Accountant in Juneau city and, AK

The Salary Picture: Where Juneau city and Stands

As someone who’s watched Juneau’s accounting scene evolve over the last couple of decades, I can tell you the numbers tell a straightforward story. The median salary for an Accountant in Juneau city and is $86,519/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $41.6/hour. This sits just above the national average of $86,080/year, a solid indicator that the profession is valued here, though not dramatically so. The key factor isn't just the salary; it's the context. With a metro population of just 31,969, the job market is tight. There are only 63 accounting jobs in the metro area at any given time. This isn't a place with endless corporate ladders; it's a market where reputation, specialization, and local connections matter immensely. The 4% 10-year job growth is modest, reflecting a stable but not booming economy. You’re not moving here for explosive career growth; you’re moving here for a specific quality of life and a stable, predictable professional environment.

Breaking it down by experience is crucial for setting realistic expectations:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Characteristics in Juneau
Entry-Level	$60,000 - $72,000	Often starts in government or with local firms. Focus on bookkeeping, basic tax prep, and learning the unique state tax codes.
Mid-Career	$75,000 - $92,000	The bulk of the market. You'll manage client portfolios, specialize (e.g., construction, non-profit), and may be a CPA. This is where you hit the median.
Senior	$95,000 - $115,000	Typically leads a team or a key client account. Often in management at a firm or a high-level controller for a major local entity.
Expert/Partner	$120,000+	Firm partners, specialized consultants, or CFOs for large local institutions (e.g., hospitals, Native corporations). Highly competitive, few slots.

When you compare this to other Alaskan cities, the story gets more nuanced. While Anchorage has more jobs and slightly higher top-end pay, it also has a higher cost of living and more competition. Fairbanks is more aligned with Juneau in terms of market size and salary, but with a more seasonal economic pulse tied to military and oil. Southeast Alaska, and Juneau specifically, has its own rhythm. The tourism and seafood industries create a unique accounting calendar—fiscal year-ends can be hectic. My insider tip: If you're a mid-career accountant looking for a manageable market where you can become a known quantity, Juneau is ideal. If you're a new grad needing a wide range of entry-level roles to choose from, you'll find fewer options here than in Anchorage.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. You can't live on a median salary alone; you have to factor in Alaska's unique tax structure and housing market. Alaska has no state income tax and no state sales tax (though some cities, including Juneau, have a local sales tax of 5%). However, property taxes are a reality, and the cost of living is a significant factor. The Cost of Living Index for Juneau is 101.7, meaning it's 1.7% above the national average. The biggest variable is housing.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for an Accountant earning the median salary of $86,519/year. We'll assume a single filer using standard 2023 federal tax deductions (approx. 22% effective rate, $0 state tax).

• Gross Monthly Pay: $7,210
• Federal Taxes (est.): -$1,586
• Social Security/Medicare: -$551
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,073

Now, let's allocate that take-home:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Insights
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$1,307	The state average. In popular neighborhoods, it can be higher.
Utilities (Electric/Gas)	$180	Juneau's hydroelectric power keeps costs moderate, but heating oil for older homes can be pricey.
Food	$500	Groceries are 20-30% above national average. The local Co-op and Fred Meyer are staples.
Transportation	$250	Gas is expensive. Many residents walk or bus. No car payment assumed here.
Health Insurance	$350	Varies widely if employer-provided. A key negotiation point.
Miscellaneous	$400	Internet, cell, recreation, etc.
Savings/Debt	$2,086	What's left over. This is the key.

Can they afford to buy a home? With a $1,307 average rent, buying can be a smart move long-term. The median home price in Juneau is around $450,000. A 20% down payment ($90,000) is a significant hurdle. However, with a $5,000 monthly take-home and $2,000+ in monthly savings potential, saving for a down payment is feasible over 3-5 years with discipline. The mortgage on a $450,000 home (with 20% down) would be roughly $2,200/month (including taxes/insurance), which would be tight but doable on the median salary, especially with dual income. My advice: Rent for the first year to understand the neighborhoods and save aggressively. It's the classic Juneau move.

Where the Jobs Are: Juneau city and's Major Employers

With only 63 accounting jobs, knowing where to look is half the battle. The market is dominated by a few key sectors. Forget the big national chains; you'll be working for the institutions that keep this capital city running.

1. State of Alaska: The single largest employer. The Department of Revenue, Legislative Finance, and various agencies all need accountants. These are stable, pension-eligible jobs. Hiring is slow and often internal, but keeping an eye on the state's job board is essential.
2. Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs): Sealaska Corporation and the Goldbelt Native Corporation are major economic engines here. They have complex accounting needs spanning from natural resource management to tourism and federal contracting. They offer some of the most competitive salaries in town.
3. Bartlett Regional Hospital: The primary hospital for the region. Needs staff accountants, billing specialists, and financial analysts. The healthcare sector is a growing niche for accountants with compliance expertise.
4. City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ): The local government. Similar to the state, these jobs are stable but slow to hire. They handle the municipal budget, utilities, and school district finances.
5. Regional Public Accounting Firms: Small to mid-sized local firms like Winter & Associates or Accounting & Business Services are the backbone of local business. They handle audits, tax, and consulting for countless small businesses. This is where you'll find the most variety and client-facing work. Hiring is often done through networking and internships.
6. Retail & Hospitality Giants: Alaska Freight Lines and Alaska Marine Lines need logistics accountants. The major hotel chains (like Westmark) and large restaurant groups have corporate accounting roles.

Hiring Trend: It's a "who you know" market. Jobs are often filled before they're widely advertised. The best way in is through a summer internship at a local firm or the state, or by connecting with current accountants at the Southeast Alaska Accounting Association meetups (when they happen).

Getting Licensed in AK

To practice as a CPA in Alaska, you must be licensed by the Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy. The process is rigorous but standardized.

• Education: 150 semester hours, including a bachelor's degree and 24 credit hours in accounting and 24 in business. This is non-negotiable. Many Juneau accountants get their initial degrees from the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), which has an accredited program.
• Exam: Pass the Uniform CPA Examination (all four sections). This is a national exam.
• Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of qualifying accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be a major hurdle in a small market. Securing a job with a CPA supervisor is the first step.
• Ethics Exam: The AICPA's Professional Ethics Exam.
• Cost: Expect to spend $1,000 - $1,500 for exam fees, review courses, and application fees. This is an investment, but the ROI in a market like Juneau is significant.
• Timeline: From starting your education to full licensure is typically 5-6 years. You can work as a staff accountant while completing your hours and passing the exam.

Insider Tip: If you're not yet a CPA, you can still work as an accountant in Juneau, but your growth ceiling is lower. Many firms and government roles require the CPA for senior positions. The Alaska Board of Public Accountancy website is the definitive resource; start there.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Juneau defines your commute and lifestyle. Traffic isn't a major issue, but the geography is. The city is squeezed between mountains and the Gastineau Channel.

1. Downtown / Capitol Hill: Walkable to the State Capitol, many law firms, and central offices. You'll find older apartment buildings and some newer condos. Rent for a 1BR is $1,400 - $1,600. The vibe is urban, with easy access to coffee shops and restaurants. Best for those without a car who want a short, often walkable, commute.
2. Mendenhall Valley (Valley Apts, Mendenhall Loop Rd): The suburban heart of Juneau. Mostly single-family homes and townhouses. Home to the Fred Meyer, malls, and many family-oriented amenities. Commute to downtown is 15-20 minutes by car. Rent for a 1BR is closer to the average: $1,200 - $1,400. Ideal for those seeking more space and a quieter, residential feel.
3. Douglas Island: A separate island community with a small-town feel. Connected by the Douglas Bridge. Commute to downtown is 10-15 minutes. More affordable housing, with 1BR rentals around $1,100 - $1,300. It's a tight-knit community with its own character. Great if you want a bit of separation from the capital city hustle.
4. Auke Bay: Located north of downtown, home to the University of Alaska Southeast and the airport. It's more residential and has a bit of a "bedroom community" vibe. Commute is 20 minutes. You'll find newer housing developments. 1BR rents are similar to the Valley: $1,200 - $1,400. Best for those who value proximity to the university and don't mind a longer commute.

My Pick: For a new accountant in town, Downtown offers the best networking potential. For a mid-career professional ready to buy, the Mendenhall Valley provides the best value and space.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Juneau, career growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about deepening your expertise and expanding your network. The 4% job growth means you can't rely on new positions opening up. You must create your own value.

• Specialty Premiums: The most lucrative path is specialization. Accountants with expertise in Tribal Accounting and Finance, Governmental Accounting (GASB), or Marine/Logistics Accounting command higher salaries—potentially $10,000 - $20,000 above the median. These are the needs of ANCs, the state, and local shippers.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Staff Accountant -> Senior Accountant -> Manager/Controller (at a local firm or business). The endpoint for many is Partner at a local CPA firm or CFO for a mid-sized local company (e.g., a hospital, a resort, or an ANC subsidiary). Another strong path is moving into government finance, where, despite the lower ceiling, the benefits (pension, healthcare) are exceptional.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable. The core of Juneau's economy—government, healthcare, tourism, and Native corporate interests—will remain. The accountant who thrives is the one who understands the intersection of these sectors. The rise of remote work is a double-edged sword; it allows you to consult for lower-48 clients, but it also introduces competition. My forecast: Demand for technology-enabled accountants (using data analytics, cloud accounting) will outpace traditional roles. Learning these skills now is key.

The Verdict: Is Juneau city and Right for You?

The decision to move to Juneau is less about the paycheck and more about the lifestyle. The numbers support a comfortable, if not lavish, life for a skilled accountant.

Pros	Cons
Stunning Natural Beauty: Unmatched access to hiking, fishing, and glaciers.	High Cost of Living: Especially for groceries, gas, and housing.
Stable Job Market: Low competition for quality roles.	Small, Insular Market: Few jobs, networking is everything.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your $86,519 in your pocket.	Limited Growth: 4% job growth means you create your own opportunities.
Meaningful Work: You directly impact local institutions and communities.	Remote & Expensive Travel: Getting in and out is costly and weather-dependent.
Low Crime & High Quality of Life: A safe, community-oriented city.	"Island Fever": The geography can feel isolating for some.

Final Recommendation:
Juneau is right for you if: You are a mid-career accountant (or a new grad with a clear plan) who values quality of life over rapid career growth. You love the outdoors, are comfortable in a small community, and are willing to specialize in a niche like government or tribal accounting. You should be prepared to live on a modest budget and invest in local relationships.

Juneau is not right for you if: You are chasing a six-figure salary at a major corporate firm, crave the anonymity of a large city, or have a low tolerance for rain and isolation. If you need a vibrant nightlife or a wide variety of job hops, Anchorage is a better bet.

FAQs

1. Is the accounting job market in Juneau really that small?
Yes. With only 63 jobs in the metro area, it's one of the smallest markets in the country for this profession. This means competition for the good roles is stiff, but once you're in, turnover is low. It's a market built on long-term relationships.

2. How important is a CPA license in Juneau?
It's a differentiator. While not every job requires it, the highest-paying and most senior roles (Controller, Partner, CFO) almost always do. Given the small market, having your CPA gives you significant leverage and is a key part of the long-term career growth plan.

3. What's the weather really like, and does it affect work?
It's a maritime climate—cool, wet, and cloudy for much of the year. Snow is common in winter. It doesn't stop business, but it affects lifestyle. You'll need a good raincoat and boots. The bigger impact is on logistics; ferry and flight delays can disrupt travel for conferences or client meetings. Always have a backup plan.

4. Can I work remotely for a lower-48 company while living in Juneau?
You can, and many do. The internet infrastructure is decent (though not fiber everywhere). This is a great way to supplement income or access higher wages. However, be aware of time zone differences (Juneau is AKST, 4 hours behind ET). Also, if you're working remotely for an out-of-state firm, ensure you understand any tax implications for both you and the employer.

5. How do I get my foot in the door without local connections?
Start with the State of Alaska and CBJ job boards; they are the most accessible. Apply for every relevant entry-level and staff accountant role. Simultaneously, reach out to the local CPA firms for informational interviews. Attend any event hosted by the University of Alaska Southeast's business department. Consider a temporary role with a staffing agency that serves the state. Persistence and showing a genuine interest in Juneau are key.