Accountant in Lawton, OK

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Lawton, OK.

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The Salary Picture: Where Lawton Stands

As a career analyst with deep roots in southwestern Oklahoma, let's cut straight to the numbers. If you're an accountant, you're probably already thinking about the spreadsheet of your own life. Lawton isn't a financial hub like Oklahoma City or Tulsa, but that comes with trade-offs—chiefly, a lower cost of living that can stretch your dollar further than you might expect.

The median salary for an accountant in Lawton is $82,877 per year, or $39.84 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, but that comparison is misleading without context. The real story is how far that money goes here. With a cost of living index of 87.6 (where the U.S. average is 100), your Lawton salary has more purchasing power than the same number in a coastal city.

The job market is stable but small, with approximately 180 accountant jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is modest but steady. This isn't a boomtown for accounting, but rather a reliable market with consistent demand in public accounting, government, and essential local industries.

Here’s how that median salary typically breaks down by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and regional data.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Common Job Titles in Lawton
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$52,000 - $65,000	Staff Accountant, Accounts Payable Clerk, Bookkeeper
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$70,000 - $88,000	Senior Accountant, Tax Accountant, Accountant III
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$85,000 - $105,000+	Accounting Manager, Controller (for small firms), Audit Manager
Expert/Partner	$100,000+	Partner in a local CPA firm, Director of Finance, CFO for local gov't

When you compare Lawton to other Oklahoma cities, the distinction becomes clear. Oklahoma City and Tulsa have higher median salaries (often $90,000+), but they also have a significantly higher cost of living, especially for housing. In Lawton, you might accept a slightly lower salary in exchange for a lifestyle where your housing costs are often less than half of what you'd pay in the state's largest metros.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A median salary of $82,877 is a strong income in Lawton, but what does it look like month-to-month? We'll base this on a single person with no dependents (using standard deductions and estimated Oklahoma state taxes).

• Gross Monthly Income: $6,906
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,750
• Take-Home (Net) Pay: ~$5,156

Now, let's layer in Lawton's cost of living, focusing on the biggest variable: rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Lawton rents for $717 per month. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1-Bedroom)	$717	This is the citywide average. You can find lower, especially in older areas, or slightly higher in newer complexes.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$220	Winters can have heating costs; summers are hot and AC is essential.
Groceries	$350	Lawton has competitive grocery prices at stores like Homeland, Walmart, and Aldi.
Car Payment/Gas/Insurance	$500	A reliable car is a must in Lawton. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$300	Varies widely, but this is a conservative estimate.
Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Savings)	$1,069	This is where the Lawton advantage shines. You have significant room for savings, debt repayment, or leisure.
Total Expenses	$3,156
Remaining Monthly	$2,000

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $2,000+ left after essential expenses, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in Lawton is around $150,000 - $170,000. A 20% down payment on a $160,000 home is $32,000. With a monthly savings rate of $1,000, you could save that in under three years. A mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be comparable to or even less than your rent, making homeownership a realistic goal for a mid-career accountant.

Where the Jobs Are: Lawton's Major Employers

The accounting job market in Lawton is anchored by a mix of public accounting, government, and regional corporate players. The small job count (180) means networking is crucial.

1. City of Lawton: The largest local employer. They have a robust finance department handling everything from utility billing to municipal budgets. Jobs here offer stability, excellent benefits, and a pension. Watch for openings for Staff Accountants, Budget Analysts, and internal auditors.
2. Comanche County Memorial Hospital (CCMH): A major healthcare provider and a significant employer of accountants and financial staff. Healthcare accounting is a specialized field, and CCMH offers roles in billing, payroll, and financial reporting. It's a stable employer in a recession-resistant industry.
3. Lawton Public Schools: Another major government entity with a complex budget. They need accountants for grant management, payroll, and general fund accounting. These positions come with the school calendar schedule, which is a perk for many.
4. Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) - Lawton Office: State agencies have a steady need for accountants to manage budgets, grants, and federal funding compliance. These jobs offer state benefits and a clear career ladder.
5. Local CPA Firms (e.g., Warren & Associates, PC, Hiltz & Associates): The public accounting scene is composed of several respected local firms. These firms handle tax, audit, and bookkeeping for local businesses. Starting here provides broad exposure. They often hire seasonal help during tax season, which is a great way to get your foot in the door.
6. Regional Banks (e.g., First National Bank of Lawton, Liberty Bank): Banks require accountants for internal financial control, loan auditing, and regulatory reporting. These roles offer experience in the financial services industry.
7. Fort Sill: While not a traditional employer, the military base has a major economic impact. Many civilian contractors and companies that service the base (logistics, construction, IT) have accounting needs. Furthermore, the base's own finance and comptroller offices hire civilian accountants.

Insider Tip: The job market is small. Many positions are filled through referrals. Join the local chapter of the Oklahoma Society of CPAs (OSCPA) and attend events in Oklahoma City or virtual meetings. Building relationships with recruiters who specialize in Oklahoma placements can also be more effective than cold applications.

Getting Licensed in OK

To practice as a CPA in Oklahoma, you must be licensed by the Oklahoma Accountancy Board. Here’s the path and the associated costs.

The "150-Hour Rule" & Education: You need 150 semester hours of college credit, which typically means a bachelor's degree plus 30 extra hours (a master's is common). Your degree must include 30 hours of upper-level accounting courses and 24 hours of general business courses.

The Uniform CPA Exam: You must pass all four sections of the exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). The total cost for the exam itself is approximately $1,500 (paid to NASBA/AICPA), plus any fees for review courses (e.g., Becker, Roger, Wiley) which can range from $1,500 to $3,000+.

Experience Requirement: Oklahoma requires one year of experience (1,800 hours) under the direct supervision of a licensed CPA. This experience must involve the use of accounting, attest, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting skills.

Application & Fees: After passing the exam and meeting the experience requirement, you'll apply for your license to the Oklahoma Accountancy Board. The application fee is approximately $200, and the initial license fee is around $100. You'll also need to complete an ethics exam.

Timeline: From starting your 150-hour education to getting your license, expect a 3-5 year process. If you already have the education and experience, passing the exam and getting licensed can take 12-18 months.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Lawton impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is spread out, but traffic is minimal.

1. Eastside / Historic District: This is the most established area with beautiful, older homes and tree-lined streets. It's close to downtown, the museum, and has a strong sense of community. Commute to most employers (City, County) is under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1-bedroom in an older building can be slightly below the city average, around $650-$700. A great choice for those who value character and a central location.
2. Southwest Lawton (near Fort Sill Blvd): This area has seen newer development with more modern apartment complexes and subdivisions. It's convenient for those working on post or with businesses catering to the military. The commute to downtown is about 15 minutes. Rent for a new 1-bedroom runs closer to the city average, around $700-$750.
3. Northeast Lawton: A mix of older and newer homes, generally more affordable. It's a popular area for young professionals and families. The commute is very manageable, and you get more square footage for your money. You can find 1-bedroom apartments or small houses for $600-$700.
4. Cache (15 minutes west): If you want a small-town feel just outside the city, Cache is a popular option. It has its own school system and a tight-knit community. The commute to Lawton is straightforward via I-44. You'll find slightly lower rents, often $600-$650, and more space.

Insider Tip: Lawton's rental market can be tight. Start your search online (Zillow, Facebook Marketplace) but also drive through neighborhoods. Many local landlords don't list online and rely on "For Rent" signs. Don't wait until the last minute to secure a place.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Lawton, career growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder in a Fortune 500 company; it's about deepening your expertise and becoming a critical local financial professional.

Specialty Premiums: Your value increases with specialization.

• Tax Accounting: There is always demand for skilled tax preparers, especially those who can handle small business and individual returns. This is a path to partnership in a local CPA firm.
• Government & Non-Profit Accounting: Expertise in GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) and grant management is highly valuable for the city, county, and local non-profits like the United Way or the Lawton Community Foundation.
• Healthcare Accounting: With CCMH as a major player, understanding healthcare finance, billing compliance (HIPAA), and revenue cycle management can set you apart.

Advancement Paths: A typical path might look like this:

• Years 1-3: Staff/ Senior Accountant at a public firm or in a corporate/government role.
• Years 4-7: Gain your CPA license. Move into a Senior Accountant or Accounting Manager role, taking on more responsibility for financial reporting and supervision.
• Years 8+: Aim for Controller (for a medium-sized local business or government department) or a Partner/Manager track in a CPA firm. The ultimate role for many is CFO for a local entity.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth rate signals stability, not a boom. Automation will handle more routine bookkeeping tasks, but the need for strategic financial analysis, audit, and complex tax planning will remain. The key will be to move up the value chain—away from data entry and toward interpretation and advisory. Building a strong personal brand as the go-to expert for a specific niche (e.g., construction accounting for local contractors) will be more important than ever.

The Verdict: Is Lawton Right for You?

The decision to move to Lawton is a lifestyle choice as much as a career one. It's a place of value, stability, and community, but it lacks the amenities and pace of a major metropolitan area.

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your $82,877 salary provides a high quality of life.	Limited Job Market: With only 180 jobs, opportunities are scarce. Relocation may require patience.
Short, Stress-Free Commutes: You can be home from work in 10-15 minutes.	Fewer Networking Opportunities: Fewer local CPA firms and corporate HQs mean less professional diversity.
Stable, Recession-Resistant Employers: Government, hospital, and school jobs provide security.	Amenities Gap: Limited high-end dining, boutique shopping, and major entertainment venues.
Community Feel: A strong sense of local identity and neighborliness.	Cultural & Political Homogeneity: The area is quite conservative, which may not align with everyone's worldview.
Gateway to the Wichita Mountains: Unparalleled access to hiking, fishing, and outdoor recreation.	Reliance on Oklahoma City/Tulsa: For major flights, specialized medical care, or big-city events, you'll travel 2-3 hours.

Final Recommendation:
Lawton is an excellent choice for an accountant who values work-life balance, affordability, and a slower pace of life. If you're early in your career and willing to start in a smaller role (perhaps at a local CPA firm or the city) to get your foot in the door, you can build a stable and rewarding career. It's particularly well-suited for those who want to own a home quickly, enjoy outdoor activities, and be part of a close-knit community. However, if you're seeking rapid career advancement, a dynamic job market, and the cultural offerings of a big city, Lawton will likely feel too limiting.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for accountants in Lawton?
The market is not highly competitive in terms of applicant volume, but it is competitive in the sense that openings are rare. With only 180 jobs, you need to be strategic. Networking is more effective here than in larger cities. Having your CPA license already will make you a standout candidate.

2. Is a car necessary in Lawton?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is limited, and the city is designed around driving. Your daily commute, grocery shopping, and accessing the Wichita Mountains all require a reliable vehicle. Factor car ownership costs into your budget.

3. What is the social scene like for young professionals?
It's not a bustling nightlife scene. Socializing often revolves around community events, college sports (Southwestern Oklahoma State University), outdoor activities, and casual gatherings at local breweries (like 918 Brew House) or restaurants. It's more about building a community network than a social whirlwind.

4. How does the low job growth (4%) affect my long-term prospects?
It means you must be proactive. Job changes won't happen as frequently as in a high-growth metro. To advance, you may need to seek additional certifications (like a CMA or CIA), take on more responsibility in your current role, or consider commuting to a larger firm in Oklahoma City for a period. Long-term growth in Lawton comes from specialization and reputation.

5. What's the best way to prepare for a move to Lawton?

1. Secure a job first, if possible. The job market is small, so having a position lined up is ideal.
2. Visit for a weekend. Get a feel for the neighborhoods, the vibe, and the pace of life.
3. Start connecting now. Reach out to the local OSCPA chapter or find Lawton-based accountants on LinkedIn to ask for informational interviews.
4. Budget for the move. While cost of living is low, moving costs are real. Account for them in your financial plan.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Oklahoma Accountancy Board, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Zillow Rental Market Data, and local job board analysis.