Accountant in Fremont, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Fremont Stands

As someone who's watched Fremont's job market evolve over the last decade, I can tell you that accounting here isn't the high-stakes, big-money game you'll find in Omaha or Lincoln, but it's a stable, respectable path with a lower cost of living to match. The numbers tell a clear story. The median salary for an Accountant in the Fremont area is $83,626/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.2/hour. This is slightly below the national average for Accountants, which sits at $86,080/year. For context, that's about a 3% difference, which is more than offset by Fremont's cost of living.

The local job market is tight but steady. Data for the metro area shows there are approximately 54 jobs for Accountants and Auditors active at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is modest at 4%. This isn't a boomtown for accounting, but it's not stagnant either. Growth is tied to the health of local manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture sectors. When these are strong, accounting roles follow.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Fremont market. These are realistic ranges based on local job postings and industry chatter.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range (Fremont, NE)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$70,000 - $85,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$85,000 - $105,000
Expert/Manager	15+ years	$100,000 - $120,000+

Insider Tip: The median salary of $83,626 often falls in the upper end of the mid-level range or the lower end of the senior range. If you're coming from a coastal city, you'll notice that senior roles here don't climb as high as they do in major metros, but the path to a six-figure salary is still very achievable with the right experience and credentials.

How Fremont Compares to Other Nebraska Cities:

• Omaha: Salaries are higher ($88,000 - $110,000+ for mid-to-senior roles), but so is the cost of living (index ~95). Job volume is exponentially higher.
• Lincoln: Similar to Omaha, with a strong focus on government and education sector accounting. Salaries are competitive with Omaha.
• Grand Island: Very comparable to Fremont, with a slight edge in manufacturing/agriculture accounting roles. Salaries are nearly identical.
• Kearney: A bit lower than Fremont, reflecting its smaller market size, though it has a growing healthcare sector.

Fremont sits in the "Goldilocks zone" for Nebraska accounting: large enough to have specialized roles (especially in manufacturing and healthcare), but small enough that you can become a known, trusted professional without being lost in a sea of CPAs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's crunch the numbers with Fremont's specific cost of living. The Cost of Living Index here is 90.5 (US avg = 100), and the average 1BR rent is $859/month. The metro population of 27,321 means the city is big enough for amenities but small enough that your dollar goes far.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Accountant Earning $83,626:

• Gross Monthly: $6,968.83 ($83,626 / 12)
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, NE State, FICA): ~ $1,550 (This is an estimate; consult a tax pro. NE has a graduated income tax from 2.46% to 6.84%)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~ $5,418.83
• Rent (1BR Apartment): $859
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): ~ $250
• Car Payment/Insurance (Fremont is car-dependent): ~ $500
• Groceries & Essentials: ~ $400
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): ~ $300
• Retirement Savings (10% of gross): ~ $697
• Discretionary/Other: $1,412.83

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With the above budget, you have significant room for a mortgage payment. The median home price in Fremont hovers around $215,000. A 20% down payment ($43,000) on a 30-year mortgage at current rates would result in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,100 - $1,250. This is very manageable on the $83,626 salary, leaving you a healthy financial cushion. Many local accountants I know bought homes within 3-5 years of starting their careers here.

Insider Tip: Don't underestimate the value of a local real estate agent who knows the market. Areas like the north side or near the golf course offer great value, while the historic district has charm but can be pricier per square foot.

Where the Jobs Are: Fremont's Major Employers

Fremont's accounting jobs are concentrated in a few key sectors. The "big five" employers for accountants are:

1. Fremont Health (Baylor Scott & White): The largest employer in the area. They have a robust finance department with roles from staff accountants to financial analysts. Hiring is steady due to constant expansion and the need for healthcare-specific accounting (revenue cycle, grant management). They often post jobs directly on their website.
2. Claudia's (Cargill): A major local manufacturing plant. Cargill's presence means there are corporate accounting roles, cost accounting, and internal audit positions. These jobs are often filled through corporate channels in Omaha but serve the Fremont facility. They value CPA certification highly.
3. Fremont Public Schools: The school district has a dedicated business office. Roles here are stable, with a focus on budgeting, payroll, and fund accounting. Less pressure for overtime compared to private firms, but competitive to get into due to the benefits.
4. Midwest Bank: A regional community bank headquartered in Fremont. They hire accountants for internal audit, loan accounting, and compliance. This is a great path if you're interested in banking and finance. They have a strong local reputation and promote from within.
5. Lindsay Corporation: While headquartered in Omaha, Lindsay has a significant manufacturing and R&D presence in Fremont. They hire accountants for cost accounting, inventory management, and FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis). Starting here can lead to transfers to the corporate office.
6. Local CPAs & Accounting Firms: Firms like Gehring, Kotouc & Associates, PC and Hendricks & Associates are the primary public accounting employers. They handle everything from local small businesses to agricultural clients. This is where many new grads start to get their CPA license.

Hiring Trends: Demand is driven by retirement (many senior accountants are from the baby boomer generation) and the digital transformation of finance. Companies are looking for accountants who are proficient in ERP systems (like SAP, Oracle, or even advanced QuickBooks) and data analysis tools (Excel at a minimum, preferably Power BI or Tableau). Healthcare and manufacturing accounting are the most stable sectors.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska's licensing requirements are straightforward but require diligence. The path to becoming a CPA in Nebraska is managed by the State Board of Public Accountancy.

Requirements:

1. Education: A Bachelor's degree (120 semester hours) from an accredited institution. The degree must include 24 semester hours in accounting (beyond introductory courses) and 24 semester hours in general business courses.
2. Exam (CPA): Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can apply for the exam once you have 120 hours, but you must have 150 hours to be licensed.
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of qualifying work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Nebraska Ethics Exam.

Costs (Approximate):

• CPA Exam Fees: $1,500 - $2,000 (application, exam fees per section). Becker or Wiley review courses add $1,500 - $3,000.
• Education (if completing 150 hours): Costs vary widely. A master's in accounting is the most common path, adding $10,000 - $30,000 at a state university like UNL or UNO.
• Licensing Fee: $257 for initial application and license issuance.
• Total Estimated Start-Up Cost: $13,000 - $35,000+ (depending on your education path).

Timeline:

• With a 120-hour Bachelor's: You'll need 1-2 more years to complete the 150-hour requirement, plus study and exam time. Realistically, 2-3 years from graduation to full licensure.
• With a 150-hour Master's: You can sit for the exam sooner. Pass rate is about 50% on first try; plan for 12-18 months of study while working.
• Insider Tip: Many local firms, especially in public accounting, offer tuition reimbursement for your Master's or CPA exam materials. Always ask about this during interviews.

Source: Nebraska State Board of Public Accountancy (nsbp.ne.gov).

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Fremont isn't a city of distinct neighborhoods like Chicago or Boston, but areas have different vibes. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. North Fremont / North Park: This is the "new" part of town with modern subdivisions. Commute to the major employers (like Cargill, Fremont Health) is easy (10-15 minutes). Rent for a 1BR is close to the city average, $850-$950/month. Quiet, family-friendly, great for someone looking to buy a home soon.
2. Downtown / Historic District: Walkable, charming, with older homes and some new apartments. Close to the courthouse, local CPA firms, and Midwest Bank. You can get by without a car for some errands. Rent can be slightly higher for renovated units, $900-$1,000/month. Ideal if you want a more urban feel.
3. South Fremont / Near the High School: Established residential area with good value. Closer to Fremont Public Schools if you work there. Commutes are still short. Rent is very affordable, often $750-$850/month. A great "starter" area for new professionals.
4. East Fremont / Near the Airport: More rural feel, with larger lots and lower property taxes. Commute to the industrial parks (Cargill, Lindsay) is very short. Rent is among the lowest, $700-$825/month. Best for those who want space and don't mind driving 10 minutes for shopping.

Commute Reality: Fremont's traffic is minimal. You're rarely more than a 15-minute drive from anywhere else in the city. The biggest factor is proximity to your specific workplace.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Fremont will be different than in a major metro. Here’s the reality:

Specialty Premiums: You'll earn the most in these niches:

• Manufacturing Cost Accounting: At Cargill or Lindsay. Can command a premium of 5-10% over a general staff accountants.
• Healthcare Revenue Cycle: At Fremont Health. Specialized knowledge in medical billing and compliance is highly valued.
• Tax Specialization: If you work at a local CPA firm and become an expert in agricultural or small business tax, you become indispensable.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting Path: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Manager → Partner (in a local firm). The partner track is real here if you build a client book.
2. Corporate Path: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller. A Controller role at a mid-sized manufacturer or hospital in Fremont can pay $110,000+.
3. Government/Non-Profit: Accountant → Finance Director. Steady, good benefits, but slower salary growth.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is a conservative estimate. It doesn't account for replacement needs. The real growth will come from accountants who embrace technology. The traditional bookkeeper role is shrinking; the analyst and strategic advisor roles are growing. If you can pair accounting with data analysis, you'll be in high demand for the next decade. The path to a senior or manager role typically takes 5-8 years of dedicated work and skill acquisition.

The Verdict: Is Fremont Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $83,626 salary goes much further than in Omaha or Lincoln.	Limited High-End Roles: The ceiling for salary is lower than in major metros.
Stable Job Market: Tied to essential industries (food, healthcare, education).	Slower Pace: Fewer networking events, conferences, and "big firm" opportunities.
Manageable Commutes: 15-minute drives are the norm.	Less Specialization: You may wear many hats; pure tax or audit roles are scarcer.
Community Feel: You're not a number. You can become a known expert.	Cultural Scene: Fewer museums, concerts, and diverse dining options.
Path to Homeownership: Very achievable on the median salary.	Reliability on Car: Public transit is limited.

Final Recommendation:
Fremont is an excellent choice for:

• Early-career accountants looking to get licensed and build a broad skill set without high cost-of-living stress.
• Mid-career professionals seeking a better work-life balance and a chance to step into a senior or managerial role.
• Anyone who values community, affordability, and a slower pace of life.

It may not be the right fit if you're driven by the prestige of a Big 4 firm or the fast-paced culture of a tech startup. For most accountants, Fremont offers a stable, rewarding career with a high quality of life.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market for accountants in Fremont saturated?
A: No. With only 54 jobs in the metro, it's a tight market, not a saturated one. The key is being qualified and persistent. Most openings are filled through word-of-mouth and local networks. Apply directly on company websites and connect with local recruiters on LinkedIn.

Q: Do I need a CPA license to get a good job in Fremont?
A: It depends. For public accounting and senior corporate roles, a CPA is highly preferred or required. For staff accountant roles in manufacturing or healthcare, you can often start without it, but you'll need it to advance to manager or controller levels. Many employers, like Midwest Bank and Fremont Health, will support your pursuit of the license.

Q: What's the commute really like?
A: In Fremont, there is no rush hour. The longest commute you'll face is about 15-20 minutes if you live on one side of town and work on the far opposite side, which is rare. Most commutes are under 10 minutes. The biggest factor is weather in the winter.

Q: Can I live in Omaha and commute to Fremont?
A: Yes, it's a reverse commute (about 40-50 minutes each way on I-80). However, you'd miss out on Fremont's lower rent and income tax (Omaha is in Douglas County, which has a higher property tax rate). For the median salary of $83,626, living in Fremont is almost always the financially smarter choice.

Q: How do I find a job before I move?
A: Use the Nebraska State Workforce Development website, LinkedIn, and the specific career pages of the major employers listed above. Also, contact local CPA firms directly—many don't advertise widely. Be upfront about your relocation timeline. A video interview is common for out-of-state candidates.