105.8	$1,550+
Austin	~$82,000	119.7	$1,650+
Houston	~$84,000	96.5	$1,250
San Antonio	~$78,000	91.8	$1,150

Insider Tip: Carrollton’s sweet spot is its balance. While Dallas offers a slightly higher salary, the cost of living (and especially rent) is significantly higher. You get a Dallas-proximate salary with a more manageable cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $86,932 salary sounds great, but the real question is what you can afford. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single accountant in Carrollton, accounting for taxes and living expenses.

Assumptions: Filing as single, taking the standard deduction, and contributing to a pre-tax 401(k) (e.g., 5%). We’re also factoring in the 103.3 cost of living index, meaning goods and services are about 3.3% more expensive than the U.S. average.

• Gross Annual Salary: $86,932
• Gross Monthly Salary: $7,244
• Estimated Deductions (Federal, State, FICA, 401k): ~22% ($1,594)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,650

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Housing (1BR Apartment): $1,291 (The local average)
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Car Payment/Gas/Insurance): $600
• Health Insurance (Employer-subsidized): $200
• Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Personal): $800
• Savings/Student Loans/Debt: $1,159

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Carrollton hovers around $425,000. Using standard lending guidelines (20% down, 30-year mortgage at ~7% interest), the monthly payment would be approximately $2,200 (mortgage, taxes, insurance). This exceeds the recommended 28% of gross monthly income ($2,028). On a $86,932 salary, buying a median-priced home is tight but possible with a larger down payment, dual income, or by targeting a starter home in a more affordable neighborhood. Renting, however, is very comfortable.

Where the Jobs Are: Carrollton's Major Employers

Carrollton is a corporate hub, particularly for companies in the logistics, tech, and consumer goods sectors. The city is strategically located along the I-35E corridor and is home to the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, a major employer.

1. PepsiCo (Frito-Lay & Pepsi-Cola): A massive employer with its North Texas headquarters in nearby Plano and significant operations in the region. They hire for corporate accounting, tax, and internal audit. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on roles supporting their massive supply chain.
2. Texas Instruments (TI): While its main campus is in Richardson, TI has a significant presence in the Carrollton area. They are a top destination for financial analysts and accountants with a tech focus. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, tied to the semiconductor market, but generally strong for experienced professionals.
3. EDF Trading / EDF Energy: This global energy trading firm has a major office in Carrollton. They seek accountants with expertise in commodities, risk management, and complex financial instruments. Hiring Trend: Niche but high-demand, offering premium salaries for specialized skills.
4. Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD (CFBISD): A massive public sector employer. They have a full finance department for budgeting, payroll, and fund accounting. Hiring Trend: Stable, with opportunities often posted on the district’s career portal. Public sector accounting offers great benefits and job security.
5. The CORE (Corporate Office REITs): Carrollton is home to several corporate headquarters and large office parks. Companies like CoreSite (data centers) and various regional offices of national firms (e.g., NexBank, Supreme Lending) have a constant need for accounting staff to manage their financial operations.
6. Logistics & Distribution Hubs: Carrollton is a logistics hotspot due to its proximity to DFW Airport and major highways. Companies like J.B. Hunt (based in Lowell, AR, but with major local operations) and numerous third-party logistics (3PL) firms hire for cost accounting and financial analysis roles.

Insider Tip: The best way to find jobs here isn’t just LinkedIn. Check the Dallas Regional Chamber job board and the Texas Comptroller’s website for public sector roles. Many local companies prefer to hire through employee referrals.

Getting Licensed in Texas

If you don’t already have your CPA license, Texas has clear requirements. The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) governs licensure.

Requirements:

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree and 30 semester hours of upper-level accounting.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam.
3. Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Texas-specific ethics exam.

Timeline and Costs:

• To Get Started: If you have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, you’ll need to take additional courses (often a Master’s in Accounting or post-baccalaureate classes) to reach the 150-hour requirement. This can take 1-2 years.
• Exam Cost: The total cost for the CPA Exam (including application fees and NASBA fees) is approximately $1,500 - $2,000, depending on the state.
• License Fee: The initial license fee is $200, with a renewal fee of $150 every two years.

Insider Tip: Texas has a “two-tier” system. You can take the exam with 120 hours but must complete the full 150 hours and experience to be licensed. Many Carrollton firms offer tuition reimbursement for these courses.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Carrollton is geographically diverse, with distinct neighborhoods offering different lifestyles and price points.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
Old Downtown Carrollton	Historic charm, walkable, local restaurants. Commute to DFW is ~25 mins.	$1,350 - $1,500	Those who want a community feel and don’t mind an older apartment stock.
West Carrollton (Trails Parkway)	Suburban, master-planned communities with pools and trails. Commute to major employers is 15-20 mins.	$1,400 - $1,600	Young professionals and new families looking for amenities and a short commute.
North Carrollton (near 121/141)	Newer constructions, easy access to Frisco and The Colony. Very car-dependent.	$1,300 - $1,450	Those who prioritize modern apartments and proximity to new shopping/dining.
Farmers Branch	Adjacent to Carrollton, more established, slightly lower cost of living. Commute is identical.	$1,150 - $1,300	Budget-conscious professionals who don’t mind a less trendy setting.

Insider Tip: If you work for a company in the Addison or Richardson corridor (like TI), living in North Carrollton can cut your commute to under 15 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% job growth indicates that advancement is more about specialization than sheer volume. The path to a six-figure salary in Carrollton is through niche skills.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • IT Audit / SOC Reports: Highly sought after by local tech and logistics firms. Can command a 15-20% salary premium.
  • Tax Specialization (International/Corporate): Crucial for the many multinational corporations in the DFW area. Senior tax managers can earn well over $120,000.
  • Cost Accounting: Essential for the manufacturing and distribution sectors prevalent in Carrollton. Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) is key.

10-Year Outlook:
The job market will remain stable. Automation is impacting routine bookkeeping, so forward-looking accountants must focus on analysis, advisory, and systems implementation. The rise of remote work means Carrollton accountants can now compete for Dallas-based roles without the commute, expanding opportunities. The long-term outlook is positive for those who adapt, but stagnant for those who don’t.

The Verdict: Is Carrollton Right for You?

Carrollton is a practical, strategic choice for accountants who value a balance of career opportunity and quality of life. It’s not the trendiest city, but it’s a workhorse that delivers on fundamentals.

Pros	Cons
Salary vs. Cost of Living: Your paycheck goes further here than in Dallas or Plano.	Car-Dependent: Public transit (DART) is limited; a car is essential.
Strategic Location: Easy access to major employment centers across DFW.	Less "Prestige": Some may view it as less glamorous than its neighbors.
Stable Job Market: A mix of corporate, public, and industrial employers.	Slower Growth: Less rapid career acceleration than in a startup boomtown.
Good Public Schools (CFBISD): A major draw for those with families.	Traffic: I-35E and US-75 can be bottlenecks during rush hour.

Final Recommendation:
Carrollton is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (3-10 years of experience) who are looking to buy a home or start a family without sacrificing career prospects. It’s less ideal for someone seeking a fast-paced, tech-startup environment or those who rely heavily on public transportation. For the pragmatic accountant who wants a solid career in a stable, affordable community, Carrollton is a top contender.

FAQs

1. Is the salary of $86,932 enough to live comfortably in Carrollton?
Yes. With a $1,291 average rent for a 1BR, a single accountant earning the median salary can live comfortably, save for retirement, and enjoy discretionary spending. The key is budgeting for a car and insurance, as public transit is not a reliable primary option.

2. Do I need my CPA license to get a good job in Carrollton?
Not always, but it is a significant advantage. Many senior and managerial roles explicitly require a CPA. However, you can have a successful career as a staff or senior accountant with a strong background in accounting software (QuickBooks, NetSuite) and specific industry experience without being a CPA. The TSBPA data shows that licensed CPAs in Texas earn a premium.

3. What are the biggest challenges for accountants moving to Carrollton?
The primary challenge is the lack of public transportation. You will need a reliable car. The second is the competitive but specific job market—you need to tailor your resume to the local industries (logistics, tech, energy). Networking through the Dallas Chapter of the TX CPA Society is crucial.

4. How does the job market for entry-level accountants look?
It’s competitive. There are entry-level roles, but they are often in accounts payable/receivable or bookkeeping at smaller firms. To land a coveted staff accountant role at a major employer like PepsiCo or TI, you should have internships on your resume and be proficient in advanced Excel. Consider starting in public accounting at a local firm to gain experience, then pivot to industry.

5. What’s the best way to find a job before moving?
Use LinkedIn and filter for jobs in Carrollton, Farmers Branch, and Addison. Also, check the career pages of the major employers listed above. For public sector roles, go directly to the CFBISD website. Be prepared to interview remotely, but note that many employers still prefer to meet in person for final rounds.