Accountant in Denver, CO

As a career analyst who’s called Denver home for over a decade, I’ve watched the accounting profession here evolve from a stable, traditional field into one heavily influenced by tech startups, cannabis, and renewable energy. Denver isn't just a place to crunch numbers; it's a market where understanding local tax quirks and industry-specific regulations can make or break your career. This guide is a no-fluff, data-driven look at what it really takes to build a life as an accountant in the Mile High City.

The Salary Picture: Where Denver Stands

Denver’s accounting market is robust, sitting comfortably above the national average. The median salary for accountants here is $87,500/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $42.07. For context, the national average is $86,080/year. While the difference seems modest, Denver's higher cost of living (105.5 vs. the US average of 100) chips away at that advantage. However, the 10-year job growth of 4% and 1,433 active jobs in the metro area signal a stable, if not explosive, market.

Experience heavily dictates your earning potential. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Denver Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor	$60,000 - $72,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic compliance, assisting with audits.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	Senior Accountant, Tax Associate	$75,000 - $95,000	Managing client accounts, preparing complex tax returns, supervising junior staff, internal audits.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	Accounting Manager, Senior Tax Manager	$96,000 - $125,000	Departmental oversight, strategic tax planning, financial reporting, managing client relationships.
Expert (15+ yrs)	Controller, CFO, Partner (Public)	$130,000 - $200,000+	Full financial leadership, M&A advisory, executive-level strategy, firm partnership.

Insider Tip: Salaries in the public accounting sector (Big Four and regional firms) often start lower but have a steeper growth trajectory, especially for those who make partner. Industry roles (e.g., in tech or healthcare) may offer higher starting salaries and better work-life balance but can plateau earlier.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities:

• Boulder: Salaries are often 5-10% higher due to a tighter labor market and a high concentration of tech firms, but rent is significantly steeper.
• Colorado Springs: Salaries trend about 5-8% lower than Denver, with a lower cost of living, making it attractive for families.
• Fort Collins: Similar to Springs, with a strong focus on agribusiness and university-related accounting.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. On an $87,500 salary, your monthly take-home pay after federal, state (Colorado has a flat 4.4% income tax), and FICA taxes will be approximately $5,500 - $5,800, depending on your withholdings and benefits.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Accountant, $87,500/year)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Income (Post-Tax)	$5,650	Midpoint of take-home estimate.
Rent (1-Bedroom)	$1,835	Citywide average. Could be lower or higher based on neighborhood.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$250	Varies by season; winters can spike heating costs.
Groceries	$400	Denver's food scene is great, but groceries are ~10% above national avg.
Transportation	$350	Insider Tip: A public transit pass (RTD) is $114/month. If you own a car, insurance is expensive due to hail risk.
Health Insurance (Employee Share)	$400	Varies widely by employer.
Student Loans/Other Debt	$400	Adjust based on your personal situation.
Savings/Retirement (401k)	$500	Critical: Not contributing to a 401(k) is a major mistake. Many Denver firms offer 4-6% matches.
Entertainment/Discretionary	$1,015	Leftover for dining out, Rockies games, skiing, etc.
Total Expenses	$5,150
Remaining Buffer	$500

Can they afford to buy a home?
It's challenging but not impossible. The median home price in Denver Metro is over $600,000. With a 20% down payment ($120,000), a monthly mortgage (including taxes/insurance) would be around $3,200-$3,500. This would consume over 55% of your post-tax income on a single salary, which is unsustainable. Buying a home typically requires:

1. Dual-income households.
2. Living further out (e.g., Aurora, Lakewood, Westminster) where prices are lower.
3. Saving aggressively for 5-7 years for a down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Denver's Major Employers

Denver's job market is diverse, moving beyond traditional corporate roles. The 1,433 open jobs are spread across several key sectors.

1. Public Accounting (Big Four & Regionals):

   • Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG: All have significant downtown Denver offices. They are the primary feeder for high-profile corporate roles. Hiring is cyclical, peaking in late summer/fall for new graduates.
   • Local/Regional Firms (e.g., Eide Bailly, Anton Collins Mitchell): Often better for work-life balance and deeper community ties. They are heavily involved in the local construction, real estate, and non-profit sectors.

2. Major Local Employers (Industry Roles):

   • UCHealth & Centura Health: Denver's massive healthcare sector needs accountants for revenue cycle management, grant accounting, and compliance. Stable, with excellent benefits.
   • Lockheed Martin (Aerospace/Defense): Located in the southern suburbs. Requires security clearances and offers complex cost-accounting roles. Very stable, high-paying.
   • Vail Resorts & the Ski Industry: Based in Broomfield, this is a major seasonal and corporate employer. Roles in corporate accounting, financial planning, and resort-level reporting.
   • DCP Midstream & other Energy Companies: Denver is an energy hub. These roles often involve specialized knowledge of partnership accounting and commodity transactions.
   • Colorado State Government: The State Controller’s Office and various departments offer stable government jobs with great pensions. The pay is lower, but the benefits are unparalleled.

3. Tech & Startups:

   • ZoomInfo, Guild Education, SendGrid (Twilio): Denver's tech scene is booming. These companies need accountants who understand SaaS revenue recognition (ASC 606) and can scale processes quickly. Salaries are competitive, often with equity.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest for accountants with 3-5 years of experience who can hit the ground running. Specialized skills in tax (especially for cannabis and renewable energy), forensic accounting, and data analytics (Excel, Tableau, SQL) are significant differentiators.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

To practice as a CPA in Colorado, you must follow the state's specific requirements, managed by the Colorado Board of Accountancy.

1. Education: You must have 150 semester hours of education, including a bachelor's degree and 30 hours of upper-level accounting courses. Most candidates complete a Master's in Accounting (MAcc) or MBA with an accounting focus to meet this.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). Colorado allows you to sit for the exam with 120 hours, but you cannot be licensed until you have 150.
3. Experience: You need one year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Timeline to Get Started:

• 0-6 Months: Evaluate your education. If you're short on hours, enroll in a program.
• 6-12 Months: Begin studying for the CPA exam. Many use Becker or Roger CPA Review. Budget $2,000-$3,000 for review courses and exam fees.
• 12-24 Months: While working and studying, fulfill your experience requirement. Once you have 150 hours, submit your license application.
• Cost: Expect to spend $3,000-$5,000 total on education (if needed), exam fees, and review courses. Insider Tip: Many Denver employers will reimburse exam and review course costs if you pass.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Your commute and lifestyle will be heavily defined by where you live. Denver is a sprawling metro.

Neighborhood	Commute to Downtown	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent
Capitol Hill / Cheesman Park	10-15 min (walk/bike)	Historic, walkable, dense with restaurants, bars, and parks. Young professional vibe.	$1,900 - $2,100
Highlands / LoHi	15-20 min (bike/car)	Trendy, scenic views of downtown, great food scene. More expensive, popular with tech crowd.	$2,000 - $2,300
Wash Park / Cherry Creek	15-20 min (car/bike)	Family-friendly, affluent, close to top-rated parks and upscale shopping. Quieter.	$1,800 - $2,000
RiNo (River North)	10-15 min (bike/Uber)	Industrial-turned-arts district. Lofts, breweries, and a younger, creative energy.	$1,850 - $2,150
Wheat Ridge / Lakewood (West)	25-40 min (car)	Suburban, more affordable. Larger apartments, easier parking. Good for those who prefer space.	$1,400 - $1,650

Insider Tip: If you work downtown, living near an RTD light rail station (like in Englewood or Littleton) can be a game-changer for your commute and budget.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Denver offers solid advancement paths. The 10-year job growth of 4% indicates stability, not rapid expansion, so strategic moves are key.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Cannabis Accounting: A unique Colorado niche. Professionals with expertise in IRC 280E and state-specific regulations can command a 10-15% salary premium.
  • Forensic Accounting: The Denver metro has a strong federal presence (FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation). Experience here is gold for transitioning to private forensic firms.
  • FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis): Moving from traditional accounting to FP&A, especially in tech or renewable energy, opens doors to higher salaries and executive tracks.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Public Accounting: Staff → Senior → Manager → Senior Manager → Partner/Director. The partner track is lucrative but demanding (60+ hour weeks during busy season).
  2. Industry: Staff Accountant → Senior → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. The Controller role is a common and well-paid ceiling for many.
  3. Government: Entry → Senior → Supervisor/Manager. Offers unparalleled job security and pension, with slower salary growth.

10-Year Outlook: The profession will increasingly demand technological fluency. Accountants who can automate processes, analyze data, and provide strategic insights (beyond just bookkeeping) will thrive. Denver's focus on sustainability and tech will create new niches in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting.

The Verdict: Is Denver Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, Diverse Job Market: 1,433 jobs and growth across multiple sectors.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are steep relative to the median salary.
Above-Average Salaries: $87,500 median is competitive nationally.	Traffic & Commutes: The metro is sprawling; a bad commute can ruin your day.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Unparalleled access to hiking, skiing, and biking.	"Chamber of Commerce" Winters: Winter is real—snow, ice, and gray skies for months.
Vibrant City Culture: Great food, sports, arts, and a progressive, young vibe.	Competitive Housing Market: Finding an affordable apartment is a challenge.
Stable Growth: 4% job growth and a resilient economy.	Saturation in Entry-Level: The market is competitive for new graduates; experience is valued.

Final Recommendation:
Denver is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (3-10 years of experience) who are seeking a balance between career advancement and an active, engaged lifestyle. The $87,500 salary offers a comfortable life if you budget wisely, prioritize roommates or suburban living, and leverage employer benefits like 401(k) matches.

It is less ideal for entry-level professionals without a support system, as the initial financial squeeze is real. For those willing to specialize in high-demand niches like cannabis, tech, or forensic accounting, Denver offers a rewarding long-term career path in a city that values both professional success and quality of life.

FAQs

1. How does the 4.4% state income tax impact take-home pay?
It's a flat tax, so everyone pays the same rate. On an $87,500 salary, it's about $3,850/year or $321/month. It's a tangible hit but manageable compared to states with progressive tax systems.

2. Is it worth getting a Master's degree in Denver?
Yes, if you need the 150-hour requirement for the CPA. The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) and the University of Denver (DU) have respected programs. The investment ($20k-$40k) is often offset by starting salaries that are $10k-$15k higher than for those without a MAcc.

3. What's the public transit like for a downtown accountant?
The RTD system is decent, especially the light rail (L and D lines) and the Free MallRide bus. However, service to suburbs is limited after 7 PM and on weekends. Many downtown accountants live downtown or in RiNo and bike/walk. If you live in the suburbs, a car is still essential.

4. Can I work remotely for a company outside Colorado?
Yes, and many do. However, be aware of tax implications. You are responsible for Colorado state income tax regardless of where your employer is based. Some companies are hesitant to hire in states with complex tax laws, but this is becoming less common.

5. What's the "busy season" like for Denver accountants?
Public accounting follows the national calendar—tax season (Jan-Apr) is brutal, often with 60+ hour weeks. Industry roles are more predictable, though month-end and year-end closes are busy. Insider Tip: If you value work-life balance, seek roles in government or established mid-sized companies rather than Big Four firms.