Accountant in Montgomery, AL

As a career analyst who’s spent years navigating the professional landscape of Alabama’s capital city, I’ve watched the accounting field here develop a unique character. It’s not the explosive growth of a tech hub, but a steady, reliable demand rooted in government, healthcare, and local industry. For an accountant considering a move, Montgomery offers a compelling blend of affordability, low stress, and genuine professional opportunity. This guide breaks down the reality of the job market, the true cost of living, and the specific pathways to build a career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Montgomery Stands

Montgomery’s accounting salaries are solid for the region but exist in a specific context. The median salary for accountants here is $83,704/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.24/hour. It’s important to understand that this figure represents the middle point of the market; your actual earnings will hinge heavily on your experience, specialization, and the type of firm you work for.

When you compare this to the national average of $86,080/year, Montgomery sits just slightly below, a common pattern for state capitals in the Southeast. The key differentiator is the cost of living, which significantly stretches your dollar here. The metro area supports 390 accountant jobs, a number that indicates a stable, but not hyper-competitive, market. Over the last decade, the field has seen modest but consistent expansion, with a 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn’t a boom town for accountants, but it’s a place with reliable demand and less volatility than larger markets.

To get a clearer picture of where you might fall on the salary spectrum, here’s a realistic breakdown based on local hiring patterns and years of experience.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Years	Local Salary Range (Annual)	Key Characteristics in Montgomery
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Staff accountant roles in local firms or corporate finance departments. Heavy on bookkeeping, AP/AR, and basic reporting.
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$70,000 - $92,000	Senior accountant or supervisor roles. Requires CPA or working toward it. Involves more complex financial analysis, auditing, and tax preparation.
Senior/Expert	8+ years	$95,000 - $125,000+	Controller, Senior Manager, or Partner-track roles. Deep specialization (tax, audit, forensic accounting) is key. Often at larger firms or major employers.

Insider Tip: Don’t fixate on the national average. An accountant earning $83,704 in Montgomery has a disposable income equivalent to someone earning over $110,000 in a coastal city. The trade-off for slightly lower pay is a dramatically lower financial barrier to entry.

Comparison to Other AL Cities

To understand Montgomery’s place, it helps to see it against Alabama’s other major metros:

• Birmingham: The state’s financial hub. Salaries are higher (median ~$88,000), with more corporate HQ opportunities (Regions Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL), but the cost of living is also 5-7% higher.
• Huntsville: Driven by aerospace and defense (NASA, Redstone Arsenal). Salaries are competitive, especially for CPAs with security clearances or specialized manufacturing cost accounting. Growth here is the fastest in the state.
• Mobile: Port and maritime industry accounting. Salaries are similar to Montgomery, but the job market is smaller and more specialized around logistics and shipping.
• Tuscaloosa: Dominated by the University of Alabama and its medical center. The market is smaller, with less corporate diversity, often resulting in slightly lower salaries than Montgomery.

Bottom Line: Montgomery sits in the middle of the Alabama pack—better than smaller cities, more affordable than Birmingham, and with a more diverse employer base than Tuscaloosa or Mobile.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do the math. With a median salary of $83,704, your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes will be approximately $63,000 - $65,000 annually, or about $5,250 - $5,400 per month. This is a crucial starting point.

The city’s affordability is its biggest selling point. The cost of living index is 90.8 (US avg = 100), meaning everything from groceries to utilities is about 10% cheaper than the national average. The average 1BR rent is $913/month, a figure that feels almost unheard of in other metro areas.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Accountant Earning $83,704

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (Monthly)	Notes & Local Context
Take-Home Pay	$5,300	After taxes and standard deductions.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$900 - $1,100	For a safe, modern unit in a decent area. Can be lower in suburbs.
Utilities (Elec, Water, Internet)	$150 - $200	Includes high-speed internet. Summer AC bills can spike.
Groceries & Household	$350 - $450	Montgomery has good local grocers and several Costcos.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential. Public transit is limited. Insurance rates are moderate.
Gas & Maintenance	$150 - $250	Commutes are short; most drive 15-25 miles round-trip.
Health Insurance	$200 - $400	Varies widely by employer. Many local firms offer good plans.
Dining & Entertainment	$200 - $350	Montgomery’s food scene is growing; there are affordable local spots.
Savings/Retirement (15%)	$900 - $1,100	Highly recommended. Aim for 15% of gross if possible.
Remainder	$550 - $1,250	For discretionary spending, travel, or extra savings.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely, and sooner than you think. The median home price in the Montgomery metro is around $180,000 - $220,000. With a $200,000 mortgage (after a $20,000 down payment), your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,400 - $1,500.

Given the take-home pay of ~$5,300, this housing payment is well within the recommended 28-30% of take-home pay guideline. An accountant earning the median salary can realistically save for a down payment in 2-3 years while renting, making homeownership a very tangible goal. This is a stark contrast to markets where the median home price is 5x the median income.

Where the Jobs Are: Montgomery's Major Employers

Montgomery’s accounting job market is anchored by a mix of public sector, healthcare, and regional corporate offices. The 390 jobs are distributed across these key sectors.

1. State of Alabama Government: The largest single employer. The Alabama Department of Revenue, the State Comptroller’s Office, and various agencies (Public Health, Transportation) are constantly hiring accountants and auditors. These jobs offer stability, good benefits, and a pension, but salaries may start slightly below the median. Hiring Trend: Steady, with retirements creating openings.

2. Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base: While the base itself is a major employer, the ripple effect is huge. It supports a network of defense contractors (like BAE Systems and Leidos) that have finance and accounting departments. These roles often require security clearances and pay premiums. Hiring Trend: Strong, driven by ongoing federal defense contracts.

3. Baptist Health & Ascension Alabama: The two major healthcare systems have large corporate finance teams. Accountants here handle complex revenue cycle accounting, grant compliance, and multi-facility reporting. Hiring Trend: Consistent growth as healthcare systems expand services.

4. Regional Corporate Offices: Montgomery hosts the HQ or major offices for several Alabama-based companies. Huntsman Corporation (chemicals) has a significant plant and office presence. Southern Poverty Law Center (non-profit accounting) is a major employer. Altec Industries (manufacturing) has a large local footprint. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a need for accountants familiar with manufacturing cost accounting or non-profit fund accounting.

5. Local CPA & Accounting Firms: Firms like Carr, Riggs & Ingram, Johnson & Associates, and smaller local practices provide tax, audit, and consulting services to local businesses. This is the classic public accounting path. Hiring Trend: Growth is tied to the local small business economy. The best time to look is January-February (tax season prep) and August-September (audit season).

Insider Tip: The most lucrative opportunities are often with defense contractors at Maxwell-Gunter. If you can get a security clearance and build experience in government contract accounting, your earning potential rises significantly above the median.

Getting Licensed in AL

To practice as a CPA in Alabama, you must meet strict requirements set by the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy (ASBPA). This is a non-negotiable step for career advancement.

1. Education: You need 150 semester hours of college credit, with a bachelor’s degree and at least 30 hours in upper-level accounting courses. A Master’s in Accounting or an MBA with an accounting concentration is common.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can sit for the exam once you have completed 120 hours.
3. Experience: You must complete two years (4,000 hours) of qualifying experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: Approx. $1,500 for all four sections.
• Review Course: $1,500 - $3,000 (Wiley, Becker, Surgent).
• Education: Varies widely if you need additional credits.
• Timeline: If you start from scratch, expect a 3-5 year path to licensure: 1 year to complete remaining credits, 1-1.5 years to pass the exam while working, and 2 years to complete experience requirements.

Insider Tip: Many local Montgomery firms and corporations offer CPA exam reimbursement and paid study time. It’s a key question to ask in interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Your choice of neighborhood in Montgomery will dictate your commute, lifestyle, and housing costs. The city is very car-dependent, so proximity to major employment centers (Downtown, Eastern Blvd, and I-85) is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown/The Alley District	Urban, walkable, historic. 5-10 min commute to state government offices and many corporate HQs.	$950 - $1,300	Young professionals who want nightlife, restaurants, and a short commute.
East Montgomery (Dalraida, Wards Ferry)	Suburban, family-friendly. 15-20 min commute to most major employers. Great schools.	$850 - $1,100	Those seeking a quiet, established neighborhood with easy access to shopping and parks.
Pike Road (Southern Edge)	Newer, master-planned communities. 20-25 min commute to downtown, but top-rated schools.	$1,000 - $1,400	Accountants with families who prioritize school quality and modern amenities.
Cloverdale/Idlewild	Historic, charming, and centrally located. 10-15 min commute. Tree-lined streets, older homes.	$900 - $1,200	Those who love character and walkability but want a residential feel.
Prattville (Suburb)	Separate city, 15-20 min west of Montgomery. Lower rents, large homes, and a strong community.	$800 - $1,000	Commuters who want more house for the money and a slower pace.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While Montgomery’s growth is modest, your career doesn’t have to be.

• Specialty Premiums: Certain specializations command higher salaries. Forensic Accounting (especially with government or insurance fraud) is in demand. Tax Accounting for multi-state corporations or international (given the port of Mobile’s influence) is lucrative. Government Contract Accounting (for defense firms) is a high-growth niche.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager/Controller. The next step is often a move to a larger firm in Birmingham or a remote role for a national company. Many Montgomery accountants reach the Controller level locally, which is the top of the ladder for many.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth suggests a stable market. The biggest career accelerators will be obtaining your CPA license and developing a strong specialization. The rise of remote work also means you can live in Montgomery’s low-cost environment while earning a salary closer to the Birmingham or national average.

The Verdict: Is Montgomery Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further.	Slower Job Market: Fewer openings and less competition can mean fewer choices.
High Homeownership Potential: Buy a home years sooner than in larger markets.	Limited High-End Specialties: Fewer roles in investment banking, hedge funds, or tech startups.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Mix of government, healthcare, and industry.	Car-Dependent City: You will need a reliable car; public transit is not a viable daily option.
Manageable Commutes: Short drives to work from most neighborhoods.	Less Dynamic Social Scene: Fewer networking events and professional conferences than in larger cities.
Genuine Work-Life Balance: The culture is less "Always On" than in major financial hubs.	Modest Salary Growth: Raises may be more incremental than in high-growth markets.

Final Recommendation: Montgomery is an excellent choice for accountants at the entry to mid-career level who prioritize financial stability and work-life balance over rapid career velocity. It’s ideal for those who want to buy a home, raise a family, and build a solid, respected career without the crushing costs and competition of a major metro. It may not be the best fit for someone chasing the highest possible salary or the most cutting-edge industry specialties. For the right person, it’s a place to build a life, not just a career.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to get an accounting job in Montgomery without a CPA license?
No, especially for entry and mid-level roles in corporate accounting, government, and local firms. However, the CPA license is the key to unlocking senior management, controller, and partner-level positions. It’s highly recommended to start the process early.

2. How important is a specialization in the Montgomery market?
While generalists can find work, a specialization (like tax, audit, or government contract accounting) significantly increases your value and salary potential, especially with employers like defense contractors or large healthcare systems.

3. What’s the commute like from the suburbs?
Very reasonable. From most suburbs (Prattville, East Montgomery, Pike Road), your commute to downtown or Eastern Blvd will be 15-25 minutes, which is far shorter than in most major US cities. Traffic is rarely a major congestion issue.

4. Are there opportunities for remote work from Montgomery?
Yes, this is a growing trend. Many local accountants now work remotely for firms based in Birmingham, Atlanta, or even nationally. The low cost of living makes Montgomery an attractive base for remote workers earning a higher salary.

5. What’s the networking scene like for accountants?
It exists but is smaller. The Alabama Society of CPAs (ASCPA) has an active local chapter. Joining and attending their mixers is the best way to connect with local professionals. LinkedIn is also very active, especially for larger employers.

Sources: Salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Job growth data from BLS 10-year projections. Cost of living and rent data from local real estate market reports and BestPlaces.net. All employer and neighborhood details are based on local market knowledge and public information.