Career Guide for Accountants in Jackson, Mississippi

As a local career analyst who has watched Jackson's accounting scene evolve over the past two decades, I can tell you this city offers a unique blend of Southern charm and practical opportunity. It's not the fastest-growing market, but for the right accountant, it provides a stable, affordable foundation for a solid career. This guide breaks down the realities—no sugar-coating—so you can make an informed decision about whether Jackson is your next professional home.

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

Let's cut to the chase. In Jackson, the median salary for an Accountant is $83,678 per year, which translates to roughly $40.23 per hour. This figure, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) metropolitan data for the Jackson, MS area, is notably below the national average for Accountants, which sits at $86,080/year. While this might seem like a disadvantage, it's crucial to contextualize this within Mississippi's cost of living, which is significantly lower than the national average (more on that later).

The job market itself is modest but steady. The metro area supports approximately 287 accounting positions, with a 10-year job growth projection of just 4%. This isn't a boomtown, but it's also not a market in decline. The stability here is attractive for those who prioritize work-life balance and affordability over rapid career escalation in a high-cost coastal city.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level within the Jackson market. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and industry conversations, as specific BLS data for each level isn't always published.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range	Common Roles
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor, AP/AR Specialist
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$70,000 - $90,000	Senior Accountant, Tax Accountant, Financial Analyst
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$90,000 - $115,000	Accounting Manager, Controller, Senior Auditor
Expert/Partner	15+ years	$115,000+	Director of Finance, Partner (CPA firm), Chief Financial Officer

Insider Tip: The gap between the Jackson median ($83,678) and the national average ($86,080) is narrow—about $2,400. However, once you factor in Jackson's lower living costs, your disposable income can be higher here than in many cities with higher nominal salaries.

When compared to other Mississippi cities, Jackson sits firmly in the middle. It doesn't command the premiums of a specialized market like Gulfport-Biloxi (driven by aerospace and gaming) or the sheer volume of jobs in the Hattiesburg area (driven by educational institutions). Its strength is in the diversity of its employers, from state government to healthcare and banking.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $83,678 sounds different when you see it on a paycheck. Let’s break down the monthly budget for a single accountant living in Jackson.

First, taxes. For a single filer with no dependents claiming the standard deduction, your take-home pay after federal, state (5% MS income tax), and FICA taxes would be approximately $5,100 - $5,300 per month, depending on 401(k) contributions and other pre-tax deductions. We’ll use $5,200/month as a conservative estimate for our budget.

Now, housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Jackson is $997/month. This is your biggest variable.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for an accountant earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,200	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR)	$997	Average across the metro
Utilities	$150	Electricity, water, internet
Groceries	$350
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest loan or older car
Gas	$120	Jackson is car-dependent
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-subsidized plan
Misc. (Entertainment, etc.)	$400
Savings/Debt Paydown	$1,433	27% of take-home
Total Expenses	3,767
Remaining	$1,433	For savings, investments, etc.

This budget leaves a healthy $1,433 for savings, student loans, or other goals. The key here is the $997 rent. In other cities with similar median salaries, this figure could be $1,500 or more, drastically changing the financial outlook.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $1,433 in monthly surplus, a down payment is achievable. The median home price in the Jackson metro is around $175,000. A 20% down payment is $35,000. With disciplined saving from this surplus, an accountant could realistically save this amount in 2-3 years. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $140,000 loan could be around $900-$1,000, which is comparable to the average rent. Homeownership is a very attainable goal for an accountant in Jackson.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

Jackson’s accounting job market is anchored by a mix of public, private, and governmental entities. Here are the key players you should know:

1. State of Mississippi Government: The largest single employer in the city. The Department of Revenue, the State Auditor's Office, and various agencies under the Governor's office constantly need accountants, auditors, and budget analysts. Hiring Trend: Stable, with periodic openings. Preference often given to local candidates or those with state-specific knowledge.

2. Baptist Memorial Health Care System (Baptist Memorial Hospital - Jackson): As one of the region's major healthcare providers, Baptist has a complex financial infrastructure requiring numerous accountants for revenue cycle management, cost accounting, and compliance. Hiring Trend: Consistent growth tied to healthcare expansion. Experience in healthcare finance is a significant plus.

3. Trustmark National Bank: A major regional bank headquartered in Jackson. They employ accountants in corporate finance, internal audit, and commercial loan analysis. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on candidates with banking or financial services experience.

4. Ingalls Shipbuilding (in nearby Pascagoula, but a major regional employer): While not in Jackson proper, many professionals live in Jackson and commute. This massive shipbuilder requires cost accountants and financial analysts familiar with government contract accounting (DCAA). Hiring Trend: Very strong. The shipbuilding industry is booming with federal contracts, creating high demand for specialized accountants.

5. Jackson Public Schools: The state's second-largest school district has a large business office managing a multi-million dollar budget. Hiring Trend: Tied to public funding cycles. Positions can be competitive during budget planning seasons.

6. Local CPA Firms: Firms like Eubanks & Associates, PLLC and Gunn & Gunn, CPAs serve small to mid-sized local businesses. These are excellent starting points for public accounting experience. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, with hiring peaks before tax season (Jan-April) and audit season (Fall).

Insider Tip: Don't underestimate the network. Jackson's business community is tight-knit. Joining the Mississippi Society of CPAs (MSCPA) and attending local events is often more effective than cold-applying online.

Getting Licensed in Mississippi

To practice as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Mississippi, you must meet specific requirements set by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy. Here’s a practical roadmap:

1. Education: A 120-credit hour bachelor's degree is the minimum to sit for the CPA exam, but you need 150 credit hours to be licensed. Most local candidates obtain this through a master's in accounting or by taking additional courses at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) or Jackson State University.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). The exam is administered by the AICPA and NASBA.
3. Experience: Requires one year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA's Professional Ethics Exam.
5. Application & Fees: Submit an application to the MS Board. Total initial licensing fees (exam, application, ethics) typically run between $1,000 - $1,500.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Year 1-5: Complete your 150-credit education.
• Year 5-6: Pass the CPA exam (typically take 12-18 months of dedicated study).
• Year 6: Gain your 2,000 hours of experience.
• Total Time: From starting your education to full licensure can take 5-7 years.

Insider Tip: The Mississippi Board of Public Accountancy website is the single most important resource. Keep track of all your transcripts and experience logs meticulously. The process is bureaucratic, and missing documents can delay you by months.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Choosing where to live in Jackson significantly impacts your commute and lifestyle. The metro is spread out, so proximity to major business centers (Downtown, the Airport area, and the I-55 corridor) is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Fondren	Walkable, trendy, artsy. ~10-15 mins to Downtown. Near UMMC and private sector offices.	$1,100 - $1,300	Young professionals who want a social scene without a long commute.
Ridgeland (North of I-20)	Suburban, family-friendly. ~15-20 mins to Downtown. Home to many corporate offices (Trustmark, etc.).	$950 - $1,150	Accountants working in the "Ridgeland corridor" who prioritize space and schools.
Flowood	Fast-growing, commercial. ~20-25 mins to Downtown. Close to the airport and major shopping.	$900 - $1,100	Those seeking newer apartments and easy access to the airport and I-55.
Belhaven	Historic, quiet, near Millsaps College. ~5-10 mins to Downtown. Walkable with beautiful oak trees.	$850 - $1,050	Accountants who value history, quiet streets, and a strong sense of community.
Madison (Suburban)	Affluent suburb, excellent schools. ~20-30 mins to Downtown. Very safe and quiet.	$1,000 - $1,200	Those with families or who prioritize top-tier school districts and a suburban feel.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Jackson is generally manageable compared to larger cities, but the I-55/I-20 interchange can be a bottleneck during rush hour. If you work in downtown, living in Belhaven or Fondren gives you a much quicker and more interesting commute than from Flowood or Madison.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth projection of 4% in Jackson is modest, indicating that advancement often comes from changing roles within the local market or specializing rather than from explosive industry growth.

Specialty Premiums:

• Governmental/Non-Profit Accounting: Jackson has a high demand for these skills due to the concentration of state agencies and hospitals. This specialty can command a premium over general industry accounting here.
• Tax Accounting: With a robust small business scene and complex state tax laws, skilled tax accountants are always in demand, especially with CPA licensure.
• Cost Accounting: Given the proximity to manufacturing and healthcare, cost accountants can find solid opportunities, particularly in the Pascagoula region (a commute many Jacksonians make).

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager/Controller. For CPAs, the path often leads to Director of Finance, VP of Finance, or Partner in a local firm. The ceiling in Jackson is lower than in major hubs; you're unlikely to reach a $300k+ compensation package unless you reach the executive level (CFO) at a large regional company. However, the path to a six-figure income ($100k+) by your mid-to-late 30s is very achievable with the right specialization and licensure.

10-Year Outlook:
Jackson will not become a national accounting hub. However, its role as the state capital and a regional healthcare center ensures a steady, low-volatility demand for accountants. The key to growth will be in adapting to technology (automation in accounting is reducing entry-level tasks) and developing soft skills for leadership roles. Salaries for experienced, licensed CPAs will continue to rise gradually, likely tracking slightly above inflation.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches far here.	Modest Salary Growth: The $83,678 median plateaus; high-earning potential is capped outside top exec roles.
Attainable Homeownership: The housing market is accessible.	Limited Networking Pool: Smaller professional community than major metros.
Stable Job Market: The 287 jobs and 4% growth indicate reliability, not volatility.	Car-Dependent City: Public transit is limited; you'll need a vehicle.
Low Commute Times: Most commutes are under 30 minutes.	Slower Pace: If you thrive on constant change and buzz, Jackson may feel quiet.
Southern Hospitality & Culture: A genuine community feel.	Some Crime Concerns: Varies by neighborhood; research is essential.

Final Recommendation:
Jackson is an excellent choice for the pragmatic accountant. If your priorities are financial stability, work-life balance, and the ability to own a home without a mountain of debt, Jackson delivers. It's ideal for:

• Early-career accountants looking to pay off student loans quickly.
• Mid-career professionals seeking a lower-stress environment.
• Families who value affordability and good suburban schools.

It is not the best fit for the highly ambitious accountant seeking rapid career acceleration, a vast professional network, or the energy of a major metropolitan area. If you want to be in the national spotlight, Jackson is not it.

For the right person, Jackson offers a foundation for a fulfilling, financially secure life and career that is hard to find in many other parts of the country.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for entry-level accountants in Jackson?
A: It's moderately competitive. For every entry-level posting, you'll likely get 20-30 applicants. Having a bachelor's degree (120 credits), any internship experience (even unpaid), and proficiency in Excel and QuickBooks is the baseline. Being willing to start in AP/AR or staff accounting at a mid-sized firm or local business is the most common entry point.

Q: Do I absolutely need my CPA to have a good career in Jackson?
A: No, but it is a significant accelerator. Many senior roles (Controller, Manager) in Jackson list CPA as a "preferred" or "required" qualification. You can have a stable career as a non-CPA, especially in industry or government. However, to reach the top tier of salaries ($100k+) and leadership positions, the CPA is almost essential. Consider it a long-term investment.

Q: What's the commute like from the suburbs to downtown Jackson?
A: Generally very manageable. From Ridgeland or Madison, it's 20-25 minutes on I-55. From Flowood, it's about 20 minutes on I-55/I-20. From neighborhoods like Fondren or Belhaven, it's a 10-15 minute local drive. Traffic is predictable and significantly lighter than in cities like Atlanta or Dallas.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote accounting work in Jackson?
A: Yes, increasingly so. Many of the major employers (Baptist, Trustmark) have adopted hybrid models. Additionally, Jackson-based accountants are finding remote positions with national companies, which allows them to earn a higher salary while benefiting from Jackson's low cost of living. This is a growing trend and a key strategy for boosting earnings.

Q: How important is networking in a smaller market like Jackson?
A: Extremely important. In a city of 143,633 with a tight-knit business community, who you know matters. Join the Mississippi Society of CPAs, attend the Junior League of Jackson events (if you're eligible), and connect with alumni from Ole Miss or Jackson State. A referral from a trusted local colleague can open doors that online applications cannot.