The Accountant's Guide to Frisco, TX: A Real Look at Salaries, Jobs, and Life in the "617"

As a career analyst who’s watched the North Texas accounting scene for over a decade, I can tell you that Frisco isn't the Frisco of 2005. What was once a sprawling suburb of Dallas is now an economic powerhouse in its own right, a hub for corporate HQ, healthcare, and tech. For accountants, this means a distinct market: high demand, competitive salaries, and a cost of living that can feel both manageable and steep depending on your lifestyle.

This guide isn't about selling you on the "Star" or the "Cowboys." It's a data-driven, no-fluff breakdown of what it actually means to build an accounting career here. We'll use the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, state licensing board requirements, and real-world local knowledge to give you the full picture.

The Salary Picture: Where Frisco Stands

Let's cut to the chase. The numbers for accountants in the Frisco metro (which includes Plano, Carrollton, and parts of McKinney) are strong, outpacing the national average. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for accountants in the Frisco area is $86,932, with an hourly rate of $41.79. This sits comfortably above the national average of $86,080/year, though the margin is slim. The real story is in the distribution and the local opportunities that push experienced professionals well above this median.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary expectations based on experience level in the Frisco market. This is based on aggregated job postings, local firm surveys, and BLS percentile data for the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Estimated Annual Salary (Frisco Metro)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable, assisting with month-end close, basic tax prep.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$70,000 - $95,000	Full-cycle accounting, financial reporting (GAAP), supervising junior staff, internal controls, corporate tax.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$95,000 - $135,000+	Senior Accountant, Controller, Tax Manager. Complex financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, audit liaison.
Expert/Leadership	15+ years	$135,000 - $180,000+	Controller, Director of Finance, VP of Finance, Partner at a firm. Strategic planning, SEC reporting (if public company), M&A support.

Insider Tip: The jump from Senior to Expert/Leadership in Frisco is heavily dependent on industry. A Controller at a fast-growing tech company in The Star District can command a top-tier salary, while a Controller at a stable, family-owned manufacturing firm in North Frisco might be slightly below that range but offer better work-life balance.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

How does Frisco stack up against other major Texas accounting hubs? We're a strong contender, especially when you factor in the local job density.

City	Median Annual Salary (Accountants)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Market Driver
Frisco Metro (Dallas FWA)	$86,932	103.3	Corporate HQ, Tech, Sports & Entertainment
Houston	$85,160	96.5	Energy, Petrochemical, Port
Austin	$84,280	110.4	Tech, Startups, University
San Antonio	$78,520	87.8	Military, Healthcare, Tourism
Fort Worth	$82,330	98.2	Aerospace, Defense, Logistics

Frisco's salary edge over Houston and Austin is marginal, but its cost of living is significantly lower than Austin's. Compared to San Antonio, the salary premium is substantial, justifying the higher cost of living. For accountants seeking a blend of high salary and moderate expense (relative to other major metros), Frisco is a sweet spot.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A median salary of $86,932 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Frisco? We'll assume a single filer with no dependents, claiming the standard deduction (2024 figures), and accounting for federal income tax, FICA (7.65%), and Texas's 0% state income tax.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,400 - $5,600 (after taxes and standard deductions).

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Accountant, Median Salary):

• Take-Home Pay: $5,500
• Rent (1BR, 750-900 sq ft): -$1,291
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): -$180
• Groceries & Household: -$450
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance - avg. $350/month): -$350
• Health Insurance (Employer-subsidized): -$200
• Discretionary (Entertainment, Dining, etc.): -$800
• Savings/Retirement (401k match + additional): -$1,229

This budget leaves a healthy $1,229 for savings and retirement, which is solid. The key variable is your rent. The average 1BR rent of $1,291/month is a realistic median, but it can range from $1,100 in older complexes to over $1,600 in luxury buildings like The Star or near Legacy West.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With the median salary and current interest rates (hovering around 7%), affording a median-priced home in Frisco (~$550,000) is a stretch on a single income. A 20% down payment is $110,000. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $3,500-$4,000, which would consume over 60% of the take-home pay—well beyond the recommended 30% threshold. Homeownership becomes feasible for dual-income households or for senior-level accountants earning well above the median. Many accountants start by renting in Frisco and buying in more affordable neighboring cities like McKinney or Prosper.

Where the Jobs Are: Frisco's Major Employers

Frisco's job market is a unique mix of corporate headquarters, professional sports, and major healthcare systems. It's not dominated by a single industry, which provides stability and variety for accountants.

1. The Star / Frisco ISD: While not a typical corporate HQ, the Dallas Cowboys' world headquarters is a massive economic anchor. It houses the team's business operations, a hotel, and retail. Accountants here manage complex revenue streams from merchandise, events, and media. Frisco ISD itself is one of the largest school districts in Texas, requiring a robust team of fund accountants and financial administrators.

2. Toyota North America HQ (Plano): Located just minutes from Frisco in Plano's Legacy West, this is a prime employer. Accountants here work on everything from dealer financial reporting to internal controls for a massive automotive corporation. Hiring is steady, often for mid-to-senior level roles requiring GAAP expertise and ERP system experience (like SAP).

3. Medical City Frisco & Baylor Scott & White Medical Center: The healthcare sector is a major driver. These hospital systems need accountants specializing in revenue cycle management, grant accounting (for research), and compliance. The work is specialized and often requires knowledge of healthcare-specific regulations.

4. Comerica Bank (Plano HQ): Another Legacy West staple, Comerica's headquarters offers roles in corporate accounting, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), and internal audit. The environment is bank-regulated, meaning meticulous attention to detail and understanding of SOX compliance is crucial.

5. Tyler Technologies (Plano): A leader in public sector software, Tyler's HQ is in the North Frisco/Plano area. They need accountants who can handle the complexities of software revenue recognition (ASC 606) and manage the finances of a growing, acquisition-heavy tech company.

6. Frisco Economic Development Corporation (FEDC): For those seeking public or nonprofit accounting, the FEDC manages the finances of the city's economic growth initiatives. Roles here often involve grant management, budgeting for public projects, and reporting to the city council.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers don't have "Frisco, TX" as their official headquarters but are physically located within the 75034 and 75035 zip codes. Always search for jobs in "Plano," "Dallas," and "Frisco" to capture the full market. The hiring trend for 2024 is a preference for candidates with hybrid work experience and proficiency in cloud-based accounting software (NetSuite, QuickBooks Online) alongside traditional ERP systems.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has clear requirements to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which is the gold standard for career advancement.

State-Specific Requirements & Costs:

1. Education: A 150-semester hour bachelor's degree is required. This often means a master's in accounting (MAcc) or a combined 5-year program. A bachelor's alone (120 hours) is not enough for licensure.
2. Exam: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam (4 sections: AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You must apply for an Authorization to Test (ATT) and pay the exam fees.
3. Experience: 2,000 hours of qualifying work experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct exam.

Estimated Total Costs (Exam & Licensing):

• CPA Exam Fees (all 4 sections): ~$1,500 - $2,000 (varies by state application fees).
• Review Course (e.g., Becker, Roger): $1,500 - $3,000 (often reimbursed by employers).
• State Licensure & Application Fees: ~$200 - $300.
• Total Upfront Cost: $3,200 - $5,300 (before any employer reimbursement).

Timeline to Get Started:
If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can start by taking the remaining 30 credit hours (often through a community college like Collin College) and applying for the ATT. The exam process itself can take 6-18 months, depending on your study schedule and pass rate. Once licensed, you must complete 120 hours of CPE every three years to maintain your license.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Your commute and lifestyle are dictated by where you live. Frisco is mostly suburban, but each area has a distinct character.

1. The Star District (75034):

   • Commute: Walkable to Cowboys HQ; easy access to Dallas North Tollway for other jobs.
   • Lifestyle: Urban, walkable, newer apartments, high-energy. Popular with young professionals.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $2,200/month (1BR).
   • Best For: Those who want a "downtown" feel with a short commute to major employers.

2. Legacy West / West Frisco (75034):

   • Commute: Central to Toyota, Comerica, and many corporate offices. Easy Tollway access.
   • Lifestyle: Upscale, modern, mixed-use (shopping, dining, offices). Can be busy.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,900/month (1BR).
   • Best For: Accountants working in the nearby corporate parks who want a premium, connected lifestyle.

3. North Frisco / Panther Creek (75035):

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most major employers via FM 423 or the Tollway.
   • Lifestyle: More established, family-oriented, excellent schools, quieter. Mix of single-family homes and older apartment complexes.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,500/month (1BR).
   • Best For: Those seeking a balance of affordability, space, and a quieter environment. Great for building long-term roots.

4. Stonebriar / Frisco East (75034/75035):

   • Commute: Close to the Dallas North Tollway, easy to reach downtown Frisco and beyond.
   • Lifestyle: Established suburban with access to Stonebriar Centre mall, parks, and good schools.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600/month (1BR).
   • Best For: Families or those who want suburban convenience with quick highway access.

5. The Fields / North Frisco (75035):

   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to most core employers; new development means ongoing construction.
   • Lifestyle: The newest, fastest-growing part of Frisco, with new builds, planned communities, and future retail. Still building its identity.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,700/month (1BR) in new complexes.
   • Best For: Early adopters who want brand-new amenities and don't mind a bit of construction dust for future appreciation.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for accountants in the US is projected at 4%, which is slower than average. However, this national number doesn't capture Frisco's local dynamics. The metro area's growth is outpacing the nation, and the demand for accountants to manage that growth remains steady.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: The single biggest salary booster. Expect a 10-20% premium over non-CPA peers in the same role.
• Industry Specialization: Tech (ASC 606, stock comp), Healthcare (revenue cycle), and Energy (cost accounting) command premium salaries.
• Tech Proficiency: Mastery of data analytics (Power BI, Tableau), ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), and automation tools (UiPath, Alteryx) is increasingly required for advancement.

10-Year Outlook:
The accountant of 2034 in Frisco will be less of a data processor and more of a data analyst. The role will shift toward strategic advisory, business partnering, and continuous monitoring. Accountants who embrace automation and focus on higher-level analysis will see the most growth. Leadership paths (Controller, CFO) will be heavily influenced by one's ability to drive business outcomes, not just close the books.

The Verdict: Is Frisco Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary & Job Density: Above-average pay with a high concentration of corporate HQs.	Competitive Housing Market: Homeownership is difficult on a single income; rent is not cheap.
Low Tax Environment: No state income tax means more take-home pay.	Traffic & Commute: While manageable, the Dallas North Tollway and FM 423 can be congested during peak hours.
Vibrant, Growing Economy: Diverse industries provide career stability and options.	Suburban Sprawl: Car-dependent lifestyle; limited walkability outside of specific pockets like The Star.
High Quality of Life: Excellent schools, parks, family-friendly amenities, and major sports/entertainment.	Cost of Living Creep: While lower than Austin, it's rising faster than the national average.
Pro-Business Climate: Texas is friendly to businesses, which translates to job security.	Cultural Homogeneity: Less diverse than Houston or Austin; the culture is heavily influenced by suburban family life.

Final Recommendation:
Frisco is an excellent choice for accountants who are mid-career and beyond, especially those with a CPA or specialized skills. It offers a clear path to a six-figure salary and a high standard of living. For entry-level accountants, the cost of living can be a challenge, and you may find better starting opportunities (and lower rent) in nearby Garland or Richardson. If you value suburban stability, top-tier schools, and proximity to corporate HQ over a bustling urban core, Frisco will serve you well.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Frisco?
Yes, absolutely. Frisco is designed around the automobile. Public transportation is limited, and your commute will almost certainly require a car. Factor in car payments, insurance, and gas in your budget.

2. How competitive is the job market for non-CPAs?
It's competitive. While you can find good roles without a CPA (especially in corporate accounting), the license is the key to opening doors to senior management and higher salary tiers. Many employers will hire non-CPAs for mid-level roles but may require them to pursue the CPA for promotion.

3. What's the tax situation for homeowners?
Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are high. Frisco's effective property tax rate is around 2.1-2.3% of the home's value. On a $500,000 home, that's $10,000-$11,5