Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Colorado Springs, CO.

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Accountant Career Guide: Colorado Springs, CO

Navigating a career move is about more than just a job offer; it’s about understanding the ecosystem you’re entering. As a local analyst who’s watched Colorado Springs evolve from a quiet military town into a burgeoning tech and business hub, I’ve seen the accounting profession adapt right alongside it. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the local players, and the lifestyle trade-offs you’ll need to weigh.

The Salary Picture: Where Colorado Springs Stands

Let’s get straight to the data. In Colorado Springs, the financial landscape for accountants is stable but not explosive. The median salary for an Accountant here is $85,408 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.06. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, but the context is everything. The cost of living here is lower than many major metros, which often makes the effective purchasing power comparable.

The job market is moderate, with approximately 977 accountant jobs available in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is slower than the national average for the profession. This indicates a mature, stable market rather than a booming one. You’ll find work, but you won’t see the frantic hiring sprees of larger coastal cities.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Colorado Springs typically scale with experience and specialization. While the median is a good benchmark, your starting point and ceiling will vary.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range (CO Springs)
Entry-Level	0-2	$55,000 - $65,000
Mid-Career	3-7	$70,000 - $95,000
Senior	8-15	$90,000 - $120,000
Expert/Manager	15+	$115,000 - $150,000+

Note: Ranges are estimates based on local market trends and the provided median data. Specialized roles (e.g., forensic accounting, IT audit) can command premiums.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities

Colorado Springs is often positioned between the high-cost, high-salary dynamics of Denver and the more affordable, smaller markets of cities like Pueblo or Grand Junction.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index	Key Industries
Denver	~$92,000	~105	Finance, Tech, Corporate HQs
Colorado Springs	$85,408	97.4	Defense, Aerospace, Healthcare, Tourism
Fort Collins	~$83,000	~102	University, Agri-Tech, Manufacturing
Pueblo	~$72,000	~85	Steel, Manufacturing, Regional Healthcare

Insider Tip: While Denver offers a higher nominal salary, the commute and housing costs can erase that advantage. Colorado Springs provides a "sweet spot" for accountants who want city amenities without the relentless pace (and price tag) of the Front Range’s largest city.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary isn’t what you earn; it’s what you keep. Let’s model a monthly budget for an accountant earning the median salary of $85,408.

Assumptions for a Single Filer:

• Gross Pay: $7,117/month ($85,408 / 12)
• Taxes (Fed, State, FICA): ~22-25% (varies by deductions)
• Estimated Net Pay: ~$5,400/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Earner)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$1,408	Average for the metro. See neighborhoods below.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Colorado Springs Utilities is a single provider.
Groceries & Household	$400	Mid-range, no dining out.
Transportation (Car Payment/Insurance/Gas)	$500	Essential; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$300	Varies, but a common estimate.
Student Loans/Debt	$300	Assumes average debt load.
Entertainment & Discretionary	$500	Hiking, breweries, occasional dinners.
Savings & Investments	$1,742	This is the key. With disciplined budgeting, you can save ~25% of your income.

Can they afford to buy a home?
The median home price in Colorado Springs is hovering around $480,000-$500,000. With a $85,408 salary, you’re at the edge of affordability. A 20% down payment ($96,000-$100,000) is a massive hurdle, though not impossible with savings from a previous high-cost city. A conventional mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could run $2,800-$3,200/month, which would be over 50% of your gross pay—a very high and risky ratio. Buying a home on a single median accountant’s salary is challenging without a substantial down payment or dual income.

Where the Jobs Are: Colorado Springs's Major Employers

The job market is anchored by defense, healthcare, and a growing tech sector. Many of these employers are clustered in the north part of the city (around the Briargate and Northgate areas).

1. Lockheed Martin (Aeronautics): The state’s largest private employer. They have a massive presence in Fort Collins and a significant one in Colorado Springs for defense contracts. They hire many accountants for government compliance, contract costing, and financial reporting.
2. TTEC (formerly TeleTech): A global customer experience and technology company headquartered in the Denver Tech Center but with a major operational footprint in Colorado Springs. Their accounting department handles everything from AP/AR to complex financial analytics for global operations.
3. Centura Health & UCHealth: These two hospital systems dominate local healthcare. They are constantly hiring for healthcare-specific accounting (revenue cycle, compliance, grant accounting). UCHealth’s Pikes Peak Regional Hospital is a major employer in the north.
4. City & County of Colorado Springs / El Paso County: Government accounting is a stable sector here. The municipal government and county offices offer roles in public finance, budgeting, and auditing. The work is steady, with good benefits.
5. USAA (Corporate Office): While their main campus is in San Antonio, their Colorado Springs office is a significant hub for financial services, including fraud analysis and member-facing financial roles. Their corporate accounting teams are competitive.
6. Colorado College & University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS): The two main higher education institutions offer positions in institutional accounting, grants management, and student accounts receivable. These roles often come with tuition benefits.
7. Local CPA Firms: The Springs has a robust network of mid-sized firms (e.g., Johnson & Shute, EKS&H, local branches of national firms) that serve the small business and manufacturing sectors. This is a common entry point for new CPAs.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is steady but selective. The defense and aerospace sector values candidates with Secret Clearance eligibility (U.S. citizenship is a must). Healthcare is always in demand due to regulatory complexity. The tech startup scene is small but growing, which could mean future opportunities for accountants with systems implementation experience.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado requires accountants offering public accounting services to be licensed as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). The process is regulated by the Colorado State Board of Accountancy.

Requirements:

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college education, including a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 semester hours of upper-division accounting courses and 24 semester hours of general business courses.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience in accounting, auditing, or tax under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Colorado-specific ethics exam.

Costs (Estimate):

• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state)
• Review Course (e.g., Becker, Roger): $1,500 - $3,000
• Licensing & Application Fees: ~$300 - $500
• Continuing Professional Education (CPE): $150-$300/year
• Total Initial Investment: $3,500 - $5,500 (excluding tuition).

Timeline to Get Started: If you have the 150 hours, you can start the process immediately. The exam itself is an intense 18-month window of study. Finding a qualifying position is the biggest variable; plan for a 12-24 month total timeline from start to full licensure.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live defines your commute and lifestyle. Most corporate jobs are north of downtown, so many accountants live in the northern suburbs.

1. Briargate: The quintessential family-friendly, suburban neighborhood. Clean, safe, with excellent schools (D20). A short 15-20 minute commute to most major employers like Lockheed Martin and medical centers. 1BR Rent: $1,450 - $1,650/month.
2. Northgate: Newer, master-planned community with modern townhomes and condos. Very close to the I-25 corridor, making commutes quick. More walkable amenities than Briargate. 1BR Rent: $1,500 - $1,800/month.
3. Downtown / Old Colorado City: For those who want a more urban, vibrant vibe. Walkable to breweries, restaurants, and the arts district. Commute to northern employers is 20-30 minutes. Parking can be a challenge. 1BR Rent: $1,300 - $1,600/month.
4. Central Westside (Manitou Springs Adjacent): Artsy, unique, with mountain views. A longer commute (30-40 min) to the business hubs, but you’re minutes from hiking trails. 1BR Rent: $1,250 - $1,500/month.
5. Southeast (Powers Corridor): Affordable, with large apartment complexes. Commute times can be longer due to traffic on Powers. Less character, more utilitarian. 1BR Rent: $1,100 - $1,350/month.

Insider Tip: If you can, visit for a weekend and drive the commute from a potential neighborhood to a target employer during rush hour. The I-25 corridor can be a bottleneck, especially near the Garden of the Gods exit.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Colorado Springs is not a high-turnover market. Career growth often comes through specialization and internal promotion rather than frequent job hopping.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Government Contract Accounting (DCAA Compliance): Huge in the defense sector. Can add a 10-15% premium to your base salary.
  • IT Audit & Systems Implementation: As companies modernize, accountants who understand ERP systems (like SAP, Oracle) are in demand.
  • Healthcare Reimbursement: Expertise in Medicare/Medicaid billing is a niche skill with steady demand.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager → Controller/Controller, CPA. Moving into a Controller role at a mid-sized local company (e.g., a construction firm, a manufacturing plant) is a common and lucrative goal. Moving to a Director or VP level often requires experience with larger, multi-entity consolidations.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth rate suggests a gradual expansion. The biggest driver will be the continued presence of the defense sector and the growth of healthcare. The rise of remote work may also allow Colorado Springs-based accountants to work for Denver or national firms without relocating, potentially increasing salary ceilings.

The Verdict: Is Colorado Springs Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living vs. Denver or coastal cities.	Slower Job Growth (4%) means fewer entry-level openings.
Outdoor Access is unparalleled; you can hike after work.	Limited Public Transit; a car is non-negotiable.
Stable Employers in defense and healthcare offer job security.	Salary Ceiling may be lower than in major financial hubs.
Manageable Commute if you choose your neighborhood wisely.	Cultural Scene is smaller than Denver's; fewer networking events.
Friendly, Community-Focused atmosphere.	Home Affordability is a significant challenge on a single median salary.

Final Recommendation:
Colorado Springs is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (5-10 years experience) who value work-life balance, outdoor recreation, and a stable career over rapid, high-stress advancement. It’s ideal for those already licensed or close to licensure, with skills relevant to the local industries (defense, healthcare, government). It’s less ideal for new graduates seeking a dynamic, fast-paced entry-level market, or for those whose primary goal is to maximize salary above all else. If you can land a job with a defense contractor or a major hospital system and are willing to live a bit outside the city center to manage housing costs, the quality of life here is hard to beat.

FAQs

Q: Is a CPA license necessary to get an accounting job here?
A: Not necessarily. Many staff and senior accountant roles in industry (e.g., at Lockheed, in hospitals) don’t require a CPA. However, for roles in public accounting, audit, or to reach Controller/Manager level, the CPA is a major advantage and often a requirement.

Q: How competitive is the job market for accountants?
A: Moderately competitive. With 977 jobs in a metro of 488k, there is supply and demand. However, specialized experience (like DCAA compliance) will make you stand out immediately. Networking through local CPA societies is highly effective.

Q: What’s the commute like?
A: It’s generally reasonable. From northern suburbs (Briargate, Northgate) to the main employer hubs, it’s a 15-25 minute drive. From downtown or the west side, it can be 25-40 minutes. Traffic is nothing like Denver, but I-25 and the Powers corridor have peak-hour slowdowns.

Q: Can I work remotely as an accountant in Colorado Springs?
A: Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many local firms offer hybrid schedules. Furthermore, with the rise of remote work, you could work for a Denver-based firm (or even a national one) while living in Colorado Springs, potentially accessing higher salaries.

Q: What’s the best way to network here?
A: Join the Colorado Springs Chapter of the Colorado Society of CPAs (CSCPA). They host regular events, CPE seminars, and mixers. Also, get involved with local business groups like the Chamber of Commerce or industry-specific associations (e.g., for defense contractors).