Accountant in Jackson, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

Jackson, Wyoming, is a unique market. It’s not a sprawling metro, and its economy is heavily influenced by tourism, real estate, and the small-business ecosystem that supports them. For accountants, this means the job market is specialized but can be lucrative, especially for those who understand the nuances of a seasonal economy and high-net-worth clients.

Let’s get straight to the numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data cross-referenced with local market analysis, the median salary for accountants and auditors in Jackson is $85,305 per year. This translates to an hourly rate of $41.01. It’s important to note that the national average for this role is $86,080/year. This means Jackson’s median salary is virtually on par with the national average, which is impressive for a town of its size. However, the cost of living and the specific nature of the local economy are the real deciding factors.

The job market itself is tight. There are only 21 jobs in the metro area at any given time, and the 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 4%. This isn't a high-turnover industry here. Jobs open up due to retirement or business expansion, not rapid scaling. You need to be strategic about your entry.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, your actual earning potential will vary significantly with experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Jackson market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Roles in Jackson
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$60,000 - $72,000	Staff Accountant, Bookkeeper for a small firm, AP/AR Specialist at a local business
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$75,000 - $95,000	Senior Accountant, Tax Preparer, Controller for a small to mid-sized business
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$100,000 - $130,000+	Tax Manager, Partner in a CPA firm, CFO for a local real estate or hospitality group

Data compiled from local job postings and BLS regional data.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid to senior level often hinges on a CPA license. In Jackson’s tight-knit business community, the CPA credential carries significant weight and can be the key to unlocking the higher end of the salary range.

Comparison to Other Wyoming Cities

How does Jackson stack up against other hubs in the state? It’s a mixed bag. Cheyenne and Casper, as larger state administrative and energy centers, offer more volume but not necessarily higher pay for accountants.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Job Market Size
Jackson, WY	$85,305	97.0	Very Small (21 jobs)
Cheyenne, WY	$83,200	98.5	Small (but larger than Jackson)
Casper, WY	$82,500	95.8	Small
Gillette, WY	$80,900	103.0	Small (energy sector focus)

Note: Salary figures are approximations based on BLS metro area data. Cost of Living Index from bestplaces.net.

Jackson’s salary is competitive, but its cost of living index of 97.0 is slightly below the national average, which helps. However, this index is a broad measure. The real story is in housing costs, which are a major outlier.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground the median salary in reality. For a single accountant earning $85,305/year, here’s a hypothetical monthly budget breakdown. We’ll assume a standard federal tax filing, the Wyoming state tax of 0% (a huge benefit), and Social Security/Medicare (~7.65%).

• Gross Monthly Pay: $7,108.75
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (Federal + FICA): ~$1,350
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$5,758.75

Now, let’s factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom rent in Jackson is $921/month. This is not the Jackson you see in travel magazines. This average includes older apartments in Wilson, cottages in the Town of Jackson, and units in more modest buildings. Luxury studio apartments in the Town of Jackson can easily run $2,000+.

Monthly Budget Example (Net: $5,758.75):

• Rent (Average 1BR): $921
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $400 (Note: Groceries are ~15% higher than national average)
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $500 (Essential in this town)
• Health Insurance (if not employer-provided): $300
• Retirement (10% of gross): $710
• Discretionary/Other: $2,727.75

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the critical question. The median home price in Jackson is prohibitively high, often exceeding $1.5 million for a single-family home. A more realistic option for a professional is a condo or townhome in the Town of Jackson or Wilson, starting at around $500,000+.

With a $5,758.75 net monthly income, a mortgage on a $550,000 property (with 20% down) would be roughly $2,200/month (including taxes and insurance). This would consume nearly 40% of your net income, which is a significant financial stretch. Verdict: On a single median salary, buying is very difficult. It becomes more feasible if you are a dual-income household or eventually reach the senior/expert salary tier ($100,000+).

The Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

The job market for accountants is small but stable. You’re not looking for Fortune 500 headquarters; you’re looking for regional offices, large family offices, and the professional service firms that support them.

1. Local CPA Firms: This is the primary employer. Firms like Hobbs, Harkins & Company and Goff & Harkins are pillars of the community. They handle tax work for the area's high-net-worth individuals, real estate developers, and small businesses. They hire for seasonal tax work and full-time staff. Hiring is cyclical, with the biggest push from August to October.
2. St. John’s Health: The local hospital is a major employer. They need accountants for internal financial control, grant accounting (for their community health programs), and managing their billing department. It’s a stable, 9-to-5 environment with good benefits.
3. Teton County Government: As the county seat, the government has a finance department that manages a budget heavily influenced by property tax revenue and tourism revenue. They hire accountants for budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting. These are public sector jobs with lower salaries but excellent job security and pensions.
4. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR): A massive seasonal business that requires year-round accounting. Roles include accounts payable/receivable, financial reporting for the resort, and accounting for their retail and F&B operations. It’s fast-paced and seasonal, but a great way to get your foot in the door.
5. Real Estate Brokerages & Developers: Large local firms like Teton Sotheby’s International Realty and developers of major projects (e.g., in Rendezvous Mountain Village) need in-house controllers or work closely with external CPA firms. This is a high-stakes, high-reward niche.
6. Private Family Offices & Trusts: This is the hidden gem of the Jackson market. Wealthy individuals and families have offices that manage their assets, investments, and philanthropy. These roles are rarely advertised publicly and are filled through networking. They require discretion, a deep understanding of complex financial structures, and often a CPA/CFA designation.

Hiring Trends: Jobs are posted on wyomingworks.com and local LinkedIn groups. However, the most effective strategy is direct contact and networking. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is a key hub. Hiring tends to be slow and deliberate; the interview process can be lengthy as fit and trust are paramount.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming has straightforward but strict licensing requirements. If you want to use the title "CPA" or offer attestation services, you must be licensed.

Requirements (from the Wyoming Board of Accountancy):

1. Education: A 150-credit-hour bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution, with at least 24 semester hours in accounting and 24 hours in general business courses.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of qualifying accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. The experience can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• CPA Exam Fees: Approximately $1,500 for all four sections (varies by state).
• Licensing Fee: $150 initial application fee.
• Ethics Exam Fee: $150 (AICPA fee).
• Study Materials: $1,500 - $3,000 (Becker, Wiley, Roger, etc.).
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,300 - $4,800+.

Timeline: If you start today, the fastest path is 1 year (if you already have a 150-credit degree) to 3 years (if you need to complete education and gain experience). In Jackson, the pool of licensed CPAs is small, so once you are licensed, you become a highly sought-after professional.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Living in Jackson isn't just about the town center. Commute and lifestyle vary dramatically by neighborhood.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for an Accountant
Town of Jackson	Walkable, vibrant, touristy. Core business district is here.	$1,200 - $2,000+	Zero commute for most jobs, easy access to networking events and lunches. The "in-town" feel.
Wilson	Quiet, suburban, family-friendly. 10-15 min drive to Jackson.	$900 - $1,500	More affordable housing, safer feel, still close to amenities. Great for those who want a home office.
East Jackson	Older, residential, more affordable. 5-10 min to downtown.	$800 - $1,300	A hidden gem for value. You get more space for your money. The commute is negligible.
Teton Village	Upscale, ski-in/ski-out, corporate. 20 min from Jackson.	$1,800+	Best if you work for JHMR or a high-end hospitality group. Very expensive, luxury focus.
Alta/Hoback	Rural, scenic, longer commute. 20-30 mins south.	$700 - $1,100	For those who prioritize nature and solitude. You'll need a reliable car for winter driving.

Insider Tip: If you're moving from a city, don't underestimate the winter commute. The road from Wilson to Jackson can be treacherous in a snowstorm. Living in Town or East Jackson eliminates this stress. For a single professional, Town of Jackson or Wilson offer the best balance of convenience and community.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Jackson, career growth isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about deepening your expertise and building your network.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest premiums are in Tax Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals and Real Estate/Construction Accounting. Understanding 1031 exchanges, conservation easements, and complex trust structures is gold here. A CPA with this expertise can easily command $120,000+.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is: Staff Accountant at a local CPA firm -> Senior Accountant -> Manager/Partner. Another path is to move from public accounting to a Controller role at a local business (real estate, hospitality, or healthcare). The ultimate goal for many is to become a CFO for a major local entity or to start your own bookkeeping/tax practice serving the numerous small businesses.
• 10-Year Outlook: With only 4% job growth, you won't see a boom. However, the retirements of the current generation of baby boomer CPAs will create openings. The demand for accountants who can handle both the digital transformation of accounting (cloud-based systems) and the traditional high-touch client service required in Jackson is growing. The rise of remote work may also allow some Jackson-based accountants to serve clients in other states, increasing their income potential.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Jackson is not for everyone. It demands a specific mindset and financial flexibility.

Pros	Cons
Stunning Natural Beauty: Unparalleled access to skiing, hiking, and the outdoors.	Extremely High Housing Costs: The #1 barrier. You'll likely rent for years.
No State Income Tax: $0 on your state tax return—a direct boost to your take-home pay.	Small, Insular Job Market: Only 21 jobs. Networking is non-negotiable.
Tight-Knit Community: Easy to build a professional and personal network.	Seasonal Economy: Some jobs (especially in hospitality/resorts) can be unstable.
High-Earning Potential (for the area): Median salary is on par with the national average.	Tourist Crowds: Summers and holidays can be congested and overwhelming.
Work-Life Balance (after hours): Easy to decompress in nature.	Limited Career Pivots: Hard to switch industries or jump to a new specialty.

Final Recommendation:
Jackson is an excellent choice for an accountant who:

• Is a dual-income household or is willing to live with roommates to afford housing.
• Values lifestyle and outdoor access over urban amenities and career variety.
• Is a self-starter who can network proactively to find a job.
• Is pursuing or already has a CPA license, which dramatically increases employability and salary.
• Is comfortable with a slower pace of life and a community-focused environment.

If you are a single-income family looking to buy a home quickly, or if you thrive in a fast-paced, diverse job market, Jackson will be a challenging fit.

FAQs

Q: What is the biggest challenge for accountants moving to Jackson?
A: Securing affordable housing. While the average rent seems reasonable, the inventory is extremely limited. You need to start your housing search as soon as you have a job offer. Be prepared for competitive applications.

Q: Is a CPA license required to get an accounting job in Jackson?
A: No, but it is highly preferred for senior roles and public accounting. You can find bookkeeping and staff accountant positions without it, but your ceiling will be much lower. If you plan to stay long-term, getting your CPA is the single best investment you can make.

Q: How do I find a job as an accountant in Jackson?
A: Use a multi-pronged approach: 1) Check wyomingworks.com and local firm websites. 2) Connect with the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce and attend business mixers. 3) Use LinkedIn to identify local accounting professionals and request informational interviews. 4) Consider contacting firms directly with a tailored resume.

Q: What is the winter like for commuting and work-life balance?
A: Winters are long (November to April) and snowy. Commutes can be slow and require a 4WD vehicle. However, the work culture often adapts. Many offices have flexible start times during storms. The trade-off is world-class skiing right after work—many accountants are on the slopes by 4 PM.

Q: Can I work remotely for a company outside of Wyoming while living in Jackson?
A: Yes, and this is becoming more common. However, you must be mindful of tax implications. Your employer will typically withhold taxes for your state of physical residence. Since Wyoming has no state income tax, this is a bonus for you, but your employer's state tax laws may apply. It's crucial to discuss this with your employer and a tax professional.