Career Guide for Accountants in Lakewood, CO

As a career analyst who's spent years navigating Colorado's job market, I'll give you the unvarnished truth about accounting careers in Lakewood. This isn't brochure copy—it's the data, the neighborhoods, and the real commute times that matter when you're deciding where to build your career.

Lakewood sits as Denver's western neighbor, a city of 155,973 residents that offers more space than downtown Denver without losing metro access. For accountants, it's a strategic sweet spot: corporate HQs in the Tech Center, healthcare giants along the 6th Avenue corridor, and a state capital just 15 minutes east. But let's get specific.

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

The accounting field in Lakewood pays solidly, but with nuance that matters for your financial planning. The median salary of $87,500/year here outperforms the national average of $86,080/year by a modest but meaningful 1.6%. That equates to $42.07/hour for hourly roles. However, these numbers don't tell the full story.

Here's how experience breaks down across Lakewood's market:

Experience Level	Lakewood Salary Range	Typical Roles
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$58,000 - $70,000	Staff Accountant, AP/AR Specialist
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$72,000 - $95,000	Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager
Senior (8-15 years)	$96,000 - $125,000	Controller, Senior Manager
Expert (15+ years)	$126,000 - $155,000+	CFO, Partner, Director

Insider tip: The jump from mid to senior level is where Lakewood really shows its value. While Denver's downtown commands higher salaries, the cost-of-living difference means Lakewood accountants often have more disposable income.

Comparing to other Colorado cities:

• Denver Metro: 8% higher salaries, but 18% higher cost of living
• Colorado Springs: 12% lower salaries, 7% lower cost of living
• Boulder: 15% higher salaries, but housing costs are 40% higher than Lakewood

The key insight? Lakewood offers the "Colorado median" sweet spot—reasonable salaries with manageable living expenses, especially for mid-career professionals.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down what that $87,500 median salary actually means for a Lakewood accountant. Using 2024 Colorado tax rates (4.4% state, 22% federal for this bracket) and Lakewood's $1,835/month average 1BR rent, here's your monthly reality:

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Accountant, $87,500/year):

Category	Monthly Amount	Percentage of Take-Home
Gross Monthly Income	$7,292	-
Take-Home (after taxes)	$5,470	100%
Rent (1BR average)	$1,835	33.5%
Utilities (electric, gas, internet)	$220	4.0%
Car Payment/Transportation	$500	9.1%
Groceries & Dining	$600	11.0%
Health Insurance	$350	6.4%
Student Loans/Debt	$400	7.3%
Retirement (401k match)	$438	8.0%
Emergency Fund/Discretionary	$1,127	20.6%

Can they afford to buy a home? Lakewood's median home price is approximately $485,000 (as of 2024). With a 20% down payment ($97,000) and current interest rates (~7%), your monthly mortgage payment would be around $2,800 before taxes/insurance. That's 51% of your take-home pay—well above the recommended 28-36% range. Verdict: On a single median salary, homeownership requires significant savings or dual income. However, with the 10-year job growth of 4% and potential salary advancement, buying becomes feasible by mid-career.

Insider reality check: Lakewood's Cost of Living Index of 105.5 (US avg = 100) means you're paying 5.5% more than average. The rent-to-income ratio of 33.5% is manageable but tight. Most successful Lakewood accountants either climb to senior levels quickly or partner with a dual income.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood's accounting job market is anchored by specific sectors, not random openings. The 311 accounting jobs in the metro are concentrated in these key employers:

1. Centura Health (St. Anthony Hospital) - Lakewood's largest healthcare employer. Hiring trends show increased demand for revenue cycle accountants and compliance specialists post-COVID. They typically post 5-7 accounting openings quarterly. Insider note: Their pension plan is unusually generous for healthcare, making mid-career transitions here financially smart.

2. Charles Schwab (Denver Tech Center) - While technically in Greenwood Village, it's a 12-minute commute from Lakewood. Schwab's Lakewood workforce (they have satellite offices) focuses on institutional accounting. They hire aggressively for financial reporting roles, especially quarterly. Commute tip: Take US-6 east during non-peak hours (before 7 AM, after 6 PM) to avoid I-25 traffic.

3. Colorado State Government - Located 15 minutes east in downtown Denver. The Department of Revenue and State Controller's office hire frequently. State jobs pay slightly below median but offer 80% healthcare premiums covered and 457b retirement plans. Hiring trend: Increased demand for auditors due to marijuana tax revenue complexities.

4. Lockheed Martin (Waterton Campus) - 20-minute southwest commute. Defense contracting requires specialized cost accountants with security clearance eligibility. They hire continuously, not in cycles. Insider tip: Clearance process adds 6-12 months; budget your timeline accordingly.

5. FirstBank (Lakewood HQ) - Regional bank with aggressive expansion. Their Lakewood operations center needs accountants for commercial lending and internal audit. Recent hires report strong mentorship programs. Growth signal: They've opened 3 new branches in Lakewood in 18 months.

6. Jefferson County Government - Directly in Lakewood. Stable, unionized positions with predictable raises. The county's accounting department handles everything from property taxes to park district finances. Local insight: Internal promotions are common; they prefer hiring from within for senior roles.

7. Western Union (Denver Metro) - Headquarters in Englewood, 10 minutes southeast. Their global money transfer business creates complex accounting needs. They hire for international tax and consolidation roles. Hiring trend: Currently downsizing some positions but expanding fintech accounting teams.

Market reality: About 60% of Lakewood accounting jobs are with these large employers. The remaining 40% are in smaller firms (10-50 employees) serving local businesses. Networking in the Denver Metro Accounting Association (DMAA) events is critical—many jobs never hit public postings.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado's CPA requirements are straightforward but time-intensive. Here's the practical timeline and costs:

Required Steps & Costs (2024):

1. Education: 150 semester hours (30 beyond bachelor's). Colorado requires specific coursework: 24 accounting hours, 24 business hours. Cost: If you need additional credits, community colleges like Front Range Community College offer online courses at $180/credit hour. Total: ~$5,400 for 30 credits.

2. CPA Exam: Four sections (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). Colorado follows the uniform exam. Cost: ~$1,500 total for exam fees (varies by state). Insider tip: Purchase a review course—Becker ($3,500) or Surgent ($2,000) are industry standards. Budget $4,000 total for exam prep.

3. Experience: 1 year (2,000 hours) under a licensed CPA. Colorado accepts public accounting, industry, government, or academia. Timeline: Can be completed while studying if you find the right firm.

4. Ethics Exam: Colorado requires an ethics exam post-licensure. Cost: ~$200.

Total Estimated Cost: $8,500 - $12,000 (excluding lost income if taking time off).

Timeline: 12-18 months total if you already have 150 credits. Add 6-12 months if you need additional education. Colorado's licensing board (DORA) processes applications in 4-6 weeks once all requirements are met.

Critical Colorado nuance: The state has "substantial equivalency" with most states, but if you're licensed elsewhere, Colorado requires a 2-year residency for full reciprocity. For recent grads, the path is efficient if you plan ahead.

Local resource: The Colorado Society of CPAs (CSCPA) offers study groups and mentorship. Their Lakewood chapter meets monthly; attending these sessions can shave months off your study time through tips from recently licensed local CPAs.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Choosing where to live in Lakewood impacts your commute, lifestyle, and networking opportunities. Here are the top choices, with rent estimates for a 1BR:

Neighborhood	1BR Rent Estimate	Commute to Major Employers	Lifestyle Vibe
Belmar	$1,650 - $1,900	15 min to Denver Tech Center, 12 min to downtown	Urban-suburban mix, walkable, new development
Green Mountain	$1,700 - $2,100	20 min to Tech Center, 10 min to St. Anthony's	Family-oriented, outdoor access, quiet
Lakewood Heights	$1,500 - $1,800	12 min to downtown Denver, 15 min to Tech Center	Historic charm, established, older housing stock
Federal Heights	$1,400 - $1,700	25 min to most employers, 15 min to downtown	Affordable, diverse, less corporate
Wadsworth Corridor	$1,550 - $1,950	15-20 min to all major employers	Convenient, mixed-use, ongoing redevelopment

Neighborhood insights:

• Belmar is the "accountant's choice" for mid-career professionals. The walkable downtown with coffee shops and networking events (like the monthly Belmar Business Network) makes it easy to build connections. Rents are rising, but still 8-10% below Denver proper.
• Green Mountain appeals to those valuing work-life balance. You're 10 minutes from Lakewood's extensive trail system and Red Rocks Park. Many accountants at Centura Health and Lockheed Martin live here for the shorter commute west.
• For early-career budget-conscious accountants, Federal Heights offers savings, but the commute to Denver Tech Center can hit 45 minutes during rush hour. The trade-off is $300/month in rent savings.
• Wadsworth Corridor (along Wadsworth Blvd from 6th Ave to 20th Ave) is gentrifying rapidly. New apartment complexes offer amenities that appeal to young professionals, and you're central to everything.

Commute reality: Most Lakewood accountants drive to work. Public transit exists (RTD light rail to Denver Tech Center, buses), but it's not as comprehensive as in Denver proper. If you work at a downtown Denver employer, living near a light rail station (like in Belmar) is a strategic advantage.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Lakewood's accounting career trajectory has specific patterns and premiums. The 4% 10-year job growth is modest but stable—this isn't a boomtown, it's a reliable market.

Specialty Premiums in Lakewood:

• Healthcare Accounting: +10-15% over median (due to Centura, Swedish Medical)
• Government/Public Sector: -5% below median, but +20% in job security
• Manufacturing/Defense (Lockheed): +8-12% over median, requires ITAR knowledge
• Financial Services: +10% over median, especially in compliance roles
• Real Estate/Construction: Variable, but high bonus potential (15-25% of salary)

Advancement Paths:

1. Public to Private: Many start at local firms (like Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman in Denver) then move to corporate Lakewood roles. The jump typically brings 15-20% salary increase.
2. Vertical in Healthcare: Accountants at Centura can move from revenue cycle to financial planning, then to controller. This path has the clearest ladder in Lakewood.
3. Government to Consulting: State or county accountants often transition to consulting firms serving government clients, leveraging their insider knowledge for 25-30% higher pay.
4. Specialization: Lakewood's unique need is for accountants with international tax experience (Western Union) and government contract accounting (Lockheed). These niches command 20% premiums.

10-Year Outlook:

• Years 1-3: Expect 3-5% annual raises if you perform well. The 4% job growth means you'll need to be proactive about seeking promotions.
• Years 4-7: This is where Lakewood shines. With experience, you'll have 3-4 major employers to choose from, creating competitive salary offers. Mid-career moves often bring 15-25% jumps.
• Years 8-15: Senior roles open up, but competition increases. The key is specialization. Generalists plateau around $110,000, while specialists (healthcare, government contract) can reach $130,000+.
• Beyond 15 years: Lakewood isn't the place for C-suite ambitions unless you're in healthcare or defense. Most experts pivot to consulting, teaching at Metro State University (which has a strong accounting program), or small firm ownership.

Insider growth tip: The Denver Metro area has a "Lakewood Advantage" for mid-career professionals. Because many corporate HQs are in Denver, Lakewood accountants with 5-10 years experience are often recruited for Denver roles (15-20% salary boost) while maintaining Lakewood's lower living costs. The reverse commute (west to Lakewood) is easier than east to Denver during rush hour.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Here's the honest assessment:

Pros	Cons
Salary-Cost Balance: $87,500 median goes further here than in Denver or Boulder	Limited C-Suite Opportunities: Few Fortune 500 HQs for top-tier CFO roles
Diverse Employer Base: Healthcare, government, defense, finance	Commuting Reality: Most jobs require driving; public transit is limited
Stable Job Market: 4% growth isn't explosive but is reliable	Networking Requires Effort: Must actively build connections; won't happen organically
Outdoor Access: Red Rocks, Bear Creek Lake are 10-15 minutes away	Rent Pressure: $1,835/month is rising faster than salaries
Mid-Career Sweet Spot: Best for 5-15 years experience	Young Professional Scene: Less vibrant than Denver or Austin

Final Recommendation:
Lakewood makes exceptional sense for mid-career accountants (5-15 years experience) who value work-life balance, outdoor access, and stable employment. It's ideal if you work in healthcare, government, or defense contracting and want to avoid Denver's congestion and costs. For early-career accountants (0-4 years), Lakewood offers a manageable start, but you'll likely need to commute to Denver for the best training opportunities. Avoid if you're seeking cutting-edge fintech roles or Fortune 500 executive tracks—those centers are in Denver, Colorado Springs, or Boulder.

The $87,500 median salary with $1,835 rent creates a workable equation, but only with disciplined budgeting. The 4% job growth means you must be proactive about career development. Lakewood isn't a lottery ticket; it's a practical choice for professionals who know what they want.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is Lakewood's accounting job market?
A: With 311 jobs in the metro, competition is moderate. Entry-level roles get 50-100 applicants; mid-level 30-50; senior-level 15-25. The 4% growth means positions fill quickly. Insider tip: Apply within 48 hours of posting and have a local connection—many jobs are filled through referrals before hitting LinkedIn.

Q: Can I commute from Denver to Lakewood accounting jobs?
A: Absolutely, and it's often easier than the reverse. Living in Denver (like Capitol Hill or Highlands) and commuting west is smoother during rush hour. Light rail to Denver Tech Center works for those jobs, but for south/west Lakewood employers, driving is necessary. Expect 20-35 minutes during peak hours.

**Q: Are remote