Accountant in McKinney, TX

The Salary Picture: Where McKinney Stands

As a local who’s watched McKinney’s accounting scene evolve over the last decade, the first thing to know is that the numbers are solid, if not spectacular. You’re not going to find Wall Street-level salaries here, but the cost of living makes that less of a concern. The median salary for an accountant in McKinney is $86,932/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.79/hour. This sits just a hair above the national average of $86,080/year, a testament to the area’s robust corporate and small business ecosystem. For context, there are approximately 427 accounting-related jobs in the McKinney metro area (which includes parts of Collin and Denton counties), with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady, indicating a stable, mature market.

Experience is, of course, the great differentiator. The table below provides a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and insider knowledge from recruiters in the DFW area.

Experience Level	Typical Title	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Staff Accountant, Junior Accountant	$60,000 - $72,000	AP/AR, reconciliations, basic journal entries, assisting with month-end close.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager	$75,000 - $95,000	Full-cycle month-end close, financial reporting, variance analysis, supervising staff, process improvement.
Senior (8-12 yrs)	Senior Accountant, Controller (smaller firms)	$90,000 - $115,000	Complex financial reporting (GAAP), internal controls, audit liaison, mentoring, potential system implementation.
Expert (12+ yrs / CPA)	Controller, Director of Finance, CFO (SMB)	$115,000 - $140,000+	Strategic financial planning, board reporting, M&A due diligence, high-level process/system design, team leadership.

Insider Tip: The "$115,000+" ceiling for experts is more attainable in McKinney than in many other suburbs. A Controller at a mid-sized manufacturing or tech firm in Craig Ranch or along Highway 75 can hit this range, especially with a CPA and strong systems experience (e.g., NetSuite, SAP).

Compared to other Texas metros, McKinney holds a unique position. It’s significantly more affordable than Austin (median salary ~$88,000, median 1BR rent ~$1,850) and Dallas proper (median salary ~$85,000, median 1BR rent ~$1,750). You’ll see a slight salary premium in the Fort Worth metro (median ~$89,000), but the trade-off is a longer commute from the more affordable suburb of McKinney. From a pure cost-of-living-adjusted standpoint, McKinney is a top contender for accountants in North Texas.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to what you actually take home. Using the median salary of $86,932/year and applying Texas’s state income tax (0%) and a 22% effective federal tax rate (for a single filer with standard deductions), here’s a realistic monthly breakdown.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Accountant Earning $86,932/year:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $7,244
• Estimated Federal Taxes (22%): -$1,594
• Social Security & Medicare (FICA 7.65%): -$554
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,096

Now, let’s layer in the local rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in McKinney rents for $1,291/month. This leaves you with a healthy $3,805 for utilities, groceries, transportation, savings, and entertainment.

• Utilities (Avg.): $150 - $200
• Groceries & Essentials: $400 - $500
• Transportation (Car Payment/Insurance/Gas): $500 - $700 (McKinney is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (Employer-sponsored): $200 - $400
• Savings & Discretionary: $1,500+

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in McKinney is approximately $435,000. With a $5,000/month take-home and 20% down ($87,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would be around $2,200/month (including taxes and insurance). This is well within the recommended 28-30% of gross income. For a mid-level accountant earning closer to $95,000, buying a home in a neighborhood like Trinity Falls or Adriatica is very feasible. The key is having the down payment saved—this is the biggest hurdle for most newcomers.

Where the Jobs Are: McKinney's Major Employers

McKinney’s job market isn’t dominated by a single industry, which creates a diverse and resilient accounting landscape. You’ll find opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, tech, and retail. Here are the key local employers and their hiring tendencies:

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney: This is the largest hospital in the city. They have a large internal accounting/finance department. Hiring trends: Steady for staff and senior accountants, with a focus on healthcare revenue cycle and compliance. They value experience with large ERP systems (like Oracle or Meditech).
2. Manufacturing & Distribution (Collin County): McKinney is part of the "Texas Manufacturing Triangle." Major players include TKE (Telekom), Hillrom (medical devices), and JBT Corporation (food tech). They hire for cost accountants, plant controllers, and financial analysts. Insider Tip: These roles often require knowledge of inventory valuation (FIFO/LIFO) and standard costing. Experience here is gold for your resume.
3. Retail & Corporate HQs: While not a major HQ hub like Plano, McKinney has a growing number of corporate offices. Albertsons has a significant regional division here, and Raytheon (now RTX) has a major facility in nearby Richardson that attracts talent from McKinney. These corporate roles offer the highest salaries, often $90,000+ for senior roles.
4. Local Government & School Districts: The City of McKinney and McKinney Independent School District (MISD) are stable employers. They hire accountants for public fund accounting, grant management, and budget analysis. Public sector jobs offer excellent benefits (pensions) but salaries may be 10-15% below private sector median. They value CPA or CMA certifications.
5. Local CPA & Accounting Firms: Firms like Bader, Martin & Associates, P.C. or Carr, Riggs & Ingram have offices in McKinney. They are the primary path for new graduates and those seeking public accounting experience. You’ll start in audit or tax, work long hours during busy season, but gain rapid experience. Hiring Trend: They are always looking for 1-3 year seniors to staff their teams.
6. Technology & Startups: The tech scene is growing in the "McKinney Tech Corridor" along Highway 121. Companies like McKinney-based software firms and startups in the CIC (Collin Innovation Center) ecosystem hire for financial analysts and accounting managers. They look for tech-savvy accountants who can handle SaaS revenue recognition (ASC 606).

Getting Licensed in TX

If you're aiming for the CPA credential, Texas has specific rules, and the process is structured.

State-Specific Requirements:

• Education: 150 semester hours, including 30 hours of upper-level accounting and 24 hours of upper-level business.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
• Experience: 2,000 hours of qualifying accounting experience (under a licensed CPA), typically over 1-2 years.
• Ethics Exam: Pass the Texas-specific ethics exam.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Months 1-12: If you have a 120-hour bachelor's degree, you'll need to complete the remaining 30 hours. Many use a Master's in Accounting (e.g., from SMU, UNT, or online programs) to meet this and boost hireability.
2. Months 13-18: Apply for the "Notice to Schedule" (NTS) and begin scheduling exam sections. Plan for 6-12 months of dedicated study time.
3. Months 19-24: Gain your 2,000 hours of work experience while passing your remaining exam sections. Most candidates complete this within 18-24 months of starting full-time work.
4. Total Cost: Exam fees ($1,200), review course ($1,500-$3,000), application/licensing fees ($500). Total Investment: ~$3,200 - $4,700.

Insider Tip: The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) website is your bible. Start your application early. Many firms in McKinney offer CPA exam bonus programs (typically $3,000 - $5,000 upon completion), which can cover your costs.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Your choice of neighborhood will depend on your commute tolerance and lifestyle. McKinney is a driving city, but traffic is manageable compared to Dallas.

Neighborhood	Vibe	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers
Downtown McKinney	Historic, walkable, charming. Close to local firms and the city government.	$1,350 - $1,500	<10 mins to most downtown offices. 20-25 mins to Baylor Scott & White.
Craig Ranch	Master-planned, upscale, newer homes. Close to Highway 75 & 121.	$1,450 - $1,600	10-15 mins to any major employer. Ideal for corporate roles.
Erin Trails / Adriatica	Family-oriented, quiet, good schools. Further from highways.	$1,300 - $1,450	20-25 mins to most areas. Good for homebuyers with families.
Trinity Falls	Newer development, modern apartments & homes, near retail.	$1,350 - $1,500	15 mins to Highway 75, 10 mins to Raytheon.
East McKinney (Lake Creek)	More affordable, older homes, close to Lake Ray Hubbard.	$1,100 - $1,250	20-30 mins to most employers. Best for budget-conscious renters.

Personal Insight: For a young, single accountant, Downtown McKinney offers a great quality of life with a short commute to local firms. For those with a family or who work at a large corporate campus in Craig Ranch, the Trinity Falls/Adriatica area offers the best balance of schools, amenities, and relative affordability.

The Long Game: Career Growth

McKinney is a great place to build a long-term career, but you need a plan.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA: The single biggest salary booster. Expect a 15-25% premium over non-CPA peers at the same experience level.
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant): Highly valued in manufacturing and corporate roles. Can add a 10-15% premium.
• Systems Expertise: Knowing SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite can add $10,000 - $15,000 to your salary, especially in controller-track roles.

Advancement Paths:

• Public Accounting Track: Staff → Senior → Manager → Partner (or exit to industry as a Controller). This path is available at local CPA firms but is more common in the Dallas metro.
• Industry (Corporate) Track: Staff Accountant → Senior → Accounting Manager → Controller → Director of Finance → CFO. This is the most common path in McKinney, with clear progression in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors.
• Government/Non-Profit: Staff → Senior → Finance Director. Slower but very stable, with excellent benefits.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth is modest, meaning competition for senior roles will be steady. The key to advancement will be specialization. Generalists will hit a ceiling around the Accounting Manager level (~$95,000). Those who specialize in cost accounting, financial systems, or healthcare revenue cycle will have a clearer path to six-figure controller roles. The remote work trend has also opened doors; McKinney accountants can now compete for jobs in Dallas or Austin without relocating, though local networking remains critical.

The Verdict: Is McKinney Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong buying power: Median salary ($86,932) goes further here than in Austin or Dallas.	Limited nightlife & culture: It’s a family-oriented suburb. For a vibrant arts/music scene, you’ll drive to Dallas.
Stable, diverse job market: Opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and corporate sectors.	Car-dependent: Public transit is limited. A reliable car is a must.
Manageable commutes: You can live and work within 20 minutes in most cases.	Slower salary growth: The 4% job growth signals a stable, not explosive, market. Top-tier salaries are found in Dallas.
Good school districts: A major draw for families (MISD, Frisco ISD).	Socially conservative: The vibe is more traditional than in Austin or Dallas.
Growing amenities: Downtown is revitalizing, and shopping/ dining is plentiful.	Competition for Senior Roles: As a connector to Dallas, you compete with a large talent pool.

Final Recommendation: McKinney is an excellent choice for accountants in the mid-senior range (3-10 years experience) and those looking to buy a home and start a family. It’s ideal for cost accountants, healthcare accountants, and those targeting controller roles in mid-sized companies. If you are a new graduate seeking the most dynamic, high-paying environment right away, you might start in Dallas and consider moving to McKinney later. For most, the financial stability and quality of life here make it a winning long-term bet.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a CPA to get a good accounting job in McKinney?
A: No, but it dramatically accelerates your career. You can get a Staff or Senior Accountant role without it, but to move into management (Controller, Director) or the highest pay brackets, a CPA is often a non-negotiable requirement, especially in public accounting and large corporations.

Q: How competitive is the job market for entry-level accountants?
A: It’s moderately competitive. There are fewer entry-level openings than in Dallas, but the talent pool is smaller. Having a degree from a Texas university (like UNT or Texas A&M) and an internship on your resume will give you a significant edge. Networking with local professionals from the Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of the IMA can be very effective.

Q: Is the CPA license transferable from another state?
A: Yes. Texas is part of the CPA Licensure Mobility Agreement. If you’re already a CPA in good standing from another state, you can likely gain a Texas certificate without re-examining. You must apply for the certificate through the TSBPA and meet any remaining Texas-specific requirements (like the ethics exam).

Q: What’s the best way to network in the McKinney area?
A: Beyond LinkedIn, join the Collin County Chapter of the TSCPA (Texas Society of CPAs) and the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants). Attend their monthly luncheons. Also, keep an eye on events hosted by the Collin County Business Alliance. Many of the best jobs here are filled through referrals.

Q: Are there remote accounting jobs for McKinney residents?
A: Absolutely. The remote work boom has been a game-changer. Many DFW-based companies are open to hiring remote employees. You can apply for roles based in Dallas, Plano, or even Austin while living in McKinney. This expands your job pool well beyond the 427 local listings. Just be prepared for occasional in-office meetings or events.