Accountant in Lincoln, NE

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Lincoln, Nebraska.

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The Salary Picture: Where Lincoln Stands

As a local Lincolnite, I can tell you that the accounting scene here is stable, reliable, and deeply tied to the state's two biggest economic pillars: agriculture and government. It's not the high-flying financial hub of New York or Chicago, but it offers a cost of living that makes every dollar stretch further than you might expect. Let's look at the numbers.

The median salary for an accountant in Lincoln is $84,014/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.39/hour. When you stack this up against the national average of $86,080/year, Lincoln is slightly behind but not by a significant margin. The real story, however, is the value proposition. With a cost of living index of 92.0 (where the US average is 100), your paycheck here feels heavier than it would in a city with a national-average salary.

The job market is modest but steady, with about 589 accountant and auditor positions in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates a stable demand, particularly for experienced professionals and those with specialized certifications.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic look at how salaries typically progress in Lincoln, based on local market data and trends.

Experience Level	Typical Title	Estimated Salary Range (Lincoln)
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	Senior Accountant, Tax Associate	$70,000 - $90,000
Senior (8-15 yrs)	Accounting Manager, Senior Controller	$90,000 - $120,000
Expert (15+ yrs)	Controller, Director of Finance, Partner	$120,000 - $180,000+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior is where you see the biggest salary increases, especially if you have your CPA license and can handle complex regulatory work for Lincoln's large healthcare and agricultural sectors.

Comparison to Other Nebraska Cities

Lincoln holds its own against the other major metros in the state.

• Omaha: Slightly higher salaries (median ~$88,000) and more jobs, driven by a larger corporate and financial services sector. However, cost of living and commute times are also higher.
• Grand Island: Lower salaries (median ~$78,000) but even lower cost of living. A good option if you're looking for a smaller-town feel with steady state government and manufacturing accounting jobs.
• Kearney: Similar salary range to Lincoln but with a booming logistics and distribution sector, creating demand for cost accountants and financial analysts.

Lincoln strikes a balance: it offers Omaha-level professional opportunities without the intense competition or higher costs, making it a strategic choice for career-focused accountants who value work-life balance.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down what an accountant earning the median salary of $84,014/year can actually expect to take home and afford in Lincoln.

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Gross Annual Salary: $84,014
• Filing Status: Single (no dependents)
• Taxes: Estimated combined federal income tax (22% bracket), FICA (7.65%), and state income tax (5.01% - Nebraska's is progressive). This brings effective tax withholding to roughly 25-28%.
• Monthly Rent: The citywide average for a 1BR is $856/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,001	$84,014 / 12 months
Taxes & Deductions (Est. 27%)	-$1,890	Leaves a net monthly income of ~$5,111
Rent (1BR Average)	-$856	Can range from $700 (east side) to $1,100+ (newer west-side complexes)
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$200	Varies with season (winters can be pricey with heating)
Groceries	-$350	Lincoln has competitive grocery prices
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$450	Essential due to Lincoln's public transit limitations
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	-$300	Employer plans vary widely
Retirement (401k, 5% match)	-$350	Critical for long-term growth
Discretionary Spending	-$1,605	Entertainment, dining, savings, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and this is where Lincoln truly shines for a salary of $84,014. The median home price in Lincoln is around $290,000. With a 20% down payment ($58,000), a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,600-$1,750. Given your net monthly income of ~$5,111, a mortgage payment would be about 30-35% of your take-home pay, which is very manageable. Many accountants I know in Lincoln own homes within 3-5 years of moving here, often in neighborhoods like the South of A or College View.

Where the Jobs Are: Lincoln's Major Employers

Lincoln's economy is a mix of state government, healthcare, education, and agriculture. The accounting opportunities reflect this. Here are the key players:

1. State of Nebraska: As the capital, this is the largest employer. The Department of Revenue, Administrative Services, and various agencies hire a constant stream of government accountants, auditors, and budget analysts. Jobs here are steady, with excellent benefits and pensions.
2. Bryan Health: One of the two major healthcare systems in the city (along with CHI Health). They employ a large team of accountants, revenue cycle specialists, and financial analysts. The healthcare industry is recession-proof, making these jobs very stable.
3. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL): A massive institution with a complex budget. They hire accountants for grant management, departmental finance, and central administration. The academic cycle (fiscal year end) creates predictable busy seasons.
4. National Research Corporation (NRC Health): A publicly traded company headquartered in Lincoln that focuses on healthcare performance improvement. They have a sophisticated finance department and often hire for SEC reporting, internal audit, and financial planning roles.
5. Noddle Companies/Junction 66: A major local real estate development and property management firm. They hire property accountants and financial analysts to manage a large portfolio of commercial and residential properties across Lincoln and Omaha.
6. Mayer Electric (and similar large local contractors): Lincoln has a strong construction sector. Large contractors like Mayer employ cost accountants and project financial managers to track job costing, which is a highly specialized and valuable skill.
7. Lincoln Financial Group: While headquartered in Philadelphia, Lincoln has a significant operational presence in the city, particularly in its wealth management and insurance divisions. They hire for financial advisor support, compliance, and internal audit roles.

Hiring Trends: There is a strong, consistent demand for accountants who are comfortable with ERP systems like SAP and Oracle, especially in healthcare and state government. Forensic accounting skills are also in demand due to the state's role in oversight. Public accounting firms like Lutz and K·Coe Isom (with a major local office) are always looking for CPAs for tax and audit.

Getting Licensed in NE

To practice as a CPA in Nebraska, you must meet the requirements set by the Nebraska State Board of Public Accountancy. The process is straightforward but requires planning.

Requirements:

• Education: A bachelor's degree (150 semester hours) with specific coursework in accounting and business.
• Exam: Pass the Uniform CPA Examination (4 parts).
• Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA.
• Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Timeline & Costs:

• Education: If you need the 150 hours, a master's in accounting from UNL or another accredited school takes about 1.5 years and costs $15,000-$25,000 (in-state tuition). Alternatively, you can take additional courses post-bachelor's.
• CPA Exam: Application fees to the Nebraska Board are $150. The exam fees to NASBA are approximately $1,000-$1,200 total for all four sections. You must pay for each section as you take it.
• Study Materials: Becker, Wiley, or Roger CPA review courses range from $1,500 to $4,000. This is the biggest variable cost.
• Ethics Exam: The AICPA ethics exam costs $150-$200.

Total Estimated Cost (from start to licensure): $3,000 - $7,000+ (excluding tuition for a master's degree).

Insider Tip: Start your application with the Nebraska State Board before you finish your education. They provide a pre-evaluation of your transcripts, so you know exactly what courses you're missing. This saves months of back-and-forth. The board's website is the primary source for all current requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Lincoln is very neighborhood-driven. Your choice depends on commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are the top picks for a working professional.

1. The South of A (South of "A" Street): A historic, densely populated neighborhood just south of downtown and the Capitol. It's walkable, full of character, and a short commute to state government offices and downtown firms. The vibe is young professional and academic.

   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1BR/1BA apartment in a historic building.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to downtown; 15 minutes to most major employers.

2. College View / South Campus: Adjacent to the University of Nebraska, this area is filled with tree-lined streets, classic homes, and a quiet, established feel. It's popular with UNL employees and professionals who want a residential feel without a long commute.

   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100/month for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown, 5-10 minutes to UNL.

3. Air Park / Northeast Lincoln: A more suburban, family-friendly area with newer housing developments and a lower cost of living. It's known for its excellent public schools (Lincoln East High School district) and easy access to the interstate, making commutes to employers like Bryan Health or NRC Health straightforward.

   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $1,000/month for a 1BR in a newer complex.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown; 10-15 minutes to most northern and eastern employers.

4. The Haymarket / Historic District: If you want to be in the heart of the action, this is it. This revitalized warehouse district is filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. It's ideal for someone who wants to live, work, and play in the same area. It's pricier, but the walkability is unmatched.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,600/month for a modern 1BR loft apartment.
   • Commute: 0-5 minutes to downtown offices; walk to everything.

5. West Lincoln / Belmont: A developing area on the west side of the city, offering more modern apartments and single-family homes at a lower price point. It's slightly farther from downtown but is close to major retail corridors and the airport. Commutes can feel longer due to less direct routes.

   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $950/month for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 20-25 minutes to downtown; 15-20 minutes to western suburbs and the airport.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Lincoln, career growth is less about rapid job hopping and more about deepening expertise and earning specialized credentials. The 10-year job growth of 4% reflects a mature, stable market, not a boomtown.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: This is non-negotiable for senior roles. It can command a 10-20% salary premium over a non-CPA with similar experience.
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant): Highly valued in Lincoln's manufacturing and agricultural sectors (e.g., Lindsay Corporation, Cargill). Can lead to roles in cost accounting and plant finance.
• CIA (Certified Internal Auditor): In demand by the State of Nebraska, Bryan Health, and large nonprofits for compliance and internal control work.
• Forensic Accounting: A growing niche, especially with the state's oversight functions and healthcare fraud prevention. This specialty can lead to consulting or government roles.

Advancement Paths:
A typical path might look like this:
Staff Accountant (Public or Corporate) → Senior Accountant (Specializing in Tax/Audit) → Accounting Manager (at a local firm or corporate entity) → Controller (at a mid-sized local company) → Director of Finance or Partner (at a local CPA firm).

The key is to move from a purely technical role to one that involves management, strategy, and client relationship building. In Lincoln's interconnected business community, your reputation is everything.

10-Year Outlook: The accounting profession here will evolve with technology. Automation of routine bookkeeping (e.g., QuickBooks Online, Xero) is already happening. The accountants who will thrive in the next decade are those who can interpret data, advise on strategy, and specialize in areas like data analytics, cybersecurity controls, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, which are becoming increasingly important for Lincoln's larger corporations and the state government itself.

The Verdict: Is Lincoln Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: A salary of $84,014 goes very far, allowing for homeownership and savings.	Limited High-Salary Ceiling: While stable, top-end salaries for accountants cap lower than in major coastal cities.
Stable Job Market: Dominated by government, healthcare, and education—sectors that are largely recession-proof.	Smaller Network: The professional community is tight-knit. It's great for relationships but can feel limiting for those seeking a vast, anonymous network.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: A 9-to-5 culture is the norm. Unpaid overtime is rare outside of tax season in public accounting.	Limited Specialization: Fewer opportunities for ultra-niche roles (e.g., international tax, investment banking) compared to larger markets.
Quality of Life: Safe, clean, with great schools, parks, and a vibrant college-town culture on game days.	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and can be snowy. Summers are hot and humid.
Strong Sense of Community: Easy to get involved, meet people, and feel like a local.	Public Transit is Limited: A car is a necessity for most residents.

Final Recommendation:
Lincoln is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize stability, affordability, and work-life balance over chasing the absolute highest salary potential. It's ideal for:

• Early-career professionals looking to build a solid foundation without massive debt.
• Mid-career accountants seeking to buy a home and raise a family.
• CPAs who want to become a big fish in a smaller, supportive pond.
• Those who value a four-season climate and a vibrant college sports culture (GO BIG RED!).

It may not be the right fit for someone aiming for a fast-tracked career in corporate finance or investment banking, but for the vast majority of accountants, Lincoln offers a sustainable, rewarding, and prosperous career path.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a CPA license to get a good accounting job in Lincoln?
A: Not always, especially for entry-level or staff accountant roles. You can have a successful career as a senior accountant without a CPA. However, for any management, controller, or director-level position, the CPA license is almost always a requirement or a strong preference. It's the key to unlocking the higher end of the salary scale.

Q: Is it feasible to commute from Lincoln to Omaha for work?
A: Yes, it's a very common commute, taking about 45-60 minutes each way on I-80. Many people do it to access Omaha's higher salary ranges while enjoying Lincoln's lower cost of living. However, you must factor in gas, vehicle wear and tear, and tolls (if any). For an accountant earning $84,014 in Lincoln, the math often works out better financially than taking a slightly higher Omaha salary after accounting for those costs and a higher mortgage/rent.

Q: What's the busy season like in Lincoln?
A: In public accounting (tax and audit), the busy season is standard: January-April for tax, and year-round for audit with peaks around clients' fiscal year-ends. In corporate accounting, the busy season is typically tied to month-end and