The Killeen Accountant's Playbook: A Data-Driven Career Guide

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the professional landscape of Central Texas, I can tell you that Killeen is a unique market. It’s not Austin’s tech boom or Dallas’s corporate sprawl. It’s a city built on the rhythms of Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), with a stable, government-anchored economy that offers a very specific kind of career path. For an accountant, this means predictable demand, a lower cost of living, and a market that values stability over flashy startup culture.

This guide is for the accountant—whether you’re a recent graduate, a mid-career professional, or a seasoned CPA—considering a move to Killeen. We’ll cut through the noise and look at the data, the dollars, and the day-to-day reality of building a financial career in this Texas hub.

The Salary Picture: Where Killeen Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter most. The accounting field in Killeen is defined by its proximity to the military and the local government infrastructure. While not the highest-paying market in Texas, the compensation is strong relative to the city’s low cost of living.

• Median Salary: $83,962/year
• Hourly Rate: $40.37/hour
• National Average: $86,080/year
• Jobs in Metro: 319
• 10-Year Job Growth: 4%

The data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job postings paints a clear picture. Killeen’s median salary sits just slightly below the national average, but this is misleading if you don’t account for the cost of living. A $83,962 salary in Killeen feels more like a six-figure income in a high-cost city.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential in Killeen is directly tied to your credentials and experience. The market heavily favors those with a CPA license and specialized skills in government or contract accounting.

Experience Level	Typical Title	Salary Range (Annual)	Key Local Employers
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Staff Accountant, AP/AR Specialist	$55,000 - $68,000	Local firms, retail, healthcare
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	Senior Accountant, Financial Analyst	$70,000 - $90,000	Regional banks, city/county, construction
Senior (8-15 yrs)	Accounting Manager, Controller	$95,000 - $120,000	Major contractors, hospital systems, large nonprofits
Expert (15+ yrs)	CPA, Partner, Director of Finance	$125,000+	Top-tier firms, municipal government, hospital C-suite

Insider Tip: The jump from Senior to Expert level often requires a CPA license in this market. Many local government and large construction roles explicitly list CPA as a "preferred" or "required" qualification, which can add a $15,000-$25,000 premium to your base salary.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

How does Killeen stack up against other Texas metros? It’s a value play.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Real Income Feel
Killeen	$83,962	91.8	Excellent
Dallas-Fort Worth	$90,540	102.5	Good
Austin	$89,250	125.4	Challenging
San Antonio	$81,500	94.2	Good
Houston	$88,200	96.5	Good

Killeen’s salary is competitive with San Antonio and Houston but its significantly lower cost of living (91.8) makes it one of the most financially sustainable choices in the state. While an accountant in Austin might earn a few thousand more on paper, their housing costs could easily consume that entire difference.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s build a real-world monthly budget for an accountant earning the Killeen median of $83,962.

Assumptions:

• Filing as Single, No Dependents
• Using 2024 Federal & TX State Tax Brackets (TX has no state income tax)
• Health Insurance, 401(k) contribution (5%)

Monthly Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$6,997	$83,962 / 12
Federal Tax (Est.)	$1,050	Varies heavily with deductions
FICA (7.65%)	$535	Social Security & Medicare
Health Insurance	$350	Employer-subsidized plan
401(k) Contribution (5%)	$350	Critical for long-term growth
Net Take-Home Pay	~$4,722	This is your flexible cash
Average 1BR Rent	$900	City-wide average
Utilities (Elec, Water, Gas)	$180	Killeen’s climate affects this
Groceries	$350	Comparable to national average
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential in car-centric Killeen
Gas/Transport	$150	Most commutes are under 20 mins
Health/Entertainment	$300	Discretionary spending
Total Expenses	$2,630	Living comfortably
Monthly Savings	$2,092	Over $25k/year

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With $2,000+ in monthly savings, a down payment is achievable. The median home price in Killeen is around $230,000. A 20% down payment ($46,000) could be saved in roughly two years of disciplined budgeting. A mortgage on a $230,000 home with a 6.5% interest rate would be approximately $1,450/month, including taxes and insurance. This is well within the budget of an accountant earning the median salary. Neighborhoods like Killeen Heights or South Fort Cavazos offer good value for first-time homebuyers.

Where the Jobs Are: Killeen's Major Employers

Killeen’s job market is dominated by a few key sectors: government/military, healthcare, education, and construction. The 319 accounting jobs in the metro area are concentrated here.

1. Fort Cavazos (U.S. Army): The economic engine of the region. The base’s massive footprint requires thousands of support roles, including accountants and financial managers for the Army's direct and indirect costs. Jobs are posted on USAJobs.gov. Hiring is steady but can be cyclical based on federal budget cycles.
2. Killeen Independent School District (KISD): One of the largest employers in the area. KISD needs accountants for budgeting, payroll, and grant management. These roles offer excellent benefits, including a state pension plan. They typically post openings on their district website in the spring for the next school year.
3. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Killeen: The region's largest healthcare provider. Hospital accounting is a specialty, dealing with complex billing, revenue cycle management, and compliance. This is a great place to build a niche in healthcare finance.
4. City of Killeen & Bell County Government: Local governments are always hiring for staff accountants, auditors, and budget analysts. These roles are incredibly stable, with great work-life balance and benefits. Check the "Careers" section on the City of Killeen’s website.
5. Large Local Corporations & Construction: Companies like Killeen Construction (a major local contractor) and large regional businesses often need controllers or senior accountants familiar with project accounting and cost controls. These roles can pay at the higher end of the range.
6. Regional Banks (e.g., Extraco Banks, First National Bank of Central Texas): With branches throughout Killeen, these banks need commercial loan officers with accounting backgrounds, internal auditors, and branch managers. Networking here is key.

Hiring Trend Insight: The demand is for stability and reliability, not disruptive innovation. Employers value candidates who understand government compliance (FAR, DCAA), have experience with large, complex budgets, and can work in a structured, process-driven environment.

Getting Licensed in TX

For accountants, the CPA license is the gold standard. In Texas, the requirements are rigorous and set by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA).

Step 1: Education (150 Hours)
You need 150 semester hours of college credit, with specific coursework in accounting and business. Most candidates complete a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) to meet this. Universities like Texas A&M University-Central Texas (in Killeen) offer programs tailored to this.

Step 2: The CPA Exam
Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam within an 18-month rolling window. The exam itself costs roughly $1,500 - $2,000 for all sections, plus review courses (which are a significant investment, $1,500 - $3,000).

Step 3: Experience
Texas requires two years of qualifying experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government. The experience must involve non-routine accounting work.

Step 4: Ethics Exam & Application
You must pass the Texas-specific ethics exam and submit an application to the TSBPA, which includes a background check and fees (application fee is $200, initial license fee is $500).

Total Estimated Cost & Timeline:

• Cost: $4,000 - $6,000 (Exam fees, review courses, application fees, ethics exam).
• Timeline: 1-2 years to complete education, 1 year to pass exams, 2 years to gain experience (can overlap). Total: 3-4 years from starting to full licensure.

Insider Tip: Many local employers (like KISD or Baylor Scott & White) will offer tuition reimbursement for your MAcc or CPA exam prep, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Killeen is spread out, and your choice of neighborhood affects your commute, lifestyle, and housing costs. Here’s a breakdown for a professional seeking balance.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For
Killeen Heights	Established, quiet, tree-lined. 10-15 min drive to downtown/Fort Cavazos.	$950 - $1,100	Young professionals, couples wanting a bit more space.
South Fort Cavazos	Newer constructions, modern apartments, close to base gates. Very convenient for military contractors.	$1,000 - $1,200	Those working directly on base.
Downtown Killeen	Walkable, emerging arts scene, older buildings. 5-10 min commute to local gov't jobs.	$800 - $950	Urban dwellers who want character and a short commute.
Harker Heights	Suburban, family-friendly, excellent schools. 15-20 min commute to Killeen.	$1,000 - $1,300	Accountants with families or those seeking a quiet, suburban life.
Nolanville	Small-town feel, very affordable, rural. 20-25 min commute.	$700 - $850	Budget-conscious professionals who don't mind a drive.

Commute Note: Traffic in Killeen is minimal compared to Austin or Dallas. A 20-minute drive is considered a long commute. Most accountants live within a 15-minute radius of their workplace.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth projection of 4% for accountants in the Killeen metro is modest but steady. It reflects a mature market, not an explosive one. Growth comes from specialization and moving up the ladder.

Specialty Premiums:

• Government Contract Accounting (DCAA/IFRS): +15-20% over standard roles. Essential for jobs tied to Fort Cavazos.
• Healthcare Revenue Cycle: +10-15%. High demand at Baylor Scott & White.
• Nonprofit/Grant Accounting: +5-10%. Many local nonprofits and educational institutions need this.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting to Industry: Start at a local firm (like Carr, Riggs & Ingram or a smaller local CPA shop) to get your CPA, then move to a controller role at a hospital or construction company for higher pay and better hours.
2. Government to Consulting: Gain expertise in government accounting at the City or on base, then become a consultant for contractors navigating federal compliance.
3. C-Suite Ascent: With a CPA and 10+ years, aim for Director of Finance or CFO at a mid-sized local company or healthcare system. The path is clear but requires networking and a track record of saving/making money.

10-Year Outlook: The market will remain stable, anchored by the military. Automation may reduce demand for bookkeeping roles but increase demand for accountants who can analyze data, manage complex systems, and provide strategic financial insight. The CPA will become even more valuable.

The Verdict: Is Killeen Right for You?

For an accountant, Killeen offers a compelling trade-off: slightly lower salaries in exchange for a dramatically lower cost of living and a stable, predictable job market. It’s a place to build wealth, not chase flashy bonuses.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living (Index 91.8)	Limited high-end dining and entertainment
Strong Job Stability (Military Anchor)	Slower career growth in some sectors
Short Commutes & Easy Traffic	Less diverse industry beyond gov't/healthcare
Ability to Buy a Home Early in Career	Social scene is more family-oriented
Clear CPA Pathways with Employer Support	Limited networking events compared to major metros

Final Recommendation:
Killeen is an excellent choice for the pragmatic accountant. If your goals are financial security, homeownership, a manageable work-life balance, and a stable career, Killeen delivers. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals fleeing high-cost coastal cities or recent grads wanting to get ahead without drowning in debt. It may not be the right fit for those seeking a fast-paced, startup-driven finance career or a vibrant, 24/7 urban nightlife.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for accountants in Killeen heavily skewed toward military contractors?
Yes, but not exclusively. While Fort Cavazos is the largest employer, sectors like healthcare (Baylor Scott & White), education (KISD), and local government offer significant opportunities. About 40-50% of accounting roles are directly or indirectly tied to the base.

2. How important is it to have a CPA license in Killeen?
It’s the key differentiator. You can get a job without one, especially in entry-level or AP/AR roles. However, for senior, management, or government-facing positions, the CPA is almost always required. It’s the single best investment you can make for your career here.

3. What is the social life like for a young professional accountant in Killeen?
It’s what you make of it. The social scene is centered around outdoor activities, community events, and local breweries (like Killeen Brewing Company). It’s less about networking galas and more about community involvement. Many young professionals join young professional groups linked to the Chamber of Commerce or local nonprofits.

4. Should I move to Killeen for an accounting job without a job offer in hand?
It’s a risk, but a calculated one. The job market is stable, not booming. It’s wiser to start applying 2-3 months before a potential move. Use USAJobs.gov, LinkedIn, and local job boards. The lower cost of living means you could potentially survive a shorter job search if you have savings.

5. How does the lack of state income tax in Texas affect my accounting salary?
It’s a direct boost to your take-home pay. On an $83,962 salary, you save roughly $5,000-$7,000 annually compared to states with a 5-7% income tax. This effectively increases your purchasing power and makes Killeen’s already low cost of living even more attractive. This is a major factor in the "Real Take-Home" calculation.