Accountant in Dallas, TX

As a career analyst who’s spent years dissecting job markets across Texas, I can tell you that Dallas doesn’t play by the same rules as other Sun Belt boomtowns. It’s a corporate fortress, a logistical hub, and a place where the accounting profession is deeply embedded in the city’s economic engine. If you’re an accountant eyeing a move here, you’re likely looking at a market that’s robust, competitive, and heavily tilted toward corporate and consulting work. Forget the small-town CPA firm; Dallas is about scale.

This isn’t a promotional brochure. It’s a data-driven breakdown of what your life as an accountant looks like in Dallas, from the paycheck to the commute to the long-term career trajectory. We’re using hard numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, and local market data to give you the unvarnished truth.

The Salary Picture: Where Dallas Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area, with a population of 1,302,859, is a massive job market for accountants. The median salary for an accountant here is $86,932/year, or $41.79/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $86,080/year, but that small margin doesn’t tell the whole story. The DFW metro is home to 2,605 accountant jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%. That growth is steady, not explosive, indicating a mature market where demand is consistent but competition is high.

Where you fall in the salary spectrum depends heavily on your experience, industry, and whether you’re in a public accounting firm or a corporate role.

Experience Level	Typical Title	Dallas Salary Range (Est.)	Key Local Industries
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor	$60,000 - $72,000	Startups, non-profits, local firms
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	Senior Accountant, Tax Associate	$75,000 - $95,000	Corporate (Energy, Tech, Healthcare)
Senior (8-15 yrs)	Accounting Manager, Controller	$100,000 - $130,000	Public Accounting (Big 4, National Firms)
Expert (15+ yrs)	Director of Finance, Partner, CFO	$140,000 - $200,000+	Specialized Consulting, Financial Services

Insider Tip: The premium is in specialization and the CPA license. A non-CPA senior accountant might cap at $95,000, while a CPA with audit experience at a Big 4 firm can easily clear $115,000 by the 7-year mark. The 4% job growth is heavily skewed toward roles requiring tech skills (data analytics, ERP systems) and regulatory knowledge (SOX compliance, international tax).

How Dallas Stacks Up Against Other Texas Cities:

• Houston: Slightly higher median salary (often $88,000+) due to the energy sector, but more volatile. Cost of living is comparable.
• Austin: Lower starting salaries for accountants ($65,000-$75,000 for entry-level), but with a fast-growing tech startup scene that can offer equity. Rent is significantly higher.
• San Antonio: Salaries are generally 5-10% lower than Dallas. The market is smaller, dominated by government, healthcare, and military contractors.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. The median salary of $86,932 is a gross figure. To understand your purchasing power, we need to account for taxes and Dallas’s housing costs.

Assumptions for a Single Filer (2024):

• Gross Annual Salary: $86,932
• Federal Tax: ~$12,000 (approx.)
• FICA & State Tax (TX has no state income tax): ~$6,650
• Net Annual Take-Home: ~$68,282
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,690

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Net $5,690):

• Rent (1BR Average): $1,500
• Utilities (Electric, Internet, Water): $200
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $550 (Dallas is a car-dependent city)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): $300
• Retirement Savings (10% of gross): $725
• Discretionary Spending: $2,015

This budget is manageable but tight if you have significant debt or family expenses. The $1,500 average rent for a 1BR apartment is accurate, but it varies wildly by neighborhood (see below).

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
The median home price in the DFW metro is around $425,000. With a 20% down payment ($85,000), a mortgage, taxes, and insurance would cost roughly $2,800/month. On a $86,932 salary, that’s ~48% of your net income—far above the recommended 28-30%. It’s a stretch for a single income earner at the median level. Homeownership becomes more realistic at the senior level ($100,000+) or with a dual-income household.

Cost of Living Context: The Dallas cost of living index is 103.3 (US average = 100). You’re paying a 3.3% premium over the national average, driven largely by housing. It’s not San Francisco, but it’s not cheap either.

Where the Jobs Are: Dallas's Major Employers

Dallas’s accounting job market is dominated by a few key sectors: energy, professional services, healthcare, and logistics. Here’s where the 2,605 jobs are concentrated:

1. Energy & Infrastructure: Companies like ExxonMobil (headquartered in Irving), Energy Transfer Partners, and Baker Hughes have massive finance departments. They need accountants for complex project accounting and international tax. Hiring is steady but cyclical based on oil prices.

2. Professional Services (The Big 4): Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG all have major offices in Dallas, primarily in the Arts District or Legacy West (Plano). They are the largest single employers of new CPAs. The culture is demanding, but the training and exit opportunities are unparalleled. Hiring is consistent, with a major push in fall for new graduates.

3. Healthcare & Insurance: Texas Health Resources, AmerisourceBergen, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas have large accounting teams. This sector is recession-proof and growing. They need accountants for revenue cycle management and compliance.

4. Logistics & Transportation: With DFW Airport and Amazon’s massive presence, companies like American Airlines (corporate HQ in Fort Worth) and Penske Logistics require accountants for asset management and cost accounting.

5. Real Estate & Development: Dallas is in a constant building boom. Firms like Hillwood (the Perot family’s development company) and Lincoln Property Company need accountants for development accounting, a niche but lucrative specialty.

Hiring Trends: There’s a strong pivot toward accountants who are not just number-crunchers but data storytellers. Familiarity with ERP systems (Oracle, SAP, NetSuite) and data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) is often a prerequisite, not a bonus.

Getting Licensed in TX

If you’re moving from another state, your CPA license doesn’t automatically transfer. Texas has its own requirements, managed by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA).

Key Requirements:

1. Education: 150 semester hours, including 30 hours of upper-level accounting and 24 hours of general business.
2. Exam (CPA): Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA in public accounting, industry, government, or academia. The work must be verified and signed off by the supervising CPA.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Texas-specific ethics exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state, but standard).
• TSBPA Application & Licensing Fees: ~$300.
• Ethics Exam: ~$200.
• Review Course (e.g., Becker, Roger): $2,000 - $3,500 (the biggest variable).
• Total Estimated Cost: $4,000 - $5,500.

Timeline: If you start the process upon moving, expect 12-18 months to get licensed. You can work as an “accountant” without a CPA, but your ceiling is much lower. The Big 4 and most corporations require the CPA for senior roles.

Insider Tip: If you’re transferring an existing CPA license from another state, Texas has a reciprocity agreement (if your original state is also part of the Uniform Accountancy Act). The process is smoother but still requires application and a background check. Start the paperwork with the TSBPA before you move.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Your commute and lifestyle will define your experience in Dallas. The city is a sprawl, and where you live matters. Here are four neighborhoods that offer a good balance for professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
Uptown	Urban, walkable, social. 10-15 mins to downtown offices.	$2,000 - $2,500	Young professionals who want nightlife and a short commute.
North Dallas / Preston Hollow	Quiet, affluent, family-oriented. 20-25 mins to downtown.	$1,700 - $2,200	Established professionals seeking space and good schools.
The Design District	Trendy, industrial-chic, near the Dallas Arts District.	$1,800 - $2,300	Creative accountants in consulting or design-adjacent firms.
Lake Highlands	Suburban, affordable, good community feel. 25-35 mins to downtown.	$1,400 - $1,700	Budget-conscious professionals, especially if working in Irving or Plano.
Oak Lawn	Historic, central, diverse. 10-20 mins to most offices.	$1,600 - $2,000	Those who want central location without Uptown prices.

Note: If you work in Plano for a tech or energy company, your best commute is to live in the Plano/Frisco corridor. Rent is comparable to North Dallas, but you’ll be closer to the office.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% job growth is deceptive. Within that, there are high-growth niches. In Dallas, the path from Staff Accountant to Controller or Partner is well-trodden but competitive.

Specialty Premiums (Estimated Salary Boosts):

• CPA License: +15-25% over non-CPA equivalents.
• Forensic Accounting/CFF: +20-30%. Dallas has a strong demand for fraud investigation due to its corporate headquarters density.
• International Tax (especially for energy firms): +25-35%. This is a high-demand, low-supply field.
• IT Audit/SOX Compliance: +15-20%. As public companies grow, so does regulatory burden.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting Track: Staff → Senior → Manager → Senior Manager → Partner/Director. The “up or out” pressure is real, but it’s the fastest route to a six-figure salary.
2. Corporate Track: Staff Accountant → Senior → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. This path is more stable but can be slower. The jump from Manager to Controller is the biggest hurdle.
3. Consulting/Advisory: This is where the growth is. Accountants with tech skills can move into ERP implementation or forensic consulting, often at firms like FTI Consulting or AlixPartners, which have large Dallas offices.

10-Year Outlook: The outlook is solid. Dallas’s economy is diversified and continues to attract corporate relocations (Toyota, JPMorgan Chase, McKesson). The risk is automation of basic bookkeeping tasks. Accountants who focus on analysis, strategy, and advisory services will thrive. The $86,932 median will likely creep up, but the real opportunity is in the top tier, where salaries can exceed $150,000 with the right specialization.

The Verdict: Is Dallas Right for You?

Dallas offers a compelling package for accountants, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s the straight talk.

Pros	Cons
Strong, Diverse Job Market. With 2,605 jobs and major employers across industries, you’re not tied to one sector.	Car Dependency. You will need a reliable car. Public transit is limited, and commutes can be long.
No State Income Tax. This effectively boosts your take-home pay by 5-10% compared to states with income tax.	Competitive Housing Market. While rent is manageable, the home-buying market is tough for single-income professionals at the median salary.
Hub for Specialization. Unmatched opportunities in energy tax, international accounting, and corporate finance.	High-Pressure Culture. The Big 4 and corporate giants expect long hours, especially during quarter-end and year-end.
Networking Scene. The Dallas chapter of the TSCPA is incredibly active. It’s easy to meet people and find mentors.	Summers are Brutal. From June to September, the heat and humidity are a real factor in your quality of life.

Final Recommendation:
Dallas is an excellent choice for ambitious, CPA-licensed accountants who want to work in a fast-paced, corporate environment and are open to specialization. If you’re early in your career and willing to put in the hours at a Big 4 firm, you can build a powerful resume. If you’re mid-career and seeking a move into management, the corporate sector here offers clear paths. However, if you prefer a slower pace, a walkable lifestyle, and a tight-knit community feel, you might find Dallas’s sprawl and corporate focus draining. For the accountant with a plan, Dallas pays well and offers a clear ladder to climb.

FAQs

1. I’m not a CPA. Can I still get a good job in Dallas?
Yes, but your ceiling is lower. You can work as a staff or senior accountant in industry or at smaller firms. Major corporations and the Big 4, however, will likely require a CPA for any role beyond entry-level. Consider pursuing the license—it’s the single best investment for your career in this market.

2. How competitive is the job market for entry-level accountants?
It’s competitive, but not impenetrable. The key is internships and networking. The TSCPA hosts student events, and many firms recruit directly from local universities like UT Dallas and SMU. Apply early and often. The 2,605 jobs include many that are not publicly listed.

3. Is the cost of living really as high as they say?
It’s high for Texas, but moderate nationally. The 103.3 index reflects a 3.3% premium over the US average. The biggest bite is housing. If you can find a roommate or live in a neighborhood like Lake Highlands, you can keep your rent closer to $1,200, which makes a huge difference.

4. What’s the best way to network as a transplant?
Join the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs (TSCPA) immediately. They have monthly luncheons, young professional groups, and specialty sections. Also, attend events at the Dallas Regional Chamber. LinkedIn is powerful here, but face-to-face connections at these organizations are gold.

5. How long should I expect my commute to be?
In Dallas, a 20-minute commute is considered “good.” If you work downtown and live in Uptown, you’re looking at 10-15 minutes. If you work in Plano and live in Lake Highlands, budget 30-40 minutes. Traffic is real, especially on I-35, I-30, and US-75. Always test your commute during rush hour before signing a lease.