Accountant in Hastings, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Hastings Stands

As a local career analyst, I’ve crunched the numbers, and here’s the straight truth about accounting salaries in Hastings: they’re solid for the region, but you need to understand the local context. The median salary for accountants in the Hastings metro area is $83,626 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.2 per hour. This puts Hastings slightly below the national average of $86,080, a gap you’d expect in a smaller, lower-cost-of-living market. The Hastings metro area, with a population of 25,005, supports 50 accountant jobs. The 10-year job growth projection for accountants and auditors in Nebraska is 4%, a stable but not explosive growth rate, suggesting consistent demand for skilled professionals rather than a hiring frenzy.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Hastings area. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and the statewide median, adjusted for the Hastings market.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic tax prep, data entry
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$68,000 - $85,000	Full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, mid-level tax work, some supervision
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$85,000 - $105,000	Management duties, complex tax planning, audit preparation, system implementation
Expert/Partner (15+ years)	$105,000+	Strategic advisory, firm management, niche specialization, client acquisition

When you compare Hastings to other Nebraska cities, the picture becomes clearer. Omaha and Lincoln, with their larger corporate bases and headquarters, offer higher median salaries but also come with a significantly higher cost of living. A comparable role in Omaha might pay $90,000+, but your rent or mortgage would be 30-40% higher. Smaller towns like Kearney or Grand Island might offer similar salary ranges to Hastings, but with fewer employers and less professional networking opportunities. Hastings strikes a balance: a livable wage without the metropolitan price tag.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. With a median salary of $83,626, what does your monthly budget look like in Hastings? The city’s Cost of Living Index is 90.5 (US avg = 100), making it roughly 10% cheaper than the national average. A major driver is housing: the average 1BR rent is $859/month.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single accountant earning the median salary (assuming a 22% effective tax rate, which includes federal, state, and FICA):

Category	Monthly Amount	Details
Gross Monthly Pay	$6,969	($83,626 / 12 months)
Estimated Taxes (22%)	-$1,533	Federal, State (NE), FICA (7.65%)
Net Monthly Pay	$5,436	Take-home pay
Rent (1BR Average)	-$859	Can vary by neighborhood
Utilities (Est.)	-$200	Electricity, gas, water, internet
Groceries	-$400	For one person
Car Payment/Ins./Gas	-$450	Assume a modest car payment; NE has lower insurance rates
Health Insurance	-$300	Employer-subsidized premium
Retirement (5% 401k)	-$348	Pre-tax contribution
Misc. (Entertainment, etc.)	-$500	Movies, dining out, hobbies
Remaining	$2,379	Savings, debt payoff, or investments

With a $2,379 monthly surplus, an accountant in Hastings has significant financial flexibility. This makes buying a home very attainable. The median home price in Adams County (where Hastings is located) is approximately $215,000. With a 20% down payment ($43,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of around $1,100, including taxes and insurance. This is less than the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment. In short, buying a home is not only possible but financially prudent for a mid-career accountant in Hastings.

Where the Jobs Are: Hastings's Major Employers

Hastings has a diverse employer base, but the accounting job market is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, agriculture, education, and local government. Here are the major players you should know:

1. Mary Lanning Healthcare: The region’s primary hospital system is always in need of accountants for patient billing, departmental budgets, and grant management. They often have openings for staff accountants and financial analysts. Hiring trends are stable, driven by ongoing healthcare needs.
2. Adams County Government: The county seat, Hastings, has a steady need for public sector accountants. Jobs here are often posted on the county website and offer excellent benefits and job security. Look for roles in the Treasurer’s office or County Clerk.
3. K-12 School Districts (Hastings Public Schools & St. Cecilia Catholic Schools): School districts require accountants to manage multi-million dollar budgets, state funding allocations, and payroll for hundreds of employees. These roles are cyclical, with hiring often peaking in late spring/summer for the upcoming fiscal year.
4. Agricultural Co-ops & Processors: Given Hastings’s location in the heart of Nebraska’s agricultural region, firms like Southwest Grain Cooperative or Midwest Farmers Cooperative are significant employers. They need accountants for commodity accounting, inventory valuation, and financial reporting. This is a niche but stable sector.
5. Mid-Size Local CPA Firms: While not the "Big 4," firms like Hastings & Associates and other local practices handle much of the small business and individual tax work in the area. They hire seasonal help during tax season and offer full-time roles for those looking to build a local client network.
6. Hastings College: The private liberal arts college employs accountants for endowment management, financial aid accounting, and departmental budgeting. It’s a good option for those seeking an academic environment.
7. Twin Rivers Technologies: A growing local business in the energy/ag-tech space, they’ve been expanding and may have needs for corporate accountants as they scale.

Insider Tip: Many of these jobs aren't advertised on national job boards. The best way to find them is to check the "Employment" sections of the Hastings Tribune newspaper website and the individual employer’s career pages directly. Networking with the Hastings Chamber of Commerce can also uncover unlisted opportunities.

Getting Licensed in NE

To practice as a CPA in Nebraska, you must meet specific educational and examination requirements set by the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy (under the Nebraska Department of Revenue). Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Education: You need a bachelor’s degree (120 semester hours) with a concentration in accounting. To sit for the CPA exam, you must have 30 hours of upper-level accounting courses and 24 hours of business courses. To get the license, you need 150 total semester hours. Many candidates complete a master’s in accounting or an MBA to meet the 150-hour requirement.
2. Experience: You must complete one year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
3. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can apply for an "NTS" (Notice to Schedule) through NASBA after your education is verified. Exam fees are approximately $1,000 - $1,200 (varies by state and section).
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Nebraska-specific ethics exam, which is typically taken after the CPA exam.
5. Application & Fees: Submit your application to the Nebraska Board. Initial licensing fees are around $200.

Timeline to Get Started: If you’re starting from scratch with a bachelor’s degree, plan for 1.5 to 2 years to complete the additional 30 hours of education and gain the required work experience. If you already have 150 hours, you can get licensed in as little as 1 year after passing the exam and completing your experience.

Insider Tip: Nebraska has reciprocity agreements with most states. If you’re already a licensed CPA in another state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement, which is faster than starting from scratch.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Hastings is a compact city, so commutes are generally short. Here are the top neighborhoods for working professionals, balancing lifestyle, rent, and proximity to major employers:

1. South Hastings (Near Mary Lanning Healthcare): This area offers a quiet, residential feel with easy access to the hospital and downtown. You’ll find many single-family homes and newer apartment complexes. Rent for a 1BR: $800-$950/month. Commute to most employers is under 10 minutes.
2. Downtown Hastings: The historic core is walkable, with charming older buildings converted into apartments. It’s ideal if you work for a local government office or CPA firm downtown and enjoy a vibrant, small-town vibe. Rent for a 1BR: $750-$1,100/month (varies widely by building).
3. Northwest Hastings: This area is close to Hastings College and has a mix of older homes and apartments. It’s popular with young professionals and academics. Commutes are short, and it’s near parks and recreational facilities. Rent for a 1BR: $700-$900/month.
4. East Hastings (Near Adams County Government): Primarily residential with easy access to the county offices and the eastern edge of town. It’s a great option for a quiet lifestyle with no commute hassle. Rent for a 1BR: $750-$950/month.
5. Southwest Hastings: This area is growing, with new developments and proximity to the Hastings Municipal Airport and some industrial parks. It’s a bit more spread out but offers newer housing stock. Rent for a 1BR: $800-$1,000/month.

Insider Tip: Hastings is a car-dependent city. While public transit exists, it’s limited. When choosing a neighborhood, prioritize being within a 10-15 minute drive of your workplace. Most places are close, but traffic is minimal, so a longer drive isn’t a major burden.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a market like Hastings, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about vertical depth and specialization. With a 10-year job growth of 4%, you won’t see a surge in new positions, so you must make yourself indispensable to your current employer or become the go-to expert in your niche.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a salary premium by developing skills in high-demand areas. Forensic accounting and agricultural business accounting are particularly valuable in Nebraska. A CPA with expertise in farm tax law or commodity trading could earn 10-15% above the median. Governmental accounting (for county or school districts) is another stable, well-compensated path.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Staff Accountant to Senior Accountant to Accounting Manager/Controller. In a small market like Hastings, reaching Controller or CFO level often means moving from a smaller firm to a larger regional one (like Mary Lanning) or starting your own practice. Many senior accountants in Hastings eventually launch their own bookkeeping or tax preparation firms, serving the local small business community.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand for accountants will remain stable due to the essential nature of the work. However, automation and AI will likely handle more transactional tasks (bookkeeping, data entry). This means the value will shift toward analysis, advisory, and strategic planning. To stay relevant, focus on developing skills in financial modeling, business advisory, and software like QuickBooks Advanced, Sage Intacct, or data visualization tools. Building a strong local network through the Chamber of Commerce or Rotary Club can be more valuable for long-term growth than any single certification.

The Verdict: Is Hastings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further than in a major metro.	Limited Market Size: Fewer employers and job openings; harder to switch jobs without relocating.
Short Commutes & Low Traffic: You can be at work, home, and anywhere in town in minutes.	Slower Pace & Fewer Amenities: Limited nightlife, dining, and cultural events compared to Omaha or Lincoln.
Strong Community Network: It’s easy to get to know key decision-makers in local businesses.	Dependence on a Few Major Employers: If one of the top employers downsizes, the local market feels it.
Stable Job Market: Essential sectors (healthcare, government, education) are recession-resistant.	Professional Growth May Require Remote Work: To access senior roles or specialized training, you may need to work for a remote company.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: The city’s pace encourages a healthy separation between work and personal life.	The "Small Town" Factor: Everyone knows everyone, which can be both a pro and a con.

Final Recommendation: Hastings is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize affordability, work-life balance, and a stable career over rapid advancement and urban amenities. It’s ideal for early-to-mid-career professionals looking to build equity in a home and a strong local reputation. It’s less suitable for those who thrive on the energy of a large city or who have specialized career goals that only a major metro can support. If you value community and financial stability over the hustle of a big city, Hastings is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. What is the job market like for accountants without a CPA license in Hastings?
There are plenty of opportunities for non-CPA accountants, especially in bookkeeping, AP/AR, and staff accountant roles within local businesses, schools, and healthcare. However, the median salary for non-CPAs will likely be 10-20% lower than the CPA median of $83,626. A CPA license is highly recommended for long-term earning potential and advancement to senior roles.

2. How easy is it to commute in Hastings?
Extremely easy. The average commute time is under 15 minutes. Most accountants live within a 5-mile radius of their workplace. The city is laid out on a grid, and traffic congestion is virtually non-existent. A reliable car is still necessary.

3. Are there remote accounting jobs based in Hastings?
Yes, this is a growing trend. Due to the small local market, many accountants in Hastings work remotely for companies in Omaha, Lincoln, or even out-of-state. This allows them to enjoy Hastings's low cost of living while accessing higher salaries or more specialized roles. Check job boards like LinkedIn with filters for "remote" and location "Hastings, NE."

4. What is the most in-demand accounting specialty in the Hastings area?
Currently, the most in-demand specialties are non-profit accounting (for local charities and community organizations) and agricultural business accounting. The latter is a niche skill that can make you highly valuable to local co-ops, farms, and agribusinesses.

5. How does the licensing process work if I’m already a CPA in another state?
Nebraska has reciprocity. You must apply for licensure by endorsement through the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy. You’ll need to provide proof of your current CPA license, meet experience requirements (which are often satisfied by your existing CPA practice), and possibly pass the Nebraska ethics exam. Processing can take 4-6 weeks. Contact the Board directly for the most current forms and fees.