Accountant in Edmond, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Edmond Stands

Edmond’s accounting scene is a unique blend of suburban stability and proximity to the larger Oklahoma City metro, but the compensation reflects a lower cost of living. The median salary for an Accountant here is $83,755/year, translating to an hourly rate of $40.27/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, the local economy’s affordability more than makes up for the difference. The metro area, which includes Edmond and Oklahoma City, supports 196 accountant jobs, with a modest 10-year job growth projection of 4%.

To understand where you might fit in, here’s a breakdown of salary by experience level, based on local market data and BLS adjustments for the region.

Experience Level	Typical Title	Annual Salary Range (Edmond)
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Staff Accountant, Bookkeeper	$52,000 - $65,000
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager	$70,000 - $95,000
Senior (8-15 yrs)	Controller, Tax Manager	$90,000 - $120,000
Expert (15+ yrs)	VP of Finance, Partner (CPA Firm)	$120,000 - $160,000+

Compared to other Oklahoma cities, Edmond holds a strong middle ground. The Oklahoma City metro has more high-end opportunities but also more competition. Tulsa’s market leans more towards energy sector accounting and can offer higher premiums for specialized roles, but the living costs in Tulsa’s core are rising. Lawton and other smaller cities have lower salaries but also significantly fewer opportunities. Edmond is ideal for accountants seeking a stable, mid-sized market without the cutthroat competition of a major financial hub.

Insider Tip: The salary bands tighten in Edmond. There’s a clear ceiling for corporate controllers in the non-energy sector. If you’re aiming for $120,000+ without being a partner, you’ll often need to specialize in healthcare, energy, or public accounting for a larger regional firm.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground the $83,755 median salary in reality. Oklahoma has a progressive income tax, ranging from 0.5% to 4.75%. For a single filer with no dependents, federal and state taxes (including FICA) will take roughly 22-25% of your gross pay, leaving you with an estimated net monthly income of ~$5,200. This assumes standard deductions.

With a $773/month average 1BR rent, the numbers are extremely favorable. Let’s break down a monthly budget for an accountant earning the median salary.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Net Income
Net Income (After Tax)	$5,200	100%
Housing (1BR)	$773	15%
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$150	3%
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	10%
Groceries & Household	$400	8%
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$300	6%
Retirement Savings (401k - 6%)	$419	8%
Discretionary / Entertainment	$600	12%
Total Expenses	$3,142	60%
Remaining / Savings	$2,058	40%

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a remaining $2,000+ monthly surplus, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in Edmond is approximately $275,000. A 20% down payment is $55,000, which could be saved in 2-3 years with disciplined budgeting. A mortgage on a $275,000 home (with 10% down) would be around $1,400/month (including taxes and insurance), which is still very manageable on a $5,200 net monthly income. Edmond’s property taxes are moderate, and homeowners insurance is reasonable due to low flood risk.

The Where the Jobs Are: Edmond's Major Employers

Edmond’s job market for accountants is stable, with a strong emphasis on healthcare, education, and local business services. Unlike major metros, the large corporate headquarters are few, but the opportunities are plentiful and often come with better work-life balance.

1. Mercy Health System: One of the largest employers in the state. Mercy has a significant presence in Edmond, with multiple clinics and the Edmond Surgery Center. They hire accountants for revenue cycle management, general ledger, and financial reporting. Hiring Trend: Steady demand due to ongoing expansion in outpatient services.
2. University of Central Oklahoma (UCO): A major public university in the heart of Edmond. UCO’s business office and foundation employ staff accountants, grant accountants, and auditors. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with openings often tied to the academic calendar (summer/fall).
3. Edmond Public Schools: The district is one of the largest in Oklahoma. They have a dedicated accounting department for budgeting, payroll, and procurement. Hiring Trend: Stable, with attrition-driven openings. Great for those seeking government benefits and summers off.
4. Inasmuch Foundation: A significant private philanthropic foundation based in Edmond. While not a traditional accounting firm, they employ financial professionals to manage a large endowment, grants, and investments. Hiring Trend: Niche but high-quality roles that don’t open often.
5. Local CPA Firms (Rogers & Associates, Eide Bailly, etc.): Several regional and local firms serve Edmond’s small business community. These are the primary paths for public accounting, tax, and audit experience. Hiring Trend: Strong demand, especially for tax season (Jan-Apr) and for those with CPA aspirations.
6. State Government (OKC Metro): Many accountants in Edmond commute to Oklahoma City for state agencies (like the Oklahoma Tax Commission or Office of Management and Enterprise Services). Hiring Trend: Steady, with good benefits and job security.

Getting Licensed in Oklahoma

To practice as a CPA in Oklahoma, you must meet specific requirements set by the Oklahoma Accountancy Board.

Requirements:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree (120 semester hours) with a concentration in accounting. To sit for the exam, you need 24 hours of upper-level accounting and 24 hours of general business courses. For licensure, you need 30 additional hours (150 total), which can include graduate coursework or other business credits.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
• Experience: One year (1,200 hours) of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
• Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,200 total for all four sections (appl. to NASBA).
• Review Course: $1,500 - $3,000 (e.g., Becker, Roger, Wiley).
• Licensing Fee: $150 initially, plus annual renewal fees ($150).
• Total Estimated Upfront Cost: $2,850 - $4,350 (excluding education costs).
• Timeline: If you already have the required 150 hours, the process can take 12-18 months (studying for and passing the exam, plus finding a job for the experience requirement). If you need additional credits, add 6-12 months.

Insider Tip: Many Edmond accounting firms offer tuition reimbursement for the extra 30 hours needed for the 150-credit requirement. It’s a key question to ask during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Edmond is a sprawling suburb with distinct neighborhoods, each offering a different lifestyle for a commuting professional.

1. Downtown Edmond: The historic heart of the city. Charming brick streets, the UCO campus, and local cafes. Offers walkability and a vibrant, professional vibe. Best for single accountants or young couples. Avg 1BR Rent: $850 - $1,100/month.
2. North Edmond (N. Broadway to Coffee Creek): Newer developments, excellent public schools (Edmond North High), and spacious homes. Commutes to central Edmond or OKC are easy via I-35 or Broadway. Ideal for families. Avg 1BR Rent: $750 - $950/month.
3. South Edmond (near I-35 & 33rd St): More affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes. Quick access to I-35 for commutes to Oklahoma City or downtown Edmond. Great for budget-conscious professionals. Avg 1BR Rent: $650 - $850/month.
4. The Triangle (East of I-35): A rapidly growing area with new townhomes and apartments. Close to shopping (Whole Foods, Costco) and the new Mercy Hospital expansion. Modern living, slightly higher cost. Avg 1BR Rent: $900 - $1,200/month.
5. Kickingbird Area: Established neighborhood with mature trees, mid-century homes, and a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere. A bit farther from the core but very stable. Avg 1BR Rent: $700 - $900/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While Edmond isn’t a hotbed for explosive salary growth, it offers a sustainable career path.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Tax (CPA): The highest premium. Senior tax managers in local firms can reach $110,000 - $130,000.
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle: In high demand at Mercy and other clinics. Senior roles can hit $95,000 - $115,000.
  • Government/Non-Profit: Lower ceiling but exceptional job security and benefits. A controller at a school district might cap at $90,000 - $100,000.
  • General Corporate Accounting: The most common path. Growth is tied to moving into management (Accounting Manager, Controller). Top out around $100,000 - $120,000 in most local companies.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Public Accounting: Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager → Partner (at a local firm). This is the path to the highest earnings in Edmond.
  • Industry (Healthcare/Education): Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller. Requires strong internal networking.
  • Government: Specialist → Supervisor → Department Manager. Slow but steady.

• 10-Year Outlook: With only 4% job growth projected, competition for senior roles will remain steady. The key to advancement is specialization. The Accountant who combines a CPA with expertise in healthcare finance or non-profit auditing will be the most valuable. The trend is toward more strategic, analytical roles rather than just bookkeeping. Continuous learning in software (like advanced Excel, SQL, or ERP systems) is critical.

The Verdict: Is Edmond Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living. Your paycheck goes far.	Limited high-end corporate opportunities. Ceiling is lower than in major metros.
Excellent work-life balance. 9-to-5 culture is the norm.	Job growth is slow (4%). Fewer openings mean less frequent job-hopping.
Safe, family-friendly environment. Top-rated schools.	Can feel culturally homogeneous. Less diversity than larger cities.
Easy commute. From anywhere in Edmond to work is 10-20 mins.	Social scene is quieter. Fewer networking events for young professionals.
Stable employer base. Healthcare and education are recession-resistant.	Requires a long-term commitment. Advancement is often internal.

Final Recommendation: Edmond is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize quality of life, affordability, and stability over rapid salary climbing. It’s ideal for:

• Early-career accountants who can save aggressively to buy a home.
• CPAs specializing in tax or healthcare who want a predictable, low-stress practice.
• Accountants with families looking for a safe, top-tier public school system.
• Those seeking a balanced lifestyle where work doesn’t dominate your identity.

It’s not ideal for:

• Accountants seeking the highest possible salary in the shortest time.
• Those who thrive on the fast pace and diversity of a major financial center.
• Specialists in highly niche fields (e.g., investment banking, M&A) that don’t exist locally.

FAQs

Q: What’s the biggest misconception about being an accountant in Edmond?
A: That you’ll be stuck doing bookkeeping forever. While entry-level is foundational, the market has a real need for strategic financial analysts and controllers, especially in healthcare and education. You just need to target the right employers.

Q: Do I need to live in Edmond to work there?
A: Not at all. Many accountants live in northern Oklahoma City (like the Quail Springs area) or even Yukon and commute. The traffic on I-35 north is manageable. However, living in Edmond saves you time and gives you access to the local school system.

Q: How competitive is the job market for a CPA with 5 years of experience?
A: Moderately competitive. The pool is smaller than in OKC, so you’re a bigger fish. Your application will get noticed, especially if you have healthcare or non-profit experience. Networking with the local chapter of the Oklahoma Society of CPAs is key.

Q: Is the cost of living really that low?
A: Yes. A $773 average rent for a 1BR is accurate. You can find decent apartments for $650. Your biggest expense will be a car, as public transit is limited. But compared to the national average, your wallet feels significantly heavier here.

Q: What’s the best way to find an accounting job in Edmond?
A: Online job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn) are a start, but local firms and employers often post on the Oklahoma Society of CPAs (OSCPA) job board. Also, connect with recruiters who specialize in the OKC metro. Direct applications to the major employers listed above (Mercy, UCO, Edmond Public Schools) is also highly effective.