Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to New Bedford, Massachusetts.

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The Accountant’s Guide to New Bedford, MA: Salaries, Employers, and Local Reality

Thinking about laying down roots in the Whaling City? As a career analyst who’s watched the local market for years, I can tell you that New Bedford offers a unique proposition for accounting professionals. It’s not Boston’s high-stakes finance world, but it’s a solid, stable market with a low cost of living and a tight-knit business community. This guide cuts through the noise, using hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Massachusetts Licensing Board, and local market trends to give you a realistic picture.

Let’s get into the numbers and the neighborhoods.

The Salary Picture: Where New Bedford Stands

First, let’s be direct about what you can expect to earn. Accounting salaries in New Bedford aren’t at the Boston level, but the cost of living is significantly lower, which is a key calculation. The median salary for an accountant here is $86,312/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.5/hour. This is marginally above the national average for accountants, which sits at $86,080/year. It’s a slight premium, but the real win is the local purchasing power.

The job market is defined by stability, not explosive growth. There are 201 accounting and finance jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%. This is slower than the national average for the profession, reflecting a mature market. You’re looking at steady replacement hiring and moderate expansion, not a hiring frenzy.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries scale predictably with experience. Here’s how the numbers typically break down in the New Bedford market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Salary Range (Annual)	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2	$55,000 - $68,000	Often at smaller firms or in AR/AP roles. CPA candidates start here.
Mid-Level	3-7	$75,000 - $95,000	Senior staff accountant, corporate accountant. The core of the local market.
Senior-Level	8-15	$95,000 - $120,000	Manager, Controller. Requires CPA and specialized skills.
Expert/Partner	15+	$120,000 - $160,000+	Firm Partner, CFO for a mid-sized company. Highly competitive.

Comparison to Other MA Cities

To contextualize these numbers, look at how New Bedford stacks up against other Massachusetts metros. It’s a middle-of-the-road option.

City	Median Accountant Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Relative Value
Boston-Cambridge	$92,500	162.4	High salary, but high cost. Net value is lower.
Worcester	$81,200	109.2	Slightly lower salary than New Bedford, higher cost.
New Bedford	$86,312	100.9	Best balance of salary and affordability in SE MA.
Springfield	$78,400	98.5	Lower salary, slightly cheaper.

Data sourced from BLS OES and city-specific cost of living indexes.

Insider Tip: Don’t underestimate the value of the $86,312 median salary in a city where a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,205/month. In Boston, that same rent would consume a much larger portion of your take-home pay.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the monthly budget for an accountant earning the median salary of $86,312/year. This assumes you take the standard deduction, are single, and have no dependents. (Your actual taxes will vary.)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $86,312 / 12 = $7,193
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): 25-28% = **$1,950**
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$5,243/month

Now, let's apply the local cost of living. The Cost of Living Index for New Bedford is 100.9, just above the U.S. average of 100. This means your spending power is very close to the national norm, but your salary is at the national average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Avg): $1,205
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Car Payment, Insurance, Gas): $500
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): $300
• Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Savings): $1,638

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. With a take-home pay of $5,243 and rent at $1,205, you have a strong savings potential. A median home in New Bedford is roughly $350,000. A 10% down payment is $35,000. Saving $1,000/month (from the miscellaneous category) means you could reach that in under three years. The local market allows for homeownership on an accountant's salary, which is a significant advantage over major metros.

Where the Jobs Are: New Bedford's Major Employers

New Bedford’s economy is diverse, anchored by healthcare, education, and a resilient manufacturing sector. This creates varied accounting roles.

1. Southcoast Health System: The largest private employer in the region, operating St. Luke's Hospital and others. They have large, in-house finance departments for everything from revenue cycle management to payroll. Consistent hiring for staff and senior accountants.
2. UMass Dartmouth: As a public university, its financial operations are robust. Jobs here often come with excellent benefits and pension plans. They hire for grant accounting, payroll, and general fund management.
3. The Fishing & Seafood Industry: This is New Bedford’s niche. Companies like Northern Wind, Inc. or Blue Atlantic have corporate offices requiring accountants familiar with inventory, cost accounting, and supply chain finances. It’s a unique sector you won’t find in other cities.
4. Manufacturing & R&D: With the New Bedford Business Park, companies like Mitsubishi Power (aerospace components) and North Atlantic Industries require cost accountants and financial analysts. These roles often pay at the higher end of the mid-level range.
5. Accounting Firms: Local and regional firms like KLR, P.C. (a major regional player with a New Bedford presence) and DiPrete & Associates are always looking for CPA candidates. They offer a traditional path to partnership and exposure to a wide variety of industries.
6. Public Sector: The City of New Bedford and Bristol County government offices have stable accounting and auditing roles. These jobs offer incredible job security and pension benefits, though salaries may start a bit lower than the private sector.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest for accountants with 3-7 years of experience (the $75,000 - $95,000 range). Companies are seeking professionals who can hit the ground running without extensive training. There’s a growing need for accountants with some technical skills, especially in healthcare and manufacturing.

Getting Licensed in MA

To practice as a CPA in Massachusetts, you must pass the Uniform CPA Exam and meet state-specific requirements. The process is rigorous but straightforward.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree (120 credits) is the minimum to sit for the exam, but 150 semester hours are required for licensure. This typically means a master’s degree in accounting or a double major.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG) within an 18-month rolling window. Exam fees are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 total.
3. Experience: You need two years of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: You must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.
5. Application: Submit your credentials to the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy. The initial application fee is $210.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Months 0-6: Enroll in courses to reach 150 credits if needed. Register for the CPA exam.
• Months 6-18: Study for and pass all four exam sections.
• Months 18-42: Complete two years of qualifying work experience under a CPA.
• Month 42+: Apply for licensure with the state board.

Insider Tip: Many New Bedford employers (like Southcoast Health or UMass) will offer tuition reimbursement or CPA exam fee assistance as part of their benefits package. Always ask about this during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas for accountants, based on proximity to major employers and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Avg)	Best For
Downtown	Walkable, urban, historic. Walk to the waterfront, restaurants, and some offices. A 10-minute drive to Southcoast Health.	$1,350 - $1,600	Young professionals who want a vibrant scene and minimal commute.
North End	Residential, family-friendly, quiet. A 10-15 minute drive to downtown and the Business Park. Good value.	$1,100 - $1,300	Accountants seeking balance, space, and a quieter environment.
West End	Mix of residential and commercial. Close to UMass Dartmouth and accessible to I-195. More affordable.	$950 - $1,200	Budget-conscious professionals and those working at the university.
South End	Emerging area with new developments. Close to the hospital and the peninsula. Growing amenities.	$1,150 - $1,400	Those who want to be near the action but not in the heart of downtown.
Off-City (Fairhaven)	A separate town but part of the metro. Quaint, coastal, and just a 10-15 minute commute to downtown NB.	$1,200 - $1,400	Professionals who prefer a quieter, small-town feel with easy city access.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth outlook of 4% means your career advancement will be based on specialization and credentialing, not just seniority.

• Specialty Premiums: In New Bedford, accountants with expertise in healthcare revenue cycle (driven by Southcoast Health) or cost accounting for manufacturing/seafood can command a 10-15% salary premium over generalists.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is Staff Accountant -> Senior Accountant -> Accounting Manager/Controller. Moving into a Controller role can push your salary from the $95k range to the $120,000+ range. Another path is to move from a local firm to a regional or national firm's New Bedford office for broader exposure.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable. Automation is impacting basic bookkeeping roles, but the need for strategic financial analysis, auditing, and compliance (especially in healthcare and manufacturing) will remain strong. Your best bet is to become a CPA and specialize in an industry vertical.

The Verdict: Is New Bedford Right for You?

This isn't Boston. It's a different beast entirely. Here’s the honest breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Strong purchasing power with a median salary of $86,312 and a cost of living index of 100.9.	Slower job growth (4%) – you may need to be patient when job hunting.
Homeownership is attainable. The rent-to-income ratio is very favorable.	Limited high-end finance roles. You won’t find Wall Street-level jobs here.
Diverse employer base from healthcare to unique seafood/manufacturing sectors.	Social scene is quieter. Less nightlife and cultural events than a major metro.
Proximity to the coast and nature. Beaches and hiking are minutes away.	Public transit is limited. A car is a near-necessity.
Tight-knit professional community. It’s easy to network.	Wages plateau at the senior level compared to larger cities.

Recommendation: New Bedford is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize quality of life and financial stability over career ambition in ultra-high finance. It’s ideal for CPAs in the 3-10 year experience range looking to buy a home, start a family, and work in a stable market. It’s less ideal for those seeking rapid career progression in investment banking or for those who thrive in a 24/7 urban environment.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in New Bedford?
A: Yes, in most cases. While the South Coast Regional Transit Authority (SCRTA) offers bus routes, they are not as comprehensive as in Boston. Commuting to the Business Park or between neighborhoods is most efficient by car.

Q: Is the job market competitive?
A: It’s competitive for the best roles, but not cutthroat. With 201 jobs in the metro, openings get filled, but there’s less competition than in Boston. Having your CPA and 3+ years of experience will put you at the top of the applicant pool.

Q: What’s the best time to look for accounting jobs in New Bedford?
A: Hiring cycles follow the fiscal year. The busiest periods are January-March (post-year-end close) and September-October (year-end planning). Avoid looking in late summer or the December holiday period.

Q: How does the licensing process compare to neighboring states?
A: Massachusetts requires two years of experience for licensure, which is on par with many states. The education requirement (150 credits) is standard nationwide. The process is similar to Rhode Island and Connecticut, so moving between these states as a CPA is relatively straightforward once licensed.

Q: Can I work remotely from New Bedford for a Boston-based company?
A: Yes, this is an emerging trend. Many Boston firms are hiring remote accountants to tap into New Bedford’s talent pool while offering Boston-based salaries. This can be a great way to earn a higher wage ($90k-$110k) while enjoying New Bedford’s lower cost of living. Check job boards for "remote" or "hybrid" roles.