Accountant in Ogden, UT

The Salary Picture: Where Ogden Stands

As a local Ogdenite who’s watched this city evolve from its industrial roots to its current tech-and-healthcare-driven economy, I can tell you that the accounting scene here is stable, practical, and quietly lucrative. It’s not the high-flying, big-four frenzy you’d find in Salt Lake City, but it’s a market where your skills are valued, your dollar stretches further, and you can build a solid life without the constant pressure of a major metropolis.

Let’s get straight to the numbers. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Utah Department of Workforce Services, the median salary for an Accountant in the Ogden-Clearfield metropolitan area is $84,814 per year. That translates to an hourly rate of $40.78. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, a gap that’s more than justified by Ogden’s significantly lower cost of living (95.1 vs. the US average of 100). For perspective, this median salary puts you comfortably in the middle of the pack for professional salaries in the state, well ahead of retail or service wages but trailing the high-tech salaries found in the Provo-Orem area.

The job market itself isn’t huge, but it’s consistent. There are approximately 174 accounting and auditing jobs circulating in the Ogden metro at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it indicates a stable, reliable market. The demand is driven less by new startups and more by the steady needs of established employers—government agencies, healthcare systems, and manufacturing firms that have been here for decades.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on experience level. These figures are synthesized from local job postings, BLS data, and industry reports specific to the Wasatch Front.

Experience Level	Typical Title	Ogden Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor	$55,000 - $68,000	General ledger maintenance, accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, basic financial reporting.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	Senior Accountant, Tax Accountant	$70,000 - $88,000	Complex reconciliations, month-end close processes, tax preparation (individual/business), internal controls, supervising juniors.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	Accounting Manager, Controller (at small-mid firms)	$85,000 - $110,000+	Managing accounting teams, financial statement preparation, budgeting, forecasting, audit liaison, system implementation.
Expert/CPA (15+ yrs)	CFO, Partner (at local firm), Director of Finance	$115,000 - $150,000+	Strategic financial planning, mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, high-level tax strategy, board reporting.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior-level often comes with a professional certification. Earning your CPA is the single most powerful lever for salary growth in Ogden. Many local firms, from small CBIZ offices to mid-sized manufacturing companies, have explicit CPA requirements for senior and management roles, and they pay a premium for it.

Comparison to Other Utah Cities:

• Salt Lake City Metro: Median salary is closer to $92,000, but the cost of living (index ~105) and especially housing costs are significantly higher. The job market is larger and more competitive.
• Provo-Orem Metro: Salaries can be similar or slightly higher ($86,000-$88,000 median), driven by the tech sector. However, the job market is more volatile, tied to startup cycles.
• St. George: Growing quickly, with salaries around $80,000 but a rapidly rising cost of living, particularly in housing.

Ogden offers a compelling middle ground: a professional salary that holds its value against a practical cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

An $84,814 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your daily life in Ogden? Let’s break it down.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Accountant Earning $84,814:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,068	Based on $84,814 / 12
Taxes (Fed + State + FICA)	~$1,450	Varies by deductions; using a standard single filer estimate.
Take-Home Pay	~$5,618
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,108	Ogden average. Can range from $950 in older areas to $1,400+ in newer developments.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$220	Ogden's climate has heating/cooling needs.
Groceries	$450	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Assumes a modest car payment.
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-sponsored plan (common in professional roles).
Retirement (401k, 10%)	$707	Critical for long-term growth.
Discretionary (Food, Fun, Savings)	$1,833	This is where Ogden shines. You have ample room for savings, travel, or hobbies.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of Ogden’s biggest advantages. The median home price in Ogden is near $415,000. With a take-home pay of $5,618 per month, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $415,000 home with 10% down would be roughly $2,400-$2,500. This is about 42-44% of your take-home pay, which is on the higher side but manageable, especially with a dual-income household or if you receive a year-end bonus. Many local accountants I know bought homes within 3-5 years of moving here, leveraging Ogden’s affordability. Renting is also a solid, low-stress option, especially in the first year.

Where the Jobs Are: Ogden's Major Employers

Ogden’s economy is anchored by a mix of healthcare, government, education, and manufacturing. The accounting jobs here are less about venture capital and more about steady, essential financial stewardship.

1. Intermountain Healthcare (Ogden Regional Medical Center & McKay-Dee Hospital): A top employer in Utah. They have large, in-house finance departments for billing, payroll, revenue cycle management, and system-wide financial reporting. Hiring is consistent, and the benefits are excellent. They often seek accountants with healthcare industry experience or a CPA.

2. Weber State University (WSU): A major public university with a significant budget. The university’s finance office needs accountants for grants management, payroll, student accounts, and operational budgeting. It offers great work-life balance and tuition benefits.

3. Utah State Government (State Capitol in Salt Lake, but major offices in Ogden): The Utah State Tax Commission, Department of Workforce Services, and the State Auditor’s Office have significant satellite offices and divisions in Ogden. These are stable, pension-eligible jobs. Hiring can be competitive, with a focus on civil service exams and specific state accounting knowledge.

4. Local Government (Ogden City, Weber County): City and county governments require accountants for budgeting, tax collection (property and sales), and financial reporting. These roles are critical for community infrastructure and offer very strong job security. The hiring process is often through the city/county human resources portals.

5. Manufacturing Firms (e.g., Autoliv, Hill Air Force Base contractors): Ogden has a rich manufacturing history. Companies like Autoliv (airbag systems) and numerous contractors supporting Hill Air Force Base need cost accountants, financial analysts, and controllers. This sector values accountants who can handle inventory costing, government contracts, and operational efficiency.

6. Local & Regional CPA Firms (e.g., Henry+Horne, CBIZ, smaller local partnerships): These firms provide tax, audit, and consulting services to Ogden’s small and mid-sized businesses. They are the primary employers for new CPAs and offer a clear path to partnership. Hiring cycles align with tax season (Jan-April), so timing is crucial.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. Generalists are fine, but candidates with experience in healthcare revenue cycle, government auditing, or manufacturing cost accounting are in higher demand. There’s also a growing need for accountants comfortable with ERP systems like Oracle NetSuite or Microsoft Dynamics, as more local firms modernize.

Getting Licensed in Utah

If you’re not already licensed, getting your CPA in Utah is a structured process. The Utah State Board of Accountancy sets the rules.

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree (120 credit hours) is the minimum to sit for the exam, but you need 150 credit hours to get licensed. Most candidates finish the extra 30 credits through a master’s in accounting or through community college courses while working.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). There’s no state-specific portion.
3. Experience: You need 1 year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government. The experience must be verified by your supervising CPA.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 total (varies by state).
• Study Materials: $1,500 - $3,000 (Becker, Wiley, Roger).
• Licensing Fees: ~$200 (application + initial license).
• Timeline: If you have the 150 credits, the exam process typically takes 6-18 months. The experience requirement can be concurrent with or after passing the exam. Total time from start to licensed CPA: 1.5 - 2.5 years.

Insider Tip: If you need the 150 credits, look into Weber State University’s Master of Accountancy program or their post-baccalaureate certificate. Being a local student can help you network with Ogden employers early on.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Ogden will define your commute, social life, and day-to-day vibe.

1. East Central (Near WSU & Downtown): The historic heart of Ogden. You’ll find beautiful older homes, walkable streets, and the best views of the Wasatch Mountains. Commute to any downtown employer is negligible (5-10 mins). Rent for a 1BR in a historic building runs $1,000-$1,250. Perfect for young professionals who want character and a short commute.

2. North Ogden: A more suburban, family-oriented area with newer construction, good schools, and easy access to I-15. Commute to Hill AFB or major employers is straightforward (15-20 mins). It’s quiet and safe. Rent for a modern 1BR apartment is $1,200-$1,400. Ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.

3. South Ogden (near the Junction): This area is transforming. You’re close to the new Trader Joe’s, the historic 25th Street district, and the Trailhead Conference Center. It offers a blend of suburban comfort with urban amenities. Commute to most places is under 15 minutes. Rents are similar to North Ogden, $1,150-$1,350.

4. Washington Terrace / Roy: These are classic mid-century suburbs with affordable housing and a strong community feel. They offer the most bang for your buck in terms of rent and home prices. Commute times are still reasonable (20-25 mins to downtown). A 1BR here can be found for $950-$1,150. Great for those prioritizing budget and space.

5. Mountain Green / West Haven (Northern Edge): These are rapidly growing areas with new subdivisions and stunning mountain views. You’re further from Ogden’s core but closer to outdoor recreation like skiing at Snowbasin. Commute can be 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Rent is higher for newer builds, $1,300-$1,500. Best for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t mind a short drive for city amenities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The growth path in Ogden is more linear and predictable than in a hyper-competitive market. Advancement is often based on tenure, certification, and taking on more responsibility within a stable organization.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: The biggest multiplier. Expect a $10,000-$20,000 salary bump upon licensure in Ogden.
• Healthcare Revenue Cycle: Specialized knowledge in hospital billing and compliance can command a 5-10% premium.
• Governmental Accounting (GASB): Expertise in government financial reporting is crucial for city, county, and state jobs, leading to higher pay and job security.
• ERP System Expertise: Becoming the in-house expert on a major financial system (like Oracle or SAP) can lead to a Senior Systems Accountant or IT Finance role.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting Track: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Manager → Partner/Director. This path is most common at local CPA firms.
2. Industry Track (Corporate): Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. This is typical at manufacturing companies or larger healthcare systems.
3. Government/Non-Profit Track: Junior Accountant → Accountant → Senior Accountant → Finance Director. This path offers excellent stability and benefits, though salary ceilings can be lower than in the private sector.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is conservative but steady. The biggest changes will come from automation of routine tasks (like data entry and reconciliations). Future-proof accountants in Ogden will be those who pivot to data analysis, strategic forecasting, and advisory roles. The ability to translate financial data into business insights will become the key differentiator. Ogden’s employers will continue to need skilled, licensed professionals to oversee these automated systems and provide human judgment.

The Verdict: Is Ogden Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further than in SLC or national hubs.	Limited "Prestige": Not a hotbed for Fortune 500 headquarters or cutting-edge tech startups.
Strong Job Stability: Anchored by government, healthcare, and education. Less volatile.	Slower Pace: Fewer networking events, conferences, and job-hopping opportunities.
Outdoor Access: World-class hiking, skiing, and mountain biking are minutes away.	Smaller Market: Fewer specialized accounting roles (e.g., M&A, international tax).
Manageable Commute: Average commute is under 20 minutes.	Cultural Scene: Smaller than SLC. Fewer high-end restaurants and major concerts.
Community Feel: Easier to build a network and feel connected.	Winters Can Be Harsh: Snow and inversion layers can last for weeks.

Final Recommendation:
Ogden is an outstanding choice for accountants who prioritize work-life balance, financial stability, and outdoor recreation over the relentless pace of a major financial center. It’s ideal for:

• Early-career professionals looking to get their CPA and gain solid experience without being overwhelmed by cost.
• Mid-career accountants seeking a slower pace, a shorter commute, and affordable homeownership.
• Families who value good schools, safe neighborhoods, and easy access to nature.

If you’re driven by ambition for a high-profile, fast-track career in a global firm, Ogden might feel limiting. But if you define success as a stable career, a debt-free mortgage, and hiking a mountain after work, Ogden offers a rare and compelling formula.

FAQs

1. How does Ogden’s job market for accountants compare to Salt Lake City?
The SLC market is larger and more diverse, offering roles in tech, finance, and national corporate headquarters. Ogden’s market is smaller and more focused on government, healthcare, and local industry. Salaries in SLC are about 8-10% higher, but housing can be 30-50% more expensive. For many, Ogden offers a better net financial position.

2. Is the CPA license required to get a good accounting job in Ogden?
No, but it’s highly recommended for long-term growth. You can get a good staff or senior accountant job with a bachelor’s degree and experience. However, the coveted manager, controller, and senior analyst roles almost always require a CPA, especially at larger employers like Intermountain or the state government.

3. What’s the best way to network for accounting jobs in Ogden?
Start with the local chapters of professional associations: the Utah Association of CPAs (UACPA) and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Attend their events in the Wasatch Front region. Also, connect with alumni from Weber State University’s business school. LinkedIn is active, but in-person connections at these local events are still very valuable.

**4. Are remote accounting jobs common for Ogden