Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Evansville, Indiana.

The Accountant’s Guide to Evansville, Indiana

As a career analyst who has watched the Evansville economy for years, I can tell you this city is a hidden gem for accounting professionals. You won't find the frenetic pace of Chicago or Indianapolis here, but you will find a stable job market, a surprisingly low cost of living, and a community that values long-term stability. Evansville isn't trying to be a tech hub; it’s a manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics center that needs solid financial oversight. For an accountant, that’s a recipe for a sustainable, well-compensated career. Let’s dig into the numbers and the neighborhoods.

The Salary Picture: Where Evansville Stands

The first thing you need to know is that while Evansville's salaries trail the national average, the cost of living more than makes up for it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for accountants in Evansville is $83,445/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.12/hour. For context, the national average for accountants is $86,080/year. You’re looking at a 3% deficit in raw pay, but Evansville’s cost of living index is just 89.8 (US avg = 100). That means your dollar stretches roughly 10% further here than it does nationally.

The Evansville metro area supports 226 accountant jobs, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates stability. This is a market that doesn't boom or bust dramatically; it chugs along, offering consistent opportunities for those who are credentialed and reliable.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Evansville are heavily tied to certification (CPA) and specific industry experience. Here’s how the numbers typically shake out:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, assisting with month-end close, data entry.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$70,000 - $90,000	Full-cycle accounting, financial statement prep, tax preparation, supervising junior staff.
Senior-Level (8+ years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Managing accounting teams, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, complex tax strategy.
Expert/Controller (10+ years, CPA)	$120,000+	CFO-level oversight, strategic planning, mergers & acquisitions, board reporting.

Comparison to Other Indiana Cities

Evansville sits in a unique middle ground. It’s more affordable than the state's major hubs but offers better pay than the more rural areas.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living (Index)	Job Market Vibe
Evansville	$83,445	89.8	Stable, Industrial/Healthcare
Indianapolis	$88,000	94.5	Fast-paced, Diverse, Corporate
Fort Wayne	$81,000	88.2	Manufacturing, Mid-sized
Bloomington	$79,000	98.0	Education (IU), Tourism

Insider Tip: If you are a CPA with manufacturing or healthcare experience, you can often command a salary at the top of the Evansville range, sometimes even exceeding the local median, because those industries are the backbone of the region.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be practical. A salary of $83,445 looks good on paper, but what does life actually feel like in Evansville? Using a standard tax estimator (federal + state + FICA) for a single filer, your monthly take-home pay would be approximately $5,050. Evansville’s average 1BR rent is $850/month, but that’s a city-wide average. We’ll break down specific neighborhoods later.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a mid-career accountant earning the median salary:

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Net Income: ~$5,050)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apt)	$900	Slightly above average for a modern unit in a prime area.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$180	Winters can be cold; budget for heating.
Groceries	$400	Competitive pricing. Aldi and Walmart are staples.
Car Payment/Insurance	$550	Evansville is car-dependent; insurance is moderate.
Gas/Transport	$200	Short commutes keep this low (most drives are 15-20 mins).
Health Insurance	$350	Employer-sponsored plans vary.
Dining/Entertainment	$300	Plenty of local breweries and affordable eateries.
Savings/401k	$1,170	This is the key advantage—you can save aggressively here.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in the Evansville metro is around $210,000. With a 20% down payment ($42,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would result in a monthly payment (including taxes/insurance) of roughly $1,300 - $1,400. For an accountant earning $83,445, housing costs would be roughly 25% of gross income—a very healthy ratio. Many accountants I know here own detached homes in safe suburbs within 5 years of moving.

Where the Jobs Are: Evansville's Major Employers

Evansville’s economy is anchored by five major sectors. Accounting jobs are concentrated in these areas.

1. Deaconess Health System: The region's largest employer. They hire accountants for revenue cycle management, grant accounting, and operational finance. Hiring is steady due to the aging population and expansion into Newburgh.
2. Ascension St. Vincent: The other major hospital system. Similar roles to Deaconess, with a focus on tight cost controls in a non-profit setting.
3. Berry Global: A Fortune 500 packaging manufacturer headquartered in Evansville. They have a massive corporate finance team here. This is a prime spot for cost accountants, internal auditors, and financial analysts. They value CPA certifications highly.
4. Escalade Sports: A manufacturer of sports equipment (basketball goals, archery). A mid-sized firm that offers a more "family business" feel but with corporate accounting needs.
5. Old National Bank: Headquartered in Evansville, this is the region's dominant financial institution. They hire accountants for internal audit, loan servicing accounting, and branch financial management.
6. Koch Enterprises: A diversified industrial holding company with various subsidiaries. They often hire controllers and senior accountants to oversee their portfolio of businesses.
7. University of Evansville & University of Southern Indiana: Both universities offer staff accountant positions, typically in the bursar or finance offices. These jobs are highly coveted for their stability and benefits.

Hiring Trends: There is a noticeable demand for accountants who are comfortable with ERP systems (specifically SAP and Oracle, common in manufacturing) and those with healthcare revenue cycle experience. The "hybrid" accounting role—combining financial reporting with data analysis—is becoming standard.

Getting Licensed in IN

Indiana’s requirements are straightforward but strict. If you plan to reach the senior or controller level, a CPA license is non-negotiable in Evansville.

Requirements:

• Education: 150 semester hours of college credit (usually a Bachelor’s + 30 credits). A Master’s in Accounting or an MBA is common.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
• Experience: 1 year of experience (1,800 hours) under the supervision of a licensed CPA is required.
• Ethics: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state).
• Review Course (Becker, Roger, etc.): $2,000 - $3,500.
• Application/License Fees: ~$300.

Timeline: From starting your education to holding a license, expect 4-6 years. If you already have the 150 credits, you can sit for the exam and complete the experience requirement in about 12-18 months.

State Board: The Indiana Board of Accountancy (ICPA) regulates this. You can find all forms at in.gov/dor.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Evansville is geographically divided by the Ohio River, but the professional core is on the North side. Commute times are short regardless of where you live.

1. North Side (Deaconess/University Area):

   • Vibe: The professional and academic hub. Close to Deaconess Hospital, the University of Evansville, and the business district along Lloyd Expressway.
   • Rent: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most corporate offices.
   • Best For: Younger professionals who want to be near restaurants and parks (Garvin Park).

2. Eastside (The "East": Newburgh/Haubstadt):

   • Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented. Newburgh is a historic town just east of Evansville with a small-town feel but is part of the metro area.
   • Rent: $850 - $1,100/month.
   • Commute: 20-25 minutes to downtown Evansville.
   • Best For: Accountants working at Berry Global or Deaconess (Newburgh campus) who want a quieter lifestyle.

3. Westside (St. Joseph/Midtown):

   • Vibe: Older, established neighborhoods with larger homes and mature trees. Closer to Ascension St. Vincent hospital.
   • Rent: $750 - $950/month (more housing options for the price).
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes.
   • Best For: Those looking for more space and character, willing to do a bit of renovation.

4. Downtown Evansville:

   • Vibe: Revitalizing urban core. Loft apartments, riverfront views, and walkable nightlife.
   • Rent: $1,000 - $1,500/month (luxury lofts).
   • Commute: Walk or bike to many offices.
   • Best For: The urban professional who wants to be in the heart of the action and doesn't mind higher rent for amenities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Evansville, career growth isn't about jumping companies every two years; it's about depth and specialization.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA Certification: Adds roughly $10,000 - $15,000 to your base salary immediately.
• Manufacturing/Cost Accounting: High demand due to Berry Global and related industries. Premium of 5-10% over general ledger roles.
• Healthcare Revenue Cycle: Complex and specialized. Premium of 5-8%.

Advancement Paths:
The most common path is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller. In Evansville, the "Controller" role is the ceiling at many mid-sized firms, paying $110k - $130k. To go higher (CFO), you typically need to work for a larger corporation (like Berry Global) or a regional healthcare system.

10-Year Outlook:
With a 4% growth rate, the market isn't going to explode, but it won't dry up. The trend is toward automation of basic bookkeeping, meaning the value is shifting toward analysis, forecasting, and strategic planning. Accountants who can interpret data and advise management will thrive. The aging workforce in Evansville also means retirement openings are steady—a "silver tsunami" is coming to the accounting offices here.

The Verdict: Is Evansville Right for You?

Evansville is a pragmatic choice. It’s not glamorous, but it’s financially sensible and offers a high quality of life for those who prioritize stability over excitement.

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary buys a comfortable life and home ownership.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: Fewer concerts, museums, and dining options.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by healthcare and manufacturing.	Slower Pace: Can feel stagnant if you crave constant change.
Short Commutes: Average drive is under 20 minutes.	Car Dependent: Public transit is limited; you need a reliable vehicle.
Friendly Community: Easy to integrate and build a network.	Demographic Challenge: Younger professionals sometimes leave for larger cities.

Final Recommendation:
Evansville is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (3-10 years experience) and CPAs looking to maximize their standard of living. It is ideal for those who want to buy a home, start a family, and build savings without the financial stress of coastal or major metro areas. It is less ideal for recent graduates seeking a fast-paced, high-visibility career start, as the networking pool is smaller.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car to live in Evansville?
A: Yes. The city is spread out, and public transportation (METS) is limited to basic bus routes. Most accountants drive to work, and a reliable car is essential.

Q: How competitive is the job market for non-CPAs?
A: It’s competitive for entry-level roles, but experienced bookkeepers and staff accountants are still in demand, especially in healthcare and small businesses. However, the ceiling is much lower without a CPA license.

Q: What’s the networking scene like for accountants?
A: The Evansville Chapter of the ICPA (Indiana CPA Society) is active. Attending their meetings is the best way to meet local hiring managers. The business community is tight-knit—people talk.

Q: Is the salary of $83,445 realistic for a family of four?
A: Yes, but budgeting is key. With a dual-income household (even a part-time partner), the low cost of living makes it very feasible. Childcare and healthcare are the biggest expenses, but housing costs remain manageable.

Q: How does the tax burden compare?
A: Indiana has a flat state income tax of 3.05%, which is relatively low. Property taxes are also moderate. Overall, your effective tax rate will be lower than in states like Illinois or California, further boosting your take-home pay.