Accountant's Career Guide: Lynn, Massachusetts

Lynn, Massachusetts, often flies under the radar compared to its more famous neighbors like Boston and Salem. But for an Accountant, this historic seaport city offers a unique blend of stable employment, manageable living costs, and a community that values practical skills. As a local, I can tell you that Lynn is a city of contrasts—industrial grit meets suburban calm, and the waterfront offers a daily reminder of New England's resilience. It's not the flashiest place, but it's a solid foundation for building a career and a life. This guide is for the pragmatic accountant who values data over drama and wants the real story on working in Lynn.

The Salary Picture: Where Lynn Stands

As an accountant in Lynn, you’re looking at a market that aligns closely with national averages but offers a slight premium for the local cost of living. The median salary for an Accountant in Lynn is $89,075 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.82. This figure sits comfortably above the national average of $86,080, a testament to the robust regional economy of Greater Boston. The metro area, which includes Lynn and surrounding communities, supports a focused job market with 202 accountant jobs currently listed. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, a steady, if not explosive, rate of expansion that suggests stability over volatility.

To put this in perspective, experience is a major driver of salary. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in the Lynn area:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Lynn, MA)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$60,000 - $75,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR reconciliation, assisting with month-end close, basic tax preparation.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$75,000 - $95,000	General ledger management, financial reporting, budgeting, client advisory, senior tax compliance.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$95,000 - $120,000+	Team management, technical accounting (GAAP/IFRS), internal controls, audit preparation, complex tax strategy.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$120,000 - $160,000+	Controller, CFO, Director of Finance, specialized consulting (M&A, forensic accounting, international tax).

When comparing Lynn to other Massachusetts cities, it holds its own. It’s more affordable than Boston or Cambridge, where salaries might be higher but are drastically offset by living costs. In Salem, to the north, the market is smaller and more tourism-focused, which can mean fewer corporate opportunities. Worcester, to the west, is larger but competes for a similar talent pool in manufacturing and healthcare. Lynn’s advantage is its proximity to Boston’s financial district—about a 20-30 minute commute by car or commuter rail—without the premium price tag. You get access to the Boston job market while living in a community with a distinct identity.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $89,075 salary sounds solid, but the real question is how it translates to your daily life. Let’s break down the monthly finances for a single accountant living in Lynn. We’ll use the average 1BR rent of $2,064/month and a standard Massachusetts tax burden (roughly 30-35% combined federal, state, and FICA for this bracket).

• Gross Monthly Income: $89,075 / 12 = $7,423
• Estimated Monthly Taxes (30-35%): -$2,227 to -$2,598
• Net Monthly Take-Home: $4,825 to $5,196
• Rent (1BR Average): -$2,064
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings, Discretionary: $2,761 to $3,132

This is a workable budget, but it requires discipline. Given Lynn’s Cost of Living Index of 111.6 (where the US average is 100), essentials are about 11.6% more expensive than the national average. Groceries, utilities, and transportation will eat into that remaining $2,700-$3,100. If you’re a two-income household, the picture brightens considerably.

Can they afford to buy a home? In the short term, it’s challenging. The median home price in Lynn hovers around $450,000. A 20% down payment is $90,000. With your post-tax, post-rent surplus of ~$3,000/month, saving for a down payment would take over two years without interest—a significant hurdle. However, it’s not impossible. Many locals use state programs like the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) or FHA loans to reduce the down payment burden. A more realistic path is to rent for a few years, build savings, and consider buying in a more affordable neighborhood like West Lynn or Lynn Woods. The commute to Boston-area jobs would remain manageable.

Where the Jobs Are: Lynn's Major Employers

Lynn’s economy is a mix of healthcare, education, manufacturing, and a growing service sector. Accounting jobs are not concentrated in a single downtown skyscraper; they’re spread across key institutions. Here’s where to look:

1. Lynn Community Health Center: A major employer and a critical nonprofit. They need accountants for grant management, patient billing, and compliance (HIPAA, federal reporting). It’s a mission-driven environment with stable funding.
2. North Shore Medical Center (NSMC) - Salem Hospital: While technically in Salem, it’s the primary hospital for Lynn residents. Healthcare accounting is a huge field, dealing with reimbursement, capital budgets, and complex regulatory reporting. They frequently hire staff accountants and financial analysts.
3. City of Lynn Municipal Government: The City of Lynn is always in need of accountants for its finance department. This work focuses on budgeting, payroll for thousands of employees, and managing public funds. It’s a stable, pension-eligible career with a strong union presence.
4. General Electric (GE) Aviation & Vernova: While the old GE plant is gone, GE remains a significant presence in Lynn, primarily in aviation and now as the spun-off company, Vernova (energy). These posts involve corporate accounting, cost accounting for manufacturing, and financial planning & analysis (FP&A) for large-scale industrial projects.
5. Manufacturing & Logistics Firms: Lynn is home to a variety of smaller manufacturers and logistics companies (e.g., around the Lynnway and near the port). These businesses need accountants for inventory accounting, cost analysis, and managing sales tax in multiple jurisdictions.
6. Local CPA & Advisory Firms: Firms like GCG LLP and Carr, Turk, & Cassavant have offices in the region and serve Lynn’s small business community. They are a primary source of entry-level and tax-focused accounting roles. Insider Tip: Starting at a local CPA firm is a fantastic way to get diverse experience and get your CPA license sponsored.

Hiring Trend: Demand is steady. The growth in healthcare and the stability in municipal government provide a reliable baseline. The shift toward hybrid work has also made Lynn-based accountants more attractive to Boston firms willing to offer remote flexibility, expanding the job pool.

Getting Licensed in MA

The Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy, overseen by the Division of Professional Licensure (DPL), sets the rules. Becoming a CPA is the gold standard for career advancement.

Requirements:

• Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree and at least 24 hours in accounting and 24 hours in business-related subjects.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
• Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA is required.
• Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: Approximately $1,500-$2,000 total for all four sections (varies by state).
• Study Materials: $1,500 - $3,000 (e.g., Becker, Roger, Wiley).
• Application/Issuance Fees: ~$200-$300.
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,200 - $5,300 (excluding the cost of your 150-hour education).
• Timeline: After completing your education, expect a 6-12 month journey to pass all exam sections, followed by a few months to get your experience verified and license approved.

Insider Tip: Many Lynn-area firms will sponsor exam fees and study materials for promising employees. It’s a key benefit to negotiate for, especially in your first job out of college.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Lynn impacts your daily life and commute. The city is divided into distinct areas, each with its own character and price point.

1. Downtown Lynn: The urban core. You’ll find a mix of historic architecture, new developments, and the commuter rail station. It’s walkable, with cafes and the Lynn Museum. Rent is moderate. Commute to Boston is easy via train (25 mins to North Station). Rent Estimate: $1,800-$2,200/mo for a 1BR.
2. West Lynn (Highlands): A residential, family-oriented neighborhood with tree-lined streets and single-family homes. It’s quieter, with good schools. You’ll need a car for most errands, but it’s a short drive to downtown and the highway. Rent Estimate: $1,700-$2,100/mo for a 1BR, slightly cheaper for a 2BR.
3. East Lynn (Lynn Beach): This is the scenic side, with direct access to Lynn Beach and Nahant Bay. It’s more suburban and desirable, with higher rents. The commute can be slower due to traffic on Lynnway, but the quality of life is high. Rent Estimate: $2,100-$2,500/mo for a 1BR.
4. Lynn Woods: Surrounding the massive Lynn Woods Reservation, this area is for those who love nature and a quieter pace. It’s more rural, with larger lots. Commuting requires a car, but you’re minutes from the woods for hiking and fresh air. Rent Estimate: $1,600-$1,900/mo for a 1BR.

For a young professional, Downtown Lynn offers the best blend of convenience, community, and career access. For those seeking more space and a quieter home life, West Lynn is an excellent choice.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Lynn doesn’t mean stagnating. The career path is about specialization and strategic moves.

• Specialty Premiums: Salaries can increase by 10-20% for in-demand specialties. In Lynn’s market, Forensic Accounting (for insurance or legal firms), Cost Accounting (for manufacturing/ aviation), and Nonprofit Accounting (for Lynn’s many community organizations) command a premium. Becoming a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) can open doors in corporate and government settings.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller. For those with a CPA and an MBA, the CFO track is viable within larger regional firms or healthcare systems. Many accountants in Lynn also transition into financial planning & analysis (FP&A) or corporate development roles at Boston-based companies, leveraging their local cost-effectiveness.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth, competition for senior roles will be steady but not fierce. The key will be continuous learning—staying updated on tax code changes, mastering new software (like advanced ERP systems), and building a network within the Greater Boston business community. Your local experience will be a valuable asset for companies looking for professionals who understand the Massachusetts economic landscape.

The Verdict: Is Lynn Right for You?

Lynn is a pragmatic choice for an accountant who prioritizes stability, a reasonable cost of living, and access to a major job market without the urban intensity of Boston.

Pros	Cons
Affordable housing compared to Greater Boston.	Public transit within the city is limited; a car is often needed.
Stable job market in healthcare, government, and manufacturing.	Job market is smaller than Boston; senior roles may require a commute.
Easy access to Boston via commuter rail and highways.	Cost of Living Index (111.6) is still above the national average.
Diverse neighborhoods offering different lifestyles.	Ongoing urban revitalization means some areas are still in transition.
Strong professional network in local firms and institutions.	Winters are cold and long; New England weather is a factor.

Final Recommendation: Lynn is an excellent choice for early-to-mid-career accountants looking to build a solid foundation. It’s a “workhorse” city—reliable, unpretentious, and full of tangible opportunities. If you’re a CPA with 5+ years of experience looking for a top-tier corporate role, you might find more options in Boston or Cambridge. But for those who value a balanced life and a career with room to grow, Lynn offers a compelling, data-driven case.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for accountants in Lynn?
The market is moderately competitive. With 202 jobs in the metro, you won’t face a flood of applicants like in Boston, but quality positions are sought after. Having your CPA or being in the process of getting it will set you apart. Networking with local firms is crucial.

2. Is it necessary to have a car in Lynn?
For daily life and commuting to most employers, yes. While the commuter rail connects to Boston, getting to the hospital, manufacturing plants, or many neighborhoods often requires a car. The cost of parking and insurance should be factored into your budget.

3. Are there opportunities for remote accounting work in Lynn?
Absolutely. The pandemic accelerated this trend. Many Lynn-based accountants now work fully or hybrid for companies in Boston, Cambridge, or even further afield. Your local experience is an asset for firms seeking professionals who understand the regional market and can collaborate with local clients.

4. What’s the best way to network in Lynn’s accounting community?
Join the Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MSCPA) and attend their North Shore chapter meetings. Also, get involved with the Lynn Chamber of Commerce. Many business leaders and accountants mingle at these events. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple coffee meeting with a partner at a local CPA firm.

5. How does Lynn’s weather impact my work and life?
Be prepared for four distinct seasons. Winters can be snowy and cold, potentially affecting commutes (always budget 15 extra minutes for snow). Summers are warm and humid, perfect for enjoying the beach. The shoulder seasons (spring/fall) are beautiful but unpredictable. Your work-life balance will shift with the seasons, so embrace it.