Accountant in Lawrence, MA

For Accountants, Lawrence offers a unique blend of opportunity and challenge. It’s not the polished financial hub of Boston, but it’s a city with its own distinct economic pulse, driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and a tight-knit business community. This guide is for the pragmatic accountant—one who wants to understand the real numbers, the local market, and the day-to-day reality of building a career in the Merrimack Valley. We’ll skip the fluff and focus on the data, the neighborhoods, and the insider knowledge that comes from knowing this city.

The Salary Picture: Where Lawrence Stands

The accounting profession in Lawrence pays a premium compared to the national average, but it lags behind the state's powerhouse cities like Boston and Cambridge. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for accountants and auditors in the Lawrence metro area is $89,075 per year, with a corresponding hourly rate of $42.82. This places Lawrence professionals ahead of the national average of $86,080, but behind the state median, which often exceeds $100,000 in major metros.

The local market is modest but steady, with approximately 176 accountant jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is slower than the national average but reflects the stable, if not booming, nature of the region's economy. The key here is that while you can earn a good living, the path to the highest salaries often involves specialization or commuting to Boston.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Lawrence are heavily influenced by experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and industry reports:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Lawrence, MA)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$70,000 - $85,000
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$85,000 - $110,000
Expert/Managerial (15+ years)	$110,000 - $140,000+

Comparison to Other MA Cities

To understand Lawrence's position, it's helpful to compare it to other Massachusetts metros:

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Notes
Lawrence	$89,075	Lower cost of living than Boston; stable local market.
Boston-Cambridge	$95,000 - $120,000	Highest salaries but highest cost of living; competitive.
Springfield	$80,000 - $90,000	Similar to Lawrence; more government and healthcare jobs.
Worcester	$85,000 - $95,000	Growing tech and biotech sectors; slightly higher than Lawrence.

Insider Tip: The $89,075 median is a solid benchmark, but it often reflects a mix of public accounting (audit, tax) and private industry roles. Specializing in cost accounting for local manufacturers or nonprofit accounting for social services can push you toward the higher end of the range without needing a Boston commute.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $89,075 looks strong on paper, but the real value is what’s left after the state’s progressive tax system and the housing market. Massachusetts has a flat income tax rate of 5%, plus federal taxes. Let’s break down the monthly take-home for an accountant earning the median.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, No Dependents)

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,423
• Estimated Take-Home (After Taxes, 401k, Health Ins.): ~$5,200 - $5,400
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,483/month
• Remaining for Utilities, Car, Food, Savings: ~$3,700

This leaves a manageable budget. The Cost of Living Index for Lawrence is 111.6 (US avg = 100), meaning expenses are about 11.6% higher than the national average, but significantly lower than Boston’s index, which is often over 160. The primary driver is housing; while $1,483 is steep compared to national averages, it’s a fraction of what you’d pay for a similar apartment in Boston or Cambridge.

Can Afford to Buy a Home?

Buying a home in Lawrence is more feasible than in many Massachusetts suburbs, but it requires careful planning. The median home price in Lawrence hovers around $400,000 - $450,000. With the median accountant salary, a 20% down payment ($80,000-$90,000) is a significant hurdle. However, with a partner’s income or by saving aggressively for a few years, homeownership is within reach for many mid-level accountants. The property tax rate is also a consideration; Lawrence’s rate is higher than some suburbs, which can add $4,000-$5,000 annually to your housing costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Lawrence's Major Employers

The accounting job market in Lawrence is not dominated by Fortune 500 headquarters but by a mix of healthcare, manufacturing, and regional firms. Here are the key players:

1. Lawrence General Hospital: As one of the largest employers in the region, the hospital needs accountants for internal audit, financial reporting, and payroll. The healthcare sector is stable and offers good benefits.
2. Phillips Academy (Andover): While technically in Andover, this elite prep school is a major employer for the area. It has a sophisticated financial department and often hires CPAs for financial planning and analysis (FP&A).
3. Turbana Corporation: A major player in the fruit and produce distribution industry with a large facility in Lawrence. They require accountants for cost accounting, inventory management, and corporate finance.
4. Cineston/Local Manufacturing: Lawrence's history is in manufacturing. Companies like Cineston (textiles) or similar firms in the industrial parks along Route 110 hire accountants to manage job costing, plant-level accounting, and logistics.
5. Regional Accounting Firms: While not Boston giants, firms like DiCicco, Gulman & Company (with a presence in the Merrimack Valley) and smaller local CPA practices serve the city's many small businesses. These are great starting points for public accounting experience.
6. Public Sector & Nonprofits: The City of Lawrence government and numerous community nonprofits (e.g., Greater Lawrence Community Action Council) hire accountants for grant management, compliance, and public fund oversight. These roles often require a strong understanding of government accounting standards (GASB).

Hiring Trends: There is a steady demand for accountants who can handle both traditional bookkeeping and modern software (QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP). Specialized roles in cost accounting for manufacturers and financial analysts for healthcare systems are growing. Networking through the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce is a practical way to find unlisted opportunities.

Getting Licensed in Massachusetts

For career advancement, especially to the CPA level, licensure is key. Massachusetts follows the standard "150-hour rule."

Requirements and Costs:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree (120 credits) is the minimum to sit for the CPA exam. You need 150 total credits for licensure, often achieved via a master’s in accounting or extra courses.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). Exam fees are ~$1,500 total. Becker and Surgent review courses cost $1,500-$3,000.
• Experience: You need 1 year of experience (2,000 hours) under a licensed CPA in Massachusetts. This can be public accounting, industry, or government.
• Ethics Exam: You must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.
• Total Estimated Cost (Exam, Review, Ethics): $3,000 - $5,000+

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Months 1-6: Enroll in a review course, schedule your first exam section, and start documenting your work experience. You can take the exam before you have the full 150 credits, but you must have them before licensure.
2. Months 6-18: Pass all four exam sections. This is the most variable timeline; some do it in 6 months, others take 2-3 years while working full-time.
3. Months 18-24: Submit your experience verification to the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy and complete the ethics exam. Once approved, you’ll receive your license.

Insider Tip: Many larger employers in the Boston area (and sometimes in Lawrence) offer CPA exam support, including study time and reimbursement for fees. When interviewing locally at firms like DiCicco or at Lawrence General, ask about this benefit.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are areas that balance affordability and access to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers
Downtown Lawrence	Urban, walkable, diverse. Close to City Hall, hospitals.	$1,300 - $1,600	Walk/bike to most city jobs. Easy access to I-495.
Tower Hill	Residential, quiet, family-oriented. Single-family homes.	$1,500 - $1,800	5-10 min drive to downtown, 15 min to Andover.
South Lawrence	Affordable, working-class. Close to I-93 for Boston commutes.	$1,200 - $1,500	15 min to downtown, 30 min to Boston (traffic-dependent).
Prospect Hill (Andover)	Upscale, suburban. Access to Phillips Academy jobs.	$1,900 - $2,300+	10 min to downtown Lawrence, 20 min to Boston.
North Andover	Family-friendly, excellent schools. Mixed housing.	$1,700 - $2,200	15 min to downtown Lawrence, 25 min to Boston.

Neighborhood Insight: For a young professional, Downtown Lawrence offers the best balance of affordability and a short commute. For those with families or looking for more space, Tower Hill or North Andover provide a classic suburban setting. If you’re targeting a job at Phillips Academy, living in Prospect Hill or North Andover is logical.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for accountants in Lawrence is stable but not explosive. The 4% job growth indicates that positions will be replaced, not necessarily multiplied. To grow, you’ll need to be proactive.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA Certification: The single biggest salary booster. Expect a 10-20% premium over non-CPAs.
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant): Valuable for cost accounting roles in local manufacturing. Can add a 5-10% premium.
• Data Analytics Skills: Proficiency in Tableau, Power BI, or advanced Excel is increasingly demanded and can set you apart for analyst roles.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting Track: Junior Accountant → Senior Accountant → Manager (at a local firm). Path to partnership is long but possible.
2. Industry Track: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller (at a local manufacturer or hospital).
3. Government/Nonprofit Track: Accountant → Financial Manager → Director of Finance. Focus on grant compliance and public reporting.

10-Year Outlook: The core accounting functions will remain. The growth will be in roles that blend accounting with technology and analysis. An accountant in Lawrence who masters ERP systems, financial modeling, and sector-specific compliance (like healthcare or manufacturing) will have the best long-term prospects. The ability to communicate financial data to non-finance managers will be critical.

The Verdict: Is Lawrence Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Living: You can build a life and save money on a $89,075 salary.	Limited High-End Jobs: Top-tier salaries ($150k+) are rare unless you commute to Boston.
Stable Job Market: Major employers in healthcare and manufacturing provide steady work.	Slower Growth: The 4% job growth means competition can be stiff for the best roles.
Strategic Location: Easy access to Boston for networking and higher-paying gigs.	Urban Challenges: Some parts of Lawrence face issues with crime and infrastructure.
Community Vibe: A tight-knit professional network, less anonymous than a big city.	Less Prestige: A Lawrence-based resume doesn’t carry the same weight as Boston/ Cambridge.

Final Recommendation: Lawrence is an excellent choice for pragmatic accountants who value work-life balance, affordability, and community over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for those early in their careers who want to get licensed and gain solid experience without being buried by Boston’s cost of living. For those aiming for the absolute top of the earnings ladder, Lawrence is a great launchpad, but you’ll likely need to commute or eventually move. For the median earner, it offers a viable and comfortable path to homeownership and a stable career.

FAQs

Q: Is it enough to work with just a bachelor’s degree in Lawrence?
A: Yes, absolutely. Many local employers, especially in small businesses and nonprofits, hire accountants with a bachelor’s degree. However, for significant career growth and to reach the median salary and beyond, pursuing your CPA license is highly recommended.

Q: How bad is the commute to Boston?
A: It’s manageable but variable. From Lawrence, the commute via I-93 or commuter rail (Lawrence Station) to Boston can take 30-60 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. Many accountants in Lawrence work hybrid schedules, commuting 2-3 days a week to Boston firms while living in a more affordable home.

Q: What software skills are most in demand locally?
A: Beyond basic QuickBooks, knowledge of ERP systems like SAP (used by larger manufacturers) and Microsoft Dynamics is valuable. For analysis, Excel is non-negotiable, and familiarity with Tableau or Power BI is a growing advantage for FP&A roles.

Q: Are there networking opportunities for accountants in Lawrence?
A: Yes. The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce hosts regular mixers and events. The Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MSCPA) has a Northeastern chapter that holds meetings. Connecting with alumni from UMass Lowell or Salem State can also yield local leads.

Q: Should I consider living in Boston and commuting to Lawrence?
A: For most accountants, this is financially impractical. The salary for a Lawrence-based role ($89,075) won’t comfortably cover the rent and commute costs from Boston. The reverse commute—living in Lawrence and working in Boston—is more common and financially sensible.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, MIT Living Wage Calculator, Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy, local real estate market data, and employer job postings.