Career Guide for Accountants in Huron, SD

If you're an accountant considering a move to the heart of South Dakota, Huron offers a unique blend of small-town affordability and meaningful professional opportunity. As a local who has watched the city's economy evolve, I can tell you that Huron isn't the bustling financial hub of Sioux Falls, but it provides a stable, low-stress environment where your accounting skills are genuinely valued. This guide breaks down the practical realities—salary, cost of living, job market, and lifestyle—so you can make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Huron Stands

The accounting profession in Huron is modest but steady. Salaries here are slightly below the national average, but the low cost of living often makes up for the difference. The median salary for an accountant in Huron is $83,368/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.08/hour. For context, the national average for accountants is $86,080/year, placing Huron's median about 3.1% below the U.S. standard. The metro area supports approximately 28 accounting jobs, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates a stable, long-term demand for financial professionals in the region.

Here’s a breakdown of salary expectations by experience level:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Huron, SD)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $65,000	Bookkeeping, data entry, assisting with payroll and AP/AR processes.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$70,000 - $90,000	Month-end close, financial reporting, tax preparation, internal audits.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Managing accounting teams, complex tax strategies, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), controller duties.
Expert/Managerial (15+ years)	$120,000+	CFO/Controller roles, strategic financial management, overseeing entire finance departments.

Note: Salaries are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the region. Specialist certifications (CPA, CMA) can command a 10-20% premium.

Comparison to Other SD Cities

Huron's accounting salaries are competitive within South Dakota's smaller cities but trail behind the state's primary financial center.

City	Median Accountant Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Industries
Sioux Falls	$89,500	94.1	Financial Services, Healthcare, Insurance
Rapid City	$85,200	97.2	Tourism, Government, Healthcare
Huron	$83,368	89.5	Agriculture, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Aberdeen	$82,100	91.0	Education, Manufacturing, Healthcare

Source: Salary data synthesized from BLS, PayScale, and local job postings; Cost of Living from BestPlaces.net.

Insider Tip: While Sioux Falls offers higher nominal salaries, the cost of living there is about 5% higher. More importantly, the job market in Sioux Falls is far more competitive. In Huron, you're not just a number in a large HR system; you're a known professional. This can lead to faster advancement and more diverse responsibilities than you might find in a larger city.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The true measure of a salary is what remains after essentials. South Dakota has no state income tax, which is a significant financial advantage. For an accountant earning the median salary of $83,368/year, the take-home pay after federal taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction, no dependents) is roughly $64,000/year, or about $5,333/month.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apt)	$760	Average rent in Huron.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200	Varies by season; winter heating costs can be higher.
Groceries & Household	$400	Reasonable for one person.
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance)	$500	A reliable vehicle is essential; no public transit.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies by employer plan.
Retirement & Savings	$800	Aggressive savings rate (15% of gross).
Discretionary Spending	$1,373	Dining out, entertainment, travel, hobbies.
Total	$4,333	Leaves a $1,000 buffer.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Huron is approximately $185,000. With a 20% down payment ($37,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would have a monthly payment of around $940 (including estimated taxes and insurance). This is only slightly higher than the average rent, making homeownership very attainable on an accountant's salary. Many local professionals own homes within 3-5 years of moving to the city.

Where the Jobs Are: Huron's Major Employers

Huron's economy is anchored in agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. For accountants, this means opportunities in corporate finance, non-profits, and public accounting firms that serve these sectors. The job market is small but connected; networking is key.

Here are the primary employers for accounting professionals:

1. Avera St. Luke's Hospital: The largest healthcare provider in the region and one of Huron's top employers. The finance department here handles everything from patient billing to multi-million dollar budgets for new facilities. They typically hire staff accountants, billing specialists, and financial analysts. Hiring is steady due to the essential nature of healthcare.

2. Huron Manufacturing & Agribusiness Companies: Companies like Huron Steel Products and Huron Seed (part of a larger national agribusiness) require in-house accountants to manage complex inventory costing, supply chain finances, and crop commodity accounting. These roles often involve a mix of managerial accounting and financial reporting.

3. Huron School District 2-2: Public school districts have robust finance departments. Accountants here manage state and federal funding, bond issues, and operational budgets. These are stable, government-backed positions with excellent benefits, though salaries may be at the lower end of the median.

4. Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC): As the city's primary acute care facility, HRMC's finance team is crucial. They often seek accountants with healthcare reimbursement expertise (Medicare/Medicaid). This is a niche but valuable skill set in the region.

5. Local Public Accounting Firms: Several small firms, like Huron Accounting & Tax and BJS & Company, CPAs, serve the local business community. These are excellent starting points for new CPAs to gain diverse experience in tax, audit, and consulting. They often hire seasonal help during tax season, which can be a foot in the door.

6. City of Huron & Beadle County Government: Governmental accounting requires specific knowledge of GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) standards. These roles offer tremendous job security and a clear path to management positions like Finance Director.

Hiring Trends: The demand is for generalists. Unlike large cities where you might specialize early, in Huron, a good accountant can expect to work on tax, audit, bookkeeping, and financial analysis. The 4% growth indicates new positions will open primarily through retirements and economic expansion, not rapid corporate hiring. Networking through the Huron Area Chamber of Commerce is the most effective way to learn about unposted opportunities.

Getting Licensed in SD

To practice as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in South Dakota, you must follow specific guidelines set by the South Dakota Board of Accountancy.

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree (120 semester hours) with a concentration in accounting (typically 24 hours in upper-level accounting courses). To sit for the exam, you need 150 semester hours, which often means a master's degree or additional credits.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of qualifying accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. Experience can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the South Dakota-specific ethics exam.

Timeline & Costs:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state and section).
• Review Course: $1,500 - $3,000 (highly recommended, e.g., Becker, Roger).
• Licensing Fees: Application and initial license fees are approximately $150.
• Timeline: From starting your education to full licensure, expect a 5-6 year path (4-year bachelor's + 1 year for extra credits/exam + 1 year experience). If you already have your 150 credits, the process can be completed in 1-2 years.

Insider Tip: The experience requirement in South Dakota is flexible. A common path is to work in a public accounting firm (like one of the local firms mentioned) or a corporate accounting department under a CPA. If you're moving to Huron without a CPA, consider starting in a staff accountant role while you complete your exam and experience requirements. The low cost of living allows you to save money for the exam fees and review courses.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Huron is a compact city, and commute times are negligible (typically 5-15 minutes). However, lifestyle and proximity to amenities vary by area.

1. Downtown Huron: The historic core, home to the Huron Event Center and local shops. Offers a walkable lifestyle with access to coffee shops and restaurants. Commute to major employers like Avera St. Luke's or City Hall is under 5 minutes. Rent for a modern 1BR apartment in a renovated building is $800-$950/month.

2. Northside/Oakwood: Established residential neighborhoods with older, well-maintained homes and larger lots. Popular with professionals and families. Close to the Huron Country Club and good schools. Rent for a 1BR in a duplex or older apartment is $700-$850/month.

3. Southside/James Valley: A mix of residential and light commercial. This area is convenient for employees at Huron Steel or the industrial parks. It offers more affordable housing options. Expect 1BR rents around $650-$750/month.

4. Westside: Primarily residential, with newer subdivisions and modern homes. A bit more suburban feel, popular with young professionals and new families. Commute is still very short. 1BR apartment rents are typically $750-$900/month.

Insider Tip: Most of the professional offices and major employers are clustered in or near downtown. Living anywhere in Huron means a short drive. If you prioritize a social life and walking to amenities, downtown is worth the slight premium. For quiet and space, the Northside or Westside neighborhoods are ideal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the job market is smaller, career growth in Huron can be accelerated by taking on broader responsibilities. The path often looks like this:

• Specialty Premiums: In a small market, versatility is your biggest asset. However, certain skills command a premium:
  • CPA Certification: This is the single most important credential for advancement and salary increases in South Dakota. It directly correlates with a 10-20% salary boost.
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management: With Avera and HRMC, expertise in healthcare finance is highly valuable.
  • Cost Accounting: Crucial for local manufacturing and agricultural businesses.
  • Governmental Accounting: Essential for school district and city/county jobs.

Advancement Paths: The typical progression is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager/Controller. The jump to Controller is significant and can happen within 7-10 years for a proactive professional. The ultimate local role is Finance Director for a major employer or the City of Huron, which often commands a six-figure salary.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth suggests a stable, not explosive, market. However, retirements will create openings. The key to long-term success is building a deep network and becoming the "go-to" person for a specific skill (e.g., tax strategy for farmers, healthcare compliance). For those willing to take on leadership, opportunities in financial management will remain steady.

The Verdict: Is Huron Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes significantly further than in larger cities.	Limited Job Market: Fewer employers and job openings; less room for frequent job-hopping.
High Quality of Life: Safe, friendly community with minimal traffic and stress.	Limited Cultural Amenities: Fewer restaurants, theaters, and major events compared to Sioux Falls.
No State Income Tax: A direct financial benefit that boosts net pay.	Reliance on a Car: Public transportation is virtually non-existent; a reliable vehicle is a must.
Meaningful Work & Impact: You become a known professional and can see your work's impact on the community.	Slower Pace: For those seeking a high-intensity, fast-paced corporate environment, Huron may feel too quiet.
Short Commutes: Average commute is 10 minutes, maximizing personal time.	Weather: Harsh, windy winters and hot, humid summers.

Final Recommendation: Huron is an excellent fit for accountants who value work-life balance, affordability, and community connection over high-octane career climbing. It's ideal for those in the mid-career stage looking to purchase a home, start a family, or escape the grind of a major metro. It's also a strategic move for new CPAs seeking experience without the overwhelming competition of a large city. However, if your career goal is to work for a Fortune 500 company or a top-tier international firm, your opportunities will be limited. For most, Huron offers a sustainable, rewarding, and financially sensible career path.

FAQs

Q: Is the accounting job market in Huron competitive?
A: It's competitive in the sense that there are few openings, but the applicant pool is also small. Qualified accountants, especially those with a CPA and some experience, are in demand. Networking is the most effective tool for finding jobs, as many positions are filled through referrals before they're publicly posted.

Q: Do I need a CPA license to get a good accounting job in Huron?
A: While you can get a staff accountant position without a CPA, the license is essential for advancement to senior, manager, and controller roles. Most employers view the CPA as a sign of commitment and expertise. It's highly recommended if you plan to build a long-term career here.

Q: What is the social scene like for young professionals?
A: It's a close-knit community. Socializing often revolves around community events, sports leagues (like the Huron Tigers), church groups, and local businesses. There are a few popular bars and restaurants downtown, but nightlife is quiet. Building friendships happens through work and community activities, not club scenes.

Q: How does the weather impact daily life?
A: Winters are cold and windy, with snow common from November to March. You'll need a good winter coat, a reliable car with snow tires, and an appreciation for indoor activities. Summers are warm and humid, perfect for enjoying Lake Byron or local parks. Most residents have adapted to the seasons and find ways to enjoy all four.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work with Huron-based employers?
A: This is growing but still limited. Larger employers like Avera and the school district have adopted hybrid models for certain accounting roles, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, most local businesses and firms still prefer in-person work. It's a topic to discuss during interviews, but you should plan on being in the office 4-5 days a week.