Accountant in Lawrence, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Lawrence Stands

As someone who’s tracked the local job market for years, I can tell you Lawrence is a stable, mid-sized accounting market. It’s not a booming financial hub like Kansas City, but it offers a solid quality of life for professionals who value community over corporate ladder-climbing. The median salary for accountants here is $83,755 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.27. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, but the lower cost of living more than makes up for that difference for most people.

The 10-year job growth for accountants in the Lawrence metro area is 4%, which is relatively flat. This reflects a mature market where turnover is low, and most positions are backfilled internally. With 192 accounting jobs currently in the metro, competition exists but isn’t cutthroat. The University of Kansas (KU) and its associated research grants provide consistent demand for auditors and compliance specialists, while local government and healthcare systems offer stable government and nonprofit accounting roles.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$58,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic tax prep, assisting senior staff.
Mid-Level (4-7 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Managing client accounts, complex tax filing, financial reporting, supervising junior staff.
Senior-Level (8-12 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Client management, strategic advisory, audit lead, CPA firm manager.
Expert/Partner (12+ years)	$120,000+	Firm leadership, specialized consulting (M&A, forensic), high-net-worth client portfolios.

Comparing to other Kansas cities, Lawrence sits in a sweet spot. Wichita, with its larger manufacturing base, may offer slightly higher salaries for corporate accountants (median ~$85,000), but the cost of living is comparable. Topeka, the state capital, has more government accounting jobs, often with starting salaries around $65,000 for entry-level roles. Kansas City, obviously, is the outlier with higher salaries (median ~$92,000) but also a significantly higher cost of living and a much more competitive job market. For an accountant prioritizing a balanced lifestyle, Lawrence’s combination of salary and livability is hard to beat.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. An accountant earning the median salary of $83,755 in Lawrence, KS, will see their take-home pay change after taxes. A single filer with no dependents can expect to keep roughly 68-72% of their gross pay after federal, state (Kansas has a progressive income tax), and FICA taxes. This leaves a monthly take-home of approximately $4,700 - $5,000.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $869 per month. This is a key financial advantage. Let’s build a monthly budget for a mid-career accountant:

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Take-Home: $4,850)

• Rent ($900): You can find a nice 1BR in a safe, walkable area for this price.
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet, $150): Lawrence has moderate utility costs.
• Groceries ($400): For one person, shopping at local stores like Dillons or the Lawrence Farmers Market.
• Car Payment/Insurance ($400): A reliable used car is a necessity; public transit is limited.
• Gas/Maintenance ($150): Commuting within Lawrence is easy, but you’ll drive.
• Health Insurance ($200): If through an employer, this is reasonable.
• Student Loans ($300): A common burden for many in the field.
• Retirement Savings (401k, $400): Aim for 5-10% of gross.
• Entertainment/Dining Out ($300): Lawrence’s vibrant downtown has options.
• Miscellaneous ($150): Clothing, personal care, etc.
• Total Expenses: $4,350
• Remaining/Savings: $500

This budget is tight but manageable. The critical question is homeownership. A starter home in Lawrence can cost $200,000 - $250,000. With a $83,755 salary and good credit, you qualify for a mortgage. However, after the budget above, saving for a down payment is slow. You’d need to be aggressive in cutting discretionary spending. Many local accountants I know buy homes in their early 30s, often with a partner or by living in a cheaper apartment for a few extra years to build savings. It’s feasible, but not immediate.

Where the Jobs Are: Lawrence's Major Employers

The Lawrence accounting market is dominated by a mix of higher education, healthcare, government, and local CPA firms. Here are the key players:

1. The University of Kansas (KU): The city’s largest employer. The KU Financial Services Department, KU Athletics, and the KU Medical Center (in Kansas City, but with local staff) are huge. They hire auditors, grant accountants, and financial analysts. Insider Tip: KU jobs are posted on kansasjobs.gov, not typical job boards. They have strong union protections and excellent benefits, but salaries can be at the lower end of the mid-level range (~$70K-$85K).

2. LMH Health (Lawrence Memorial Hospital): The community’s primary hospital. They need staff accountants, revenue cycle specialists, and financial reporting managers. With the healthcare industry’s complex regulations, experience in healthcare accounting is a premium skill here. Salaries are competitive, often aligning with the median $83,755.

3. Douglas County Government: The county courthouse is a major employer for government accountants. Roles focus on budget management, grant compliance, and public fund oversight. The work is mission-driven and stable. Pay is public; you can find salary schedules online, typically starting in the $60Ks.

4. Local CPA Firms (Barger, Hillyard, etc.): Firms like Barger & Sons, Hillyard & Associates, and Rogers Accounting are the backbone of the local small business ecosystem. They serve local contractors, restaurants, and startups. These firms are the best path to becoming a CPA partner. Hiring is steady but small, often just 1-2 new hires per year. Insider Tip: Build relationships at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce events; these firms hire from their networks.

5. Babcock & Wilcox (B&W): Located in nearby Lenexa (20 min commute), this engineering and construction firm has a significant local footprint. They hire cost accountants and project managers. The $83,755 median is a good benchmark, but with engineering project experience, you can push into the $90Ks.

6. State of Kansas: While the capital is in Topeka, many state agencies have regional offices in Lawrence, including the Department of Revenue and the Department of Transportation. These roles offer solid job security and pensions, though salary growth is slow.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable demand for accountants with ERP system experience (like NetSuite or SAP) and data analytics skills. The days of pure ledger-keeping are gone. Firms and organizations want accountants who can interpret data to drive decisions. Remote work is rare; most employers expect in-office presence, especially at the CPA firms.

Getting Licensed in KS

To practice as a CPA in Kansas, you must meet strict requirements set by the Kansas State Board of Accountancy. Here’s the practical path:

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree (150 semester hours) with a concentration in accounting. You need 30 hours in upper-level accounting and 24 hours in general business. Most local accountants get this through KU’s School of Business or have a master’s from a Kansas university.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). This is a national exam, but you apply through the Kansas Board.
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of accounting experience under a licensed CPA. This can be public accounting, industry, or government. In Lawrence, the most common path is working at a local CPA firm.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA’s Professional Ethics Exam.

Timeline & Costs:

• Education (if starting fresh): 4-5 years for a bachelor’s + 1 year for a master’s or extra courses. Cost: $40,000 - $60,000 for tuition at KU.
• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500 for all four sections (varies by state). Add $500-$1,000 for review courses (Becker, Roger, etc.).
• Licensure Fee: ~$350 initially, then annual renewal fees.
• Total Time to Licensure: From starting classes to full license, plan for 5-7 years. Insider Tip: Many local firms (like Barger) will help pay for your exam fees and review courses if you sign a commitment to stay for 2-3 years post-licensure. Negotiate this in your hiring contract.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Your neighborhood choice in Lawrence defines your lifestyle. As a local, I’ve seen where accountants tend to settle:

1. Downtown/West Lawrence (78501): This is where the professionals live. You’re a 5-minute walk from the downtown CPA firms, the county courthouse, and KU’s main campus. It’s walkable, with coffee shops and restaurants. Rent for a 1BR: $950 - $1,200. Ideal for young professionals who want an active social life and a short commute.

2. East Lawrence (78504): More affordable and family-oriented, with a strong artsy vibe. Commute to downtown is 10-15 minutes by car. Great for accountants who work at LMH or KU Med and want a quieter home life. Rent for a 1BR: $750 - $950.

3. North Lawrence (78501): Historic homes, larger lots. Commute is similar to East Lawrence. Popular with established professionals and families. You’ll find more single-family homes here. Rent for a 1BR: $800 - $1,000 (often in converted houses or duplexes).

4. South Lawrence (78503): The suburban area, dominated by new apartment complexes and single-family subdivisions. Commute to downtown is 15-20 minutes. Best for those who prioritize modern amenities, walkability to grocery stores, and don’t mind driving. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,100.

5. KU Campus Area (78507): Mostly student-heavy. As a professional, you might find it noisy. However, if you work for KU, you could bike to work. Rent for a 1BR: $700 - $900. Not the best for long-term professional living.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Lawrence, career growth isn’t about rapid promotions but about deepening expertise. The 10-year job growth of 4% means you won’t see a flood of new positions. Instead, advancement comes from specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Accountants with tax expertise (especially for small businesses and agriculture) are in high demand. Forensic accounting for local government or legal cases can command a 15-20% salary premium over the median. Nonprofit/grant accounting is another niche, crucial for the many local NGOs and KU research centers.
• Advancement Paths: The standard path is: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Manager → Partner (in a CPA firm). In corporate settings (like at B&W or a local manufacturer), the path is: Staff → Senior → Controller → CFO. The key is getting your CPA license, which almost guarantees you’ll hit the $90K+ mark within a decade.
• 10-Year Outlook: The market will remain stable. Demand for tech-savvy accountants will grow. The biggest risk is stagnation; you must proactively seek new certifications (like CMA or CFE) and network. The local market is small, so your reputation is everything. A bad move can follow you.

The Verdict: Is Lawrence Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $83,755 salary goes much further here.	Limited Career Mobility: With only 192 jobs, you may have to leave the city for a major promotion.
Strong Community & Lifestyle: Safe, vibrant, college-town energy. Easy commutes.	Flat Salary Growth: Raises are modest; you won’t see Kansas City-level jumps.
Stable Employment Base: Major employers (KU, LMH) rarely have layoffs.	Limited Industry Diversity: Heavy reliance on education and healthcare.
Path to CPA Partnership: Local firms offer a clear, if slow, path to ownership.	Social Life Can Be Cliquey: It’s a “who you know” town. Newcomers must network actively.
Lower Stress Than Major Cities: No daily 2-hour commutes or cutthroat corporate politics.	Fewer “Big Name” Companies: Your resume won’t get the same recognition as in a large metro.

Final Recommendation: Lawrence is an ideal fit for an accountant who values work-life balance, community, and stability over high-octane career climbing. It’s perfect for someone who wants to become a homeowner, enjoy a manageable commute, and build a life in a supportive environment. If you’re a high-achiever who needs constant stimulation and rapid advancement, you’ll likely feel constrained. For everyone else, it’s a hidden gem where your accounting skills can support a fulfilling, grounded life.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for a non-CPA with a few years of experience?
A: Moderately competitive. You can find staff accountant roles, especially in industry (manufacturing, healthcare). However, to access the higher-paying roles at CPA firms or in management, the CPA license is non-negotiable. Use your first year to gain experience and start studying for the exam.

Q: Is a car absolutely necessary?
A: Yes. While downtown is walkable, the major employers (LMH, KU Med) are not in the downtown core. Public transit exists but is not comprehensive. Most professionals drive. Budget $400-$500/month for car payments, insurance, and gas.

Q: What’s the real estate market like for a first-time homebuyer on an accountant’s salary?
A: It’s challenging but possible. With a $83,755 salary, you can likely get approved for a $220,000-$250,000 home. However, with the budget outlined above, saving a 20% down payment is tough. Look into first-time homebuyer programs through the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority. Many locals buy by their early 30s by being frugal and potentially buying a duplex to rent out one side.

Q: How important is it to have a network before moving?
A: Very important. Lawrence runs on relationships. Before relocating, use LinkedIn to connect with accountants at KU, LMH, and local CPA firms. Attend virtual events hosted by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. The “insider tip” is that many jobs aren’t posted; they’re filled through referrals. A coffee chat can be more valuable than a formal application.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work?
A: Limited. Since the pandemic, some firms have adopted hybrid models for senior staff, but most mid-level roles require in-office presence, especially for audit and client-facing work. Fully remote positions are rare and highly coveted. It’s best to assume you’ll be working from an office.