Accountant's Career Guide: Longview, TX

If you're an accountant considering a move to Longview, you're looking at a market that's distinct from the big Texas metros. I've spent years watching the local economy here, and for accountants, Longview offers a solid, stable career path with a cost of living that stretches your salary further than in Dallas or Houston. It's a city of industry, healthcare, and small-business hustle. This guide cuts through the fluff and gives you the data-driven breakdown of what your career and life would look like here. We'll use the hard numbers, talk about the real commute, and look at the long-term prospects, all from the perspective of someone who knows East Texas.

The Salary Picture: Where Longview Stands

Let's get straight to the point: your paycheck in Longview will be competitive for the region, though it comes in slightly under the national average. The median salary for an accountant here is $83,084 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $39.94 per hour. For context, the national average for accountants is $86,080 per year. So, you're earning about 3.5% less than the national mark, but as we'll see, your dollar goes much, much further here.

The job market itself is modest but steady. The Longview metro area has about 168 accounting jobs listed at any given time, which reflects a stable demand rather than a high-growth boom. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is slow but steady, mirroring the overall economic growth of the region. This isn't a city where you'll see explosive hiring cycles; it's about finding a solid role and growing within it.

To break it down by experience, here’s a realistic look at what you can expect:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	Staff Accountant, AP/AR Clerk	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, reconciliations, data entry, supporting senior staff.
Mid-Level	Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager	$75,000 - $92,000	Managing the month-end close, preparing financial statements, some supervision.
Senior/Expert	Controller, CFO, Tax Director	$95,000 - $130,000+	Strategic planning, financial reporting, compliance, leading teams.

Compared to other Texas cities: Longview is a world away from Austin or Dallas. In those metros, you'd see median salaries closer to $90,000+, but you'd also be grappling with average 1BR rents of $1,500+ and a much higher cost of living. In San Antonio, the salary is similar to Longview, but the rent is about 30% higher. Longview's key advantage is its affordability, which we'll quantify next.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $83,084 isn't just a number—it's your purchasing power. After federal taxes (roughly 18-22% for this bracket), state taxes (Texas has no state income tax, which is a huge plus), and FICA, your monthly take-home is likely in the $5,100 - $5,300 range. Let's build a monthly budget around that.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Accountant Earning $83,084:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $6,924
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (22%): -$1,523
• Net Monthly Pay: $5,401
• Rent (Avg. 1BR): -$930
• Utilities (Avg. for 1BR): -$150
• Groceries & Household: -$450
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance/Car Payment): -$450
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): -$300
• Retirement Savings (10%): -$540
• Discretionary Spending (Dining, Entertainment, Travel): -$1,581

Insider Tip: The discretionary budget is where Longview shines. With a low rent burden, you have significant flexibility for travel, hobbies, or saving aggressively. You can easily max out a 401(k) or IRA and still have room to breathe.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Longview is around $225,000. With a 20% down payment ($45,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,140, including taxes and insurance. That's only about $200 more than the average rent for a 1BR apartment. For a single accountant, this is very attainable, especially if you've saved for a few years. For a dual-income household, it's a no-brainer.

Where the Jobs Are: Longview's Major Employers

Longview's economy is anchored in healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and local government. Here are the major employers where you'll find accounting roles:

1. Christus Health (Longview Regional Medical Center & Christus Mother Frances Hospital): The largest employer in the city. They have a constant need for hospital accountants, revenue cycle specialists, and financial analysts. Hiring is steady, and they often promote from within.
2. Gregg County/City of Longview: Government accounting is a major sector here. Jobs in the county auditor's office, city finance department, and school district (Longview ISD) offer public sector stability and excellent benefits, though salaries may start slightly lower.
3. East Texas Oil Industry: While not as booming as the Permian Basin, companies like Petro-Hunt and other mid-sized operators have regional offices. They need accountants with knowledge of oil & gas accounting, which can command a premium.
4. Brookshire's Grocery Company: This regional grocery chain, headquartered in Tyler with a major presence in Longview, has a large corporate office that hires for accounting, payroll, and inventory control roles.
5. Texas Instruments (TI): TI has a significant facility in nearby Sherman (a 45-minute commute), but many Longview residents make that drive. It's a top-tier employer with excellent benefits and a focus on technical accounting and cost accounting.
6. Local Firms (Raines & Webb, Henry & Peters): Longview has a handful of established local CPA firms that serve small to mid-sized businesses. These are great places for public accounting experience, especially in tax and audit.

Hiring Trends: The most consistent hiring comes from healthcare and local government. The energy sector is more cyclical but offers high-paying specialty roles. For public accounting, the local firms provide a path to partnership but may have slower growth.

Getting Licensed in TX

To practice as a CPA in Texas, you must be licensed by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA). The process is rigorous but straightforward.

Requirements:

1. Education: A 150-semester-hour bachelor's degree or higher with a concentration in accounting. This is standard and must be from an accredited institution.
2. Uniform CPA Exam: Pass all four sections (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG) of the exam. You'll need to apply for an "Notice to Schedule" (NTS) through the TSBPA.
3. Experience: You must complete at least one year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Texas Ethics Exam, which is a self-study course and exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,000 for all four sections (varies by state).
• Application/Licensing Fees: ~$200-$300 with the TSBPA.
• Study Materials (e.g., Becker, Roger): $1,500 - $3,000.
• Total Estimated Cost: $2,700 - $4,300 (excluding education).
• Timeline: From starting your studies to holding a license, expect 18-24 months. The experience requirement is the most variable part. In Longview, finding a licensed CPA to supervise you is feasible, especially within the major employers or local firms.

Insider Tip: The Texas Board is known for being thorough. Ensure your transcripts are in order early, and consider joining the East Texas Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs (TSCPA) for networking and mentorship.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Longview impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of key areas:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
South Longview (Gregg County Fairgrounds)	Family-oriented, quiet, older homes. 10-15 min drive to most employers.	$850 - $1,100	Those seeking a classic suburban feel with good schools.
North Longview (Loop 281 North)	More commercial, mix of apartments and newer subdivisions. Close to Brookshire's HQ.	$800 - $1,000	Professionals who want a short commute to north-side employers.
Downtown/ Historic District	Walkable, boutiques, coffee shops. Growing but still small. Commute is bike/walk for downtown jobs.	$1,000 - $1,400	Urban dwellers who want character and a short commute to the city center.
Kilgore (East of Longview)	A separate town 15-20 mins east, with its own economy (petrochemicals). Lower rents.	$700 - $900	Budget-conscious commuters who work at Petro-Hunt or related firms.
White Oak (West of Longview)	A bedroom community 10 mins west. Very quiet, family-centric, larger lots.	$750 - $950	Those seeking a peaceful, small-town feel with a short drive to Longview.

Commute Note: Longview traffic is minimal. The worst you'll hit is a 10-15 minute delay on Loop 281 during rush hour. Most commutes are under 20 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Longview, career growth is more about depth than breadth. You're not going to see the rapid job-hopping common in major metros, but you can build a very secure and well-paid career.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest premiums are in oil & gas accounting (can add 10-15% to salary) and healthcare revenue cycle management. A CPA with a CMA (Certified Management Accountant) credential is highly valued in manufacturing and corporate roles.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller. From there, you can move to a CFO role at a mid-sized company or partner at a local CPA firm. Public accounting offers a clear, structured path, while corporate roles may require more self-driven networking.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth indicates stability, not transformation. The future will likely see more demand for accountants who can handle technology integration (ERP systems, data analytics) and regulatory compliance. Automation will handle more transactional work, pushing accountants toward analysis and advisory roles. Longview's economy is tied to healthcare, energy, and small business—all of which will continue to need skilled financial oversight.

Insider Tip: Your greatest asset in Longview is your network. Join the local TSCPA chapter, attend the East Texas Energy Summit, and volunteer with local non-profits. In a market this size, who you know absolutely matters.

The Verdict: Is Longview Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Salary of $83,084 goes very far. Housing is affordable.	Limited Job Market: Only ~168 jobs. Fewer opportunities for rapid career jumps.
Stable, Key Employers: Strong presence of healthcare, government, and energy.	Slower Growth: 10-year growth of 4% means fewer new opportunities.
Low Stress & Commute: Minimal traffic, short drives, a more relaxed pace of life.	Limited Cultural Scene: Fewer museums, concerts, and dining options than big cities.
Strong for Homeownership: You can buy a home comfortably on a single accountant's salary.	Network-Dependent: Breaking into the best roles often requires local connections.
No State Income Tax: A significant boost to your take-home pay.	Climate: Hot, humid summers and occasional severe weather.

Final Recommendation: Longview is an outstanding choice for accountants who value stability, affordability, and work-life balance over the high-frequency, high-cost life of a major metro. It's ideal for early-career professionals looking to pay down debt or save for a home, mid-career accountants seeking a lower-stress environment, and those with families who want a safe, community-oriented city. If you crave constant new challenges and a vast array of employers, you may find the market limiting. But if you want to build a solid, debt-free life while practicing your craft, Longview delivers.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find an accounting job in Longview without a CPA license?
Yes, absolutely. Many roles in accounts payable/receivable, staff accounting, and even some mid-level positions do not require a CPA. However, the path to senior management (Controller, CFO) and public accounting partnership is virtually closed without it. You can start your career here without a license and pursue it while you work.

2. What’s the typical commute for an accountant in Longview?
The average commute is under 20 minutes. Most employers are clustered along Loop 281 and in the downtown area. Traffic is a non-issue compared to larger cities. If you live in a suburb like White Oak or Kilgore, you're still looking at a 15-25 minute drive at most.

3. How does the cost of living translate to real savings?
Dramatically. With a 1BR rent of $930 versus a national average of ~$1,400+, you're saving ~$470/month on housing alone. Combined with no state income tax, your effective savings rate can be 10-15% higher than in a high-cost area, even with a slightly lower salary.

4. Are there opportunities for remote work with local employers?
This is growing post-pandemic, but still limited. Larger employers like Christus Health and TI may offer hybrid schedules, but fully remote accounting roles are rare. Local small businesses and government offices typically require in-person work. The trend is toward hybrid, but it's not the norm.

5. What’s the best way to network as a new accountant in Longview?
Join the Texas Society of CPAs (TSCPA) East Texas Chapter immediately. Attend their monthly meetings and annual events. Also, connect with the Longview Chamber of Commerce and volunteer for non-profit boards (like the United Way or the Longview Symphony). In a community this size, personal connections are the fastest route to the best job opportunities.