Accountant in Georgetown, TX

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Georgetown, Texas.

---

As a career analyst who’s watched the Central Texas market for over a decade, I’ve seen Georgetown evolve from a quiet suburb into a legitimate hub for finance and healthcare professionals. It’s not Austin’s frenetic scene, but for an accountant seeking a balance of career opportunity and a manageable cost of living, Georgetown is a compelling option. This guide digs into the real numbers and local specifics to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Georgetown Stands

The accounting field in Georgetown is stable, with compensation tracking closely to national averages but benefiting from Texas's no-income-tax environment. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Georgetown metro area, the financial landscape looks like this:

• Median Salary: $85,460/year
• Hourly Rate: $41.09/hour
• National Average: $86,080/year
• Jobs in Metro: 192
• 10-Year Job Growth: 4%

Georgetown sits just below the national median salary, a common pattern for suburban markets adjacent to a major metro like Austin. The key differentiator is the lack of state income tax, which effectively boosts your take-home pay by roughly 5-6% compared to states with a similar gross salary.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries here follow a predictable progression. While specific metro-level data by experience is limited, we can extrapolate from the national averages adjusted for Georgetown’s cost of living index (97.6).

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Georgetown)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic tax prep, data entry.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	Financial reporting, budgeting, tax planning, supervising juniors.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$85,000 - $105,000	Managerial duties, complex tax strategy, audit preparation, ERP oversight.
Expert/CFO (15+ yrs)	$110,000+	Executive leadership, strategic financial planning, investor relations.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

Georgetown offers a unique middle ground in the Texas accounting landscape. It’s more affordable than Austin but provides better access to corporate jobs than smaller rural towns.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index	Key Industries
Georgetown	$85,460	97.6	Healthcare, Education, Government, Light Manufacturing
Austin	$87,500	121.0	Tech, Startups, Corporate HQs
Dallas	$86,800	105.0	Finance, Energy, Logistics
San Antonio	$79,300	94.0	Military, Healthcare, Tourism

Insider Tip: While Austin’s headline salaries are higher, the effective purchasing power for an accountant in Georgetown can be superior, especially if you own a home. A $85,460 salary in Georgetown stretches further than in Austin, where rent and housing costs are significantly inflated.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down what a $85,460 salary actually means for an accountant living in Georgetown.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, Standard Deduction)

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,122	Based on $85,460 annual salary
Federal Income Tax	~$750	Varies by deductions
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)	~$545	7.65% of gross
Net Monthly Pay	~$5,827	Take-home after federal taxes
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$1,220	Georgetown city average
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	$180	Texas summers can increase AC costs
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assuming a moderate car payment
Groceries	$350	Central Texas has reasonable grocery costs
Gas/Transportation	$200	Georgetown is car-dependent
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$400	Pre-tax premium estimate
401(k) Contribution (5%)	$356	Essential for long-term growth
Remaining Discretionary Income	~$1,671	For savings, dining, entertainment

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Georgetown is approximately $385,000 (as of late 2023). With a $5,827 monthly net income, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could run around $2,200/month for a starter home. This represents ~38% of your net income, which is on the higher end but manageable if you have minimal other debt. It’s advisable to have a $20,000-$30,000 down payment saved and to keep your total debt-to-income ratio below 40%.

Where the Jobs Are: Georgetown's Major Employers

Georgetown’s job market is anchored by education, healthcare, and government. While it doesn’t have the Fortune 500 density of Austin, it offers stable, long-term employment. Here are the key players:

1. Georgetown Independent School District (GISD): One of the largest employers in the county. GISD requires accountants for payroll, budgeting, and financial reporting for a district serving over 12,000 students. Hiring Trend: Steady, with openings typically posted in late spring for the next fiscal year.

2. St. David’s Georgetown Hospital: Part of the massive St. David’s HealthCare system (owned by HCA). Hospital accounting is complex, involving revenue cycle management, grant accounting, and compliance. Hiring Trend: Strong and consistent. Healthcare demand in Williamson County is growing with the population.

3. Southwestern University: A private liberal arts college with a ~$200 million endowment. They need accountants for endowment management, financial aid, and operational budgeting. Hiring Trend: Stable, but competitive due to the appealing work environment and benefits package.

4. City of Georgetown: The municipal government employs accountants for sewer, water, utility billing, and general fund accounting. Hiring Trend: Slow growth but very stable. These positions offer excellent job security and pension benefits.

5. Texas State University (Round Rock Campus): While the main campus is in San Marcos, the Round Rock location serves a large student population and requires accounting staff. Hiring Trend: Growing as the Round Rock campus expands its programs.

6. Local CPA Firms & Small Business Servicers: Several mid-sized CPA firms (e.g., firms like Kendall & Associates or Weaver) have offices in Georgetown to serve the local small business and real estate development community. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, with hiring peaks during tax season (Jan-April).

7. Manufacturing & Logistics (e.g., CREF, Cinnabon): Georgetown has a growing industrial base. Companies need cost accountants and plant controllers. Hiring Trend: Tied to the broader Texas manufacturing sector, which has been resilient.

Getting Licensed in TX

To practice as a CPA in Texas, you must be licensed by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA). Here’s the roadmap:

1. Education: 150 semester hours, including a bachelor’s degree and 30 hours of upper-level accounting courses.
2. Exam: Pass the Uniform CPA Examination (Core + Discipline sections).
3. Experience: 2,000 hours of qualifying work experience under a licensed CPA (employed in accounting, attest, management advisory, or tax).
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Texas-specific ethics exam.

Estimated Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees (NASBA): ~$1,500
• Study Materials (Becker, Roger, etc.): $1,500 - $3,000
• Application & Licensing Fees: ~$400
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,400 - $4,900
• Timeline: 12-18 months from starting the exam process to receiving your license, assuming you meet the education requirement.

Insider Tip: Texas has a robust reciprocity agreement with many states. If you’re already a CPA in another state, you may be able to transfer your license without retaking the exam, but you’ll still need to apply through the TSBPA website.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Georgetown’s neighborhoods offer different vibes. Commutes are generally short (15-20 mins max), but parking at major employers like the hospital or GISD can be competitive.

1. Downtown Georgetown: Historic charm, walkable to local restaurants and the courthouse. Ideal for those who want a unique, small-town feel. Rent (1BR): $1,300 - $1,500. Commute: 5-10 mins to most employers.

2. Sun City Georgetown (The Villages): A massive active adult community (55+). While not for younger professionals, it’s a major employer hub for healthcare and service jobs. Rent (1BR): Not typically for rent; homeownership is the norm. Commute: 10-15 mins to central Georgetown.

3. Berry Creek / Hidden Lakes: Suburban, family-oriented, with good schools. Popular with mid-career professionals. Rent (1BR): $1,200 - $1,400. Commute: 10-15 mins to GISD or the hospital.

4. The Summit at Round Rock: Technically in Round Rock but adjacent to Georgetown. Modern apartments with amenities, close to major retail and I-35. Rent (1BR): $1,350 - $1,600. Commute: 10 mins to Georgetown employers, 30 mins to Austin.

5. Riverside / Northwest Georgetown: More affordable, newer construction. A bit farther from downtown but offers modern amenities. Rent (1BR): $1,100 - $1,300. Commute: 15-20 mins to central Georgetown.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Georgetown, the path to higher earnings isn’t through job-hopping every 18 months, as it might be in Austin. It’s through specialization and promotion within stable institutions.

• Specialty Premiums: Accountants with CPA licenses can command $10,000-$15,000 more than non-CPAs in similar roles. Specializing in healthcare revenue cycle (for St. David’s) or municipal finance (for the City) can add a premium due to the complexity and demand for those niche skills.
• Advancement Paths: The most common trajectory is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller/Finance Director. In the public sector (city, school district), you can move into Director-level roles with strong benefits and stability.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% projected job growth, the market will add roughly 8-10 new accounting jobs per year. This is stable but slow. The real growth will be in financial analysis and systems implementation (ERP systems like Oracle or SAP) as local employers modernize. Upskilling in data analytics and advanced Excel is critical for standing out.

The Verdict: Is Georgetown Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong buying power with a median salary of $85,460 and no state income tax.	Limited number of large corporate HQs; fewer "big finance" roles.
Stable employers (hospital, school district, city) offer job security.	Growth is slower; less dynamic than Austin or Dallas.
Short commutes and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.	Social and networking opportunities are more limited than in a major metro.
Access to Austin for entertainment and career networking (30-45 min drive).	The job market can be competitive for entry-level roles due to local university graduates.

Final Recommendation: Georgetown is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (3-10 years experience) who prioritize stability, housing affordability, and a high quality of life over the high-octane, high-reward environment of a major tech or finance hub. It’s ideal for those planning to buy a home and start a family. For entry-level professionals, it’s a good stepping stone to gain experience before potentially moving to Austin, but the networking scene is quieter.

FAQs

Q: Is the commute to Austin feasible if I want to work there but live in Georgetown?
A: Yes, but it’s a trade-off. The commute on I-35 can be 45-90 minutes each way during peak hours. Many people do it, but it impacts work-life balance. Consider a hybrid role. The cost savings on housing often outweighs the commute cost for many.

Q: How competitive is the job market for non-CPAs?
A: It’s moderately competitive. Many roles at the school district or city may require or strongly prefer a CPA, but there are ample staff and bookkeeping roles in private practice and smaller businesses that do not. Experience often trumps certification for these positions.

Q: What’s the best way to network in Georgetown?
A: Join the Central Texas Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs (TSCPA) and attend their meetings, often held in Austin or Georgetown. Also, connect with the Williamson County Business Alliance. LinkedIn is effective, but local, in-person events are still key in this market.

Q: Are there remote work opportunities for Georgetown accountants?
A: Absolutely. Since the pandemic, many firms in Austin and beyond have adopted hybrid models. A Georgetown accountant can often work remotely 2-3 days a week for an Austin-based employer, giving you the best of both worlds: Austin salaries with Georgetown living costs.

Q: What’s the first step if I’m moving from out of state?
A: 1) Check reciprocity for your CPA license. 2) Contact the TSBPA for a formal evaluation. 3) Start applying to jobs 2-3 months before your move, targeting the employers listed above. 4) Use a local real estate agent familiar with the rental market to secure housing.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, Texas Association of Realtors, Zillow Rent Data, City of Georgetown Economic Development.