Accountant in Hillsboro, OR

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Hillsboro, OR.

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The Salary Picture: Where Hillsboro Stands

Hillsboro’s accounting market is defined by a unique blend of high-tech industry profitability and the steady demand of a growing suburban hub. The median salary for an accountant here is $87,784/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.2/hour. While this is notably higher than the $86,080/year national average, the local market is tight, with only 215 accounting jobs currently listed across the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 4%, signaling a stable but not explosive market. This means competition for the best roles is fierce, and specialization is non-negotiable.

To understand where you fit in, here’s a breakdown of salary expectations by experience level:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Primary Focus & Employers
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$65,000 - $78,000	Staff Accountant, AP/AR Specialist. Focus on learning ERP systems (like Oracle or SAP) at larger firms or healthcare systems.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$80,000 - $95,000	Senior Accountant, Financial Analyst. Specialization begins (corporate, non-profit, or tax). Key for moving up in local manufacturing or tech services.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000	Accounting Manager, Controller, Senior Tax Manager. Often requires a CPA and deep industry knowledge, especially in healthcare or tech.
Expert/Partner (15+ yrs)	$120,000+	Director of Finance, Partner in a CPA firm, CFO (for SMBs). Salary is highly variable and tied to company profitability and bonuses.

Insider Tip: Don’t just compare Hillsboro to the national average. Compare it to its neighbors. Portland’s median salary is slightly higher at $89,200, but the cost of living and commute are significantly steeper. Salem, the state capital, offers a lower median ($78,500) but with a more government-focused job market. Hillsboro sits in a sweet spot—higher pay than Salem, more affordable living than Portland, with a direct MAX Light Rail connection to downtown Portland for those who want the big-city job market without the rent.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Thinking about the $87,784 median salary is one thing; living on it is another. Oregon has a progressive income tax system, and Hillsboro’s housing costs, while lower than Portland’s, are still above the national average.

Estimated Monthly Budget for an Accountant Earning the Median Salary:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $7,315
• Estimated Take-Home (after taxes, ~25-28% effective rate): $5,250 - $5,450
• Average 1-BR Rent (Hillsboro Metro): $1,776
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $3,474 - $3,674

This leaves a comfortable buffer for savings and discretionary spending. However, a critical local detail is the Cost of Living Index of 106.6 (US avg = 100). This is driven primarily by housing, which is 20% above the national average, though groceries and utilities are closer to the norm.

Can you afford to buy a home?
This is the biggest question for many relocating to the Pacific Northwest. The median home price in Hillsboro hovers around $525,000. Using the 28/36 rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), an accountant earning the median could theoretically afford a mortgage payment of about $2,050/month. With a 20% down payment, a $420,000 loan at current rates (~7%) would have a monthly payment of ~$2,800, which is too high.

The Verdict: On a single median income, buying a home alone in Hillsboro is challenging, especially for entry and mid-level accountants. It becomes feasible with a dual-income household, a significant down payment, or by looking at more affordable neighboring towns like Cornelius or Forest Grove. Renting, especially in transit-accessible areas, is the more practical short-to-medium-term strategy.

Where the Jobs Are: Hillsboro's Major Employers

Hillsboro’s job market is anchored by a few key sectors, each with distinct demand for accountants.

1. Intel Corporation: The undisputed giant. Intel’s massive Ronler Acres and Jones Farm campuses employ thousands. They hire accountants for financial planning & analysis (FP&A), cost accounting for manufacturing, and SEC reporting. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on those with experience in large, complex corporate structures and software like SAP.

2. Hill-Rom (Baxter International): A major medical device manufacturer headquartered in Hillsboro. They need accountants for product costing, inventory accounting, and compliance (FDA, SOX). Hiring Trend: Consistent, especially for roles that blend accounting with supply chain knowledge.

3. Tuality Healthcare / Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU): Hillsboro is home to the Tuality Healthcare campus, part of the OHSU system. This is a major employer for healthcare accounting—billing, revenue cycle management, and grant accounting (for research). Hiring Trend: Very strong, driven by the healthcare sector's growth and the expansion of OHSU services.

4. Lam Research: Another semiconductor equipment giant with a significant presence in Hillsboro. Similar to Intel, they need cost accountants, financial analysts, and internal auditors. Hiring Trend: Cyclical but strong, tied to the global semiconductor market. A great place for technical accounting skills.

5. Local CPA Firms (e.g., Delap LLP, Helbing & Associates): For the public accounting path, these mid-sized, regional firms serve the local business community. They offer audit, tax, and consulting services to the many small businesses that support the tech and healthcare ecosystems. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a demand for CPAs looking to move into advisory roles.

6. Washington County & City of Hillsboro: As the county seat, the local government offers stable, benefits-heavy roles in financial management, auditing, and budgeting. Hiring Trend: Slow but steady, with openings appearing as senior staff retire.

Insider Tip: The most overlooked employers are the tier-2 and tier-3 suppliers to Intel and Lam. These smaller engineering and manufacturing firms often need a “jack-of-all-trades” accountant who can handle everything from AP to basic financial reporting. They may not pay the top-tier salaries, but they offer incredible experience and a faster path to managerial roles.

Getting Licensed in OR

To practice as a CPA in Oregon, you must meet the State Board of Accountancy’s requirements. It’s a structured but lengthy process.

Requirements & Costs (From the Oregon Board of Accountancy):

• Education: 150 semester hours, including specific coursework in accounting and business. A master’s degree is the most common way to meet this.
  • Cost: $15,000 - $40,000+ for a Master’s in Accounting (highly variable by school).
• Exam (CPA): Pass the Uniform CPA Exam. You must apply for a Notice to Schedule (NTS) and pay exam fees to NASBA.
  • Cost: $1,500 - $2,000 for all four sections (varies by state and number of attempts).
• Experience: 1 year (2,000 hours) of work experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
• Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.
  • Cost: $200.
• License Fee: Initial license fee and annual renewal fees.
  • Cost: ~$250 initial, plus ~$150 annually.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Year 1-2: Complete 150 credit hours (if not already done) and start gaining experience under a CPA.
• Year 2-3: Study for and pass the CPA exam (can be done while working).
• Year 3-4: Complete the 1-year experience requirement, pass the ethics exam, and apply for your Oregon CPA license.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving to Hillsboro before getting licensed, find a job under a CPA immediately. Oregon’s experience requirement is strict; it must be verified by a licensed CPA. Working in a non-CPA-verifiable role (e.g., as a bookkeeper in a non-CPA firm) will not count, delaying your licensure.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Hillsboro impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

1. Downtown Hillsboro: The historic core, walkable, with a mix of old homes and new apartments. Close to the MAX Light Rail (Blue Line) and the Washington County Courthouse. Commute: Excellent for commuting to Intel or downtown Portland by train. Rent Estimate: $1,650 - $2,100 for a 1BR.

2. Orenco / North Hillsboro: A modern, planned community built around the Orenco MAX station. It’s clean, safe, and popular with young professionals and tech workers. Commute: Direct MAX access to Intel (1 stop) and Portland. Insider Tip: The Friday farmers' market here is a local highlight. Rent Estimate: $1,800 - $2,300 for a 1BR.

3. Tanasbourne: A major commercial and residential hub on the west side of the city. More car-dependent, but offers newer apartment complexes, shopping centers, and quick access to US-26 for commuting to Portland or Beaverton. Commute: Easy by car, but bus/MAX connections are decent. Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,200 for a 1BR.

4. South Hillsboro: The newest development area, with massive growth in apartment and condo construction. It’s more affordable than Orenco and offers modern amenities. Commute to Intel is an easy drive. Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,950 for a 1BR.

5. Cornelius (Just West): If Hillsboro proper is too expensive, Cornelius is a 10-minute drive west. It’s a smaller, more affordable town with a strong agricultural heritage. Commute to Hillsboro is straightforward via Highway 8. Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700 for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% job growth indicates that advancement is more about maneuvering within existing structures than finding new openings.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest premiums are for Cost Accounting (due to the semiconductor and manufacturing base) and Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management. A CPA with experience in these areas can command 10-15% above the median. IT Audit / SOX Compliance is another high-demand niche, directly tied to Intel and Lam.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager. From there, you can branch into Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) (more strategic, higher pay) or Controller (more operational, broader scope). In public accounting, the path is Staff → Senior → Manager → Partner, though the local market favors mid-sized firms over Big 4.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable but requires adaptation. The base of Intel and healthcare will remain, but automation and AI will change entry-level tasks. Future growth will be in data analytics (interpreting financial data) and strategic advisory (telling the story behind the numbers). Accountants who focus on these higher-value skills will see the most growth.

The Verdict: Is Hillsboro Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salaries: Median of $87,784 is competitive.	Tight Job Market: Only 215 roles; competition is high.
Strategic Location: Easy access to Portland jobs without Portland rents.	Cost of Living: 6.6% above US average, driven by housing.
Stable Employers: Intel, OHSU, Lam provide job security.	Specialization Required: Generalists struggle; niche skills are a must.
High Quality of Life: Safe suburbs, good schools, outdoor access.	Modest Growth: 10-year growth of 4% isn't explosive.
Tax Benefits: No sales tax in Oregon.	CPA License Hurdle: Strict experience rules can slow down licensure.

Final Recommendation:
Hillsboro is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (5-15 years of experience) who have or are willing to specialize in cost accounting, healthcare, or tech FP&A. It’s ideal for those who want a high quality of life in the suburbs, value stability over rapid job-hopping, and are in a dual-income household (or are willing to rent long-term). It’s less ideal for entry-level accountants without a clear path to a CPA, as the competition is tough and growth is slow. For experts, it’s a solid landing spot with the potential for high six-figure roles in corporate finance.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for accountants in Hillsboro?
A: With only 215 accounting jobs in the metro, it’s a competitive, employer-driven market. Tailoring your resume to the specific needs of Intel, OHSU, or Lam is crucial. Networking on LinkedIn with local professionals is highly recommended.

Q: Is the CPA license worth it in Oregon?
A: Absolutely. While you can get a good staff or senior role without it, the CPA is a non-negotiable key for management, controller, and director positions. It’s a requirement for signing audited reports and is highly valued by all major local employers.

Q: What’s the commute like if I work in Portland but live in Hillsboro?
A: Excellent. The MAX Blue Line runs from Hillsboro’s transit center directly into downtown Portland in about 45 minutes. It’s a reliable, traffic-free option that many commuters use daily.

Q: How does the cost of living in Hillsboro compare to the rest of Oregon?
A: Hillsboro’s Cost of Living Index of 106.6 makes it more expensive than the state average (which is around 103), but significantly cheaper than Portland proper (which is over 130). It’s the most affordable of the major “Silicon Forest” suburbs.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work for accountants in Hillsboro?
A: Yes, but with a caveat. Many local employers (especially Intel, Lam, and OHSU) have returned to hybrid models. Fully remote roles exist but are often with companies based outside Oregon. The local market still favors some in-person presence, especially for managers.