Accountant in Kenner, LA

The Salary Picture: Where Kenner Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Kenner isn’t the first city that springs to mind for a big accounting career, but it’s a pragmatic choice with a surprising upside. The job market here is stable, the cost of living is a major draw, and you’re embedded in the greater New Orleans ecosystem without the city’s price tag. Let’s break down the numbers.

The median salary for an accountant in Kenner is $83,781 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.28. That’s a solid middle-ground figure. It’s slightly below the national average of $86,080, but the trade-off is significant when you factor in the local economy. There are approximately 126 accounting-related jobs in the metro area, which is a tight, competitive market. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is modest but steady—this isn’t a boomtown, but it’s a reliable one.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how salary breaks down by experience level in our local market. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry conversations, but they align with the overall median.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Kenner)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $68,000	Often starts in bookkeeping, AP/AR, or staff accountant roles. CPA track begins here.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$75,000 - $92,000	Senior staff accountant, tax specialist. This is where the median sits.
Senior (8-12 yrs)	$90,000 - $115,000	Managerial roles, senior tax manager, internal audit lead.
Expert (12+ yrs)	$115,000+	Controller, CFO, partner at a local firm. Highly specialized.

When compared to other Louisiana cities, Kenner’s position is interesting. You’ll see higher salaries in Baton Rouge (driven by state government) and New Orleans (driven by tourism, marine, and corporate HQs), but you’ll also see a much higher cost of living. Shreveport and Lafayette offer similar salary ranges to Kenner, but with different industry mixes. Kenner’s key advantage is its proximity to the New Orleans job market without being tied to its higher housing costs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $83,781 sounds good, but what does it mean for your daily life in Kenner? Let’s be direct and run the numbers.

First, the good news: Kenner’s cost of living is a major asset. The index sits at 91.1 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches further here than in most places. The average 1BR rent is just $865/month, a figure that feels like a relic from another era compared to national averages.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for an accountant earning the median salary. (Note: This uses a simplified take-home calculation after federal, state, and FICA taxes, assuming you file as single with no dependents. Actual take-home will vary.)

Expense Category	Monthly Estimate	Details
Gross Monthly Income	$6,982	$83,781 / 12
Estimated Take-Home Pay	$5,250	After ~25% for taxes & benefits
Rent (1BR Average)	$865	A decent apartment in a safe area.
Utilities (Elec, Water, Internet)	$180	High humidity in summer means higher AC bills.
Groceries	$400	Fresh produce is reasonable; seafood is a local treat.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	A necessity in Kenner; public transit is limited.
Gas/Commute	$120	Most commutes are short, but you’ll drive.
Health Insurance (post-employer)	$250	Varies; employer plans are common.
Misc. & Savings	$1,985	This is your strong point.

Insider Tip: With nearly $2,000 left after essential expenses, you have significant room for savings, investments, or discretionary spending. This is the Kenner advantage.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is where Kenner truly shines. With the median home price around $260,000 (as of late 2023), a 20% down payment is $52,000. Given your robust monthly surplus, saving for a down payment is a realistic 2-3 year goal for a disciplined planner. Local banks like First Horizon and Hancock Whitney are very active in the mortgage market, and state-specific programs can assist first-time buyers.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenner's Major Employers

Kenner’s job market is defined by its role as a regional hub for healthcare, maritime, and manufacturing. The “126 jobs” figure is accurate but doesn’t tell the whole story—many Kenner accountants work for firms that serve clients across the entire Gulf South.

Here are the major local employers for accountants:

1. Ochsner Kenner: The largest private employer in the region. The healthcare system has a massive footprint in Kenner, with constant demand for staff accountants, billing specialists, and financial analysts to manage the complex revenue cycle of a major hospital.
2. Louisiana International Marine Terminal (LIMT) & Port of New Orleans: While the Port’s main offices are in New Orleans, its operations and logistics companies are heavily based in Kenner’s industrial corridors. Accountants here specialize in freight accounting, customs brokerage, and logistics finance.
3. Northrop Grumman (Avondale Shipyard): Located just across the river in Avondale, this massive shipyard and its network of subcontractors are a major source of stable, well-paying accounting jobs, often requiring security clearances and experience with government contract accounting (DCAA compliance).
4. Local & Regional CPA Firms: Kenner is home to several reputable mid-size firms that serve the local business community—restaurants, construction, and local government. Examples include firms like Galloway, Johnson, Smith & Allen (which has a Kenner presence) and others that specialize in tax and audit for small to mid-sized businesses.
5. Jefferson Parish Government: As the parish seat, Kenner hosts administrative offices. The parish government is a steady employer for accountants in public finance, budgeting, and grant management.
6. Major Retail & Corporate Distribution: Companies like Home Depot (regional distribution) and others have significant logistics hubs in the area, requiring accountants for inventory control, cost accounting, and financial reporting.

Hiring Trends: The demand is for CPAs and accountants with 3-5 years of experience. Specialization in healthcare revenue cycle, tax (especially individual and small business), and not-for-profit accounting is highly valued. Remote work is less common than in larger metros, but hybrid schedules are becoming more accepted, especially in corporate roles.

Getting Licensed in Louisiana

To practice as a CPA in Louisiana, you must follow the state’s specific requirements, which are managed by the Louisiana Board of Accountancy.

Requirements:

• Education: 150 semester hours, including a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 hours of upper-level accounting.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
• Experience: You need 2,000 hours of non-public accounting experience (industry, government, academia) or 1,000 hours of public accounting experience, all under the supervision of a licensed CPA.
• Ethics: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: Approximately $1,500 - $2,000 total for all four sections (varies by state).
• Application/Licensing Fees: Around $200 - $300.
• Study Materials: $1,500 - $2,500 (Becker, Roger, etc.).
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,200 - $4,800 (excluding education).

Timeline: For someone with the educational credits, the process typically takes 12-18 months: 6-9 months to study and pass the exam, and another 6-9 months to complete the experience requirement and get licensed.
Insider Tip: The New Orleans Chapter of the Louisiana Society of CPAs is an invaluable resource for networking and finding mentors who can guide you through the licensure process.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Kenner is geographically spread out, and your choice of neighborhood will impact your commute and lifestyle more than you might expect. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Why It’s a Good Fit
Williams Blvd (Airport Area)	Business-focused, quiet, safe. Central to major employers like Ochsner and the airport.	$950 - $1,100	Best for professionals. Minimal commute to key job centers. Modern apartments, easy I-10 access.
East Kenner (Vintage Blvd area)	Older, established, residential. More single-family homes, family-oriented.	$800 - $950	Best for homeowners. More affordable for buyers, great value, but slightly longer commutes.
Lakewood	Charming, lakeside community with a mix of ages. Close to shopping and restaurants.	$900 - $1,050	Best for lifestyle. A nice balance of quiet and convenience, with scenic views.
South Kenner (near River Rd)	Industrial and commercial corridor, but with pockets of affordable housing.	$750 - $900	Best for budget. Lowest rents, but you’ll be closer to industrial activity and traffic. Commute to NOLA is easy.
Historic Kenner	Small, walkable area near the Kenner City Hall. Historic homes, quiet streets.	$700 - $900	Best for character. Very affordable, but limited rental stock. A hidden gem for those who value charm.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-10 and Williams Blvd can be congested during rush hour. Living near your primary workplace is a major quality-of-life upgrade.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for accountants in Kenner is stable, not explosive. The 4% job growth reflects a mature market. Your career trajectory will depend heavily on specialization and networking.

• Specialty Premiums: You can expect a salary premium (10-20%) for certain specializations:

  • CPA License: The single biggest boost.
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle: In high demand at Ochsner and other providers.
  • Tax Expertise: Specializing in individual, small business, or state/local tax is always needed.
  • Government Contract Accounting: Experience with DCAA is golden for jobs near the shipyard.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Staff Accountant -> Senior Accountant -> Accounting Manager -> Controller. For those in public accounting, the path is Staff -> Senior -> Manager -> Partner. To reach the highest levels (CFO, Partner), you will likely need to move to a larger firm in New Orleans, but you can build your base in Kenner and make that move later.

• 10-Year Outlook: The core industries (healthcare, maritime, manufacturing) are not going anywhere. The demand will remain steady for experienced, licensed accountants who can manage complex systems and regulations. The key to growth is to become the go-to expert in a niche, like oil & gas accounting or not-for-profit financial management, which are relevant to the region.

The Verdict: Is Kenner Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Affordability: Your salary goes much further here.	Limited High-Paying Specialties: Fewer roles in investment banking, tech, or massive corporate HQs.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by healthcare, port, and government.	Commute to New Orleans: If you work in downtown NOLA, the 20-30 minute drive can be tedious.
Short, Easy Commutes: Most commutes are under 20 minutes within Kenner.	Slower Pace: Fewer networking events, conferences, and professional development opportunities than a major metro.
Proximity to NOLA: You can access the culture and events of New Orleans anytime.	Car Dependency: You must have a reliable car. Public transit is minimal.
Strong Community Feel: It feels like a real city, not a suburb.	Job Competition: The market is small, so landing the right role can take time.

Final Recommendation: Kenner is an excellent choice for a pragmatic accountant who values quality of life, affordability, and stability over chasing the highest possible salary in a high-cost city. It’s ideal for those in the early to mid-career stage, looking to buy a home, build savings, and establish themselves in a supportive community. It’s less ideal for someone seeking the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of a Wall Street firm or a Silicon Valley startup.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for a CPA with 5 years of experience?
It’s competitive but not cutthroat. With a CPA license and 5 years of experience in tax or audit, you are a highly desirable candidate. The key is to network with local firms and check the Jefferson Parish government and Ochsner career pages regularly. Many local hires come from referrals.

2. Is it possible to work remotely for a company outside of Louisiana while living in Kenner?
Yes, it’s increasingly possible, especially for corporate accounting roles. However, many local employers still prefer in-person or hybrid work. The city has good internet infrastructure, so remote work is a viable option if you find the right employer.

3. What’s the biggest challenge for accountants moving to Kenner?
The biggest adjustment for many is the pace and scale. Your professional network will be smaller, and you may need to drive to New Orleans for certain specialized training or events. It requires being proactive about building your local connections.

4. Are there opportunities to work in public accounting (audit/tax) in Kenner?
Yes, several mid-size and small CPA firms are based in Kenner and serve the surrounding area. These firms offer a great environment to get diverse experience, especially in tax, audit for small businesses, and not-for-profit work.

5. How does the cost of living affect my salary negotiation?
It’s a powerful tool in your favor. When you interview, you can confidently state that you are targeting the local median of $83,781 based on your experience and the local market data. Employers in Kenner are aware that they are competing with New Orleans salaries but can leverage the area’s affordability to attract talent. Do your homework on specific roles to know your worth.