Career Guide for Accountants in Omaha, NE

Omaha isn’t just the home of Warren Buffett and the College World Series. It’s a surprisingly robust hub for finance and accounting, offering a lower cost of living and a stable job market. For an accountant considering a move, the data paints a clear picture: you’ll earn a solid median salary while your paycheck stretches much further than in coastal cities. This guide breaks down the numbers, neighborhoods, and nuances of building an accounting career in the "Gateway to the West."

The Salary Picture: Where Omaha Stands

Let’s start with the raw numbers, because they tell a significant story. The median salary for accountants in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro is $84,143 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.45 per hour. It’s important to note that this sits slightly below the national average of $86,080. However, this minor gap is more than compensated for by Omaha's cost of living.

To understand where you might fall in this range, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown for the Omaha market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Omaha)	Typical Roles
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor, AP/AR Clerk
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$68,000 - $85,000	Senior Accountant, Tax Associate, Financial Analyst
Senior	8-15 years	$85,000 - $110,000	Accounting Manager, Senior Tax Manager, Controller
Expert	15+ years	$110,000+	Director of Finance, VP of Finance, Partner (Public)

Omaha vs. Other Nebraska Cities:
While Omaha is the state's largest metro, the cost of living and salaries can vary. Lincoln, home to the state government and the University of Nebraska, has a similar salary range but a slightly more academic and political job market. In smaller markets like Grand Island or Kearney, salaries will generally be lower (often 5-10% less than Omaha's median), but the job market is also much tighter, with fewer large employers. Omaha offers the best balance of opportunity and compensation in the state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $84,143 is a gross figure. To understand your real purchasing power, we need to look at after-tax income and major expenses. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single accountant.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Salary: $84,143
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~28% (a reasonable estimate for a single filer with standard deductions)
• Average 1BR Rent: $971/month (City-wide average, per data)
• Utilities, Food, Transportation: Nominal estimates based on Omaha's low costs.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Salary	$7,012	$84,143 / 12 months
Take-Home Pay	~$5,050	After ~28% estimated taxes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$971	Based on city average
Utilities	$150	Includes electric, gas, internet
Groceries	$350	Omaha has affordable chain and local grocers
Transportation	$200	Car insurance, gas, maintenance. (Public transit is limited in Omaha)
Health Insurance	$300	Varies by employer, but a common estimate
Savings/Debt	$2,200+	Remaining for savings, retirement, student loans, or discretionary
Discretionary Spending	$879	Entertainment, dining, etc.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. With a take-home pay of $5,050 and rent at $971, the housing cost burden is exceptionally low (under 20%). The median home price in the Omaha metro is around $300,000. A 20% down payment ($60,000) is a significant saving goal, but with a monthly savings potential of over $2,000, it’s an achievable target within a few years for a disciplined saver. Many accountants in Omaha are homeowners by their early 30s.

Where the Jobs Are: Omaha's Major Employers

The accounting job market in Omaha is stable and diverse, anchored by several key sectors. There are approximately 966 accounting jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth of 4%—indicating steady, reliable demand rather than explosive boomtown growth.

Here’s a look at the major local employers and their hiring trends:

1. Mutual of Omaha: A giant in the insurance and financial services space. They hire a significant number of accountants for internal financial reporting, actuarial support, and compliance. Hiring is steady, often for corporate accountants and financial analysts.
2. Union Pacific Railroad: As a major freight carrier, UP has a massive finance and accounting division in its Omaha headquarters. They need accountants for asset accounting, cost analysis, and financial planning. Trends show consistent hiring for experienced professionals.
3. Kiewit Corporation: One of the largest construction and engineering firms in North America, headquartered in Omaha. Their projects are global, but their financial hub is here. Kiewit hires accountants for project accounting, which is a specialized, high-demand skill. Hiring is cyclical based on their project pipeline.
4. Berkshire Hathaway: While not a single employer, the Berkshire umbrella (BNSF Railway, GEICO, numerous subsidiaries) creates a dense network of financial jobs in Omaha. Warren Buffett’s office is small, but the ecosystem is large and attracts top accounting talent.
5. CHI Health & Nebraska Medicine: The healthcare sector is a major employer in Omaha. Hospitals require complex accounting for billing, grants, and regulatory compliance. Hiring for healthcare accountants is strong and recession-resistant.
6. Government & Public Sector: The City of Omaha, Douglas County, and the State of Nebraska’s offices in the capital (Lincoln, but serving the metro) are steady employers for government accounting and auditing roles. These jobs offer excellent stability and benefits.
7. Public Accounting Firms: The Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) all have offices in Omaha, primarily serving the Fortune 500 and large local businesses. There are also numerous strong regional firms like Lutz and Berkowitz Pollack Brant. Public accounting is a primary launchpad for many careers here, with a focus on tax and audit.

Insider Tip: The public accounting firms in Omaha are known for a more collegial, less cutthroat culture than their counterparts in New York or Chicago. It’s a common path to get your CPA license here, gain 3-5 years of experience, and then jump to a corporate role at one of the large local employers.

Getting Licensed in NE

To practice as a CPA in Nebraska (and serve clients as an auditor, tax preparer, or financial advisor), you must be licensed by the Nebraska Department of Commerce, Board of Accountancy. The process is standardized but requires specific steps.

Here’s the timeline and cost breakdown:

• Step 1: Education (4-5 years). You need 150 semester hours of college credit, including 30 hours in upper-level accounting and 24 hours in business. Most aspiring CPAs get a Master’s in Accounting or an MBA to meet this.
• Step 2: The CPA Exam. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination. You must apply through the Nebraska Board, pay exam fees (approx. $1,500 for all four sections), and schedule your exams.
• Step 3: Ethics Exam. Pass the AICPA’s Professional Ethics Exam (approx. $150).
• Step 4: Experience. You need two years of qualifying accounting experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
• Step 5: License Application. Submit your application, transcripts, and experience verification to the Board. The license fee is $218.

Total Estimated Cost (excluding education): ~$1,868
Total Timeline (from starting exam to full licensure): 2-3 years (including the 2-year experience requirement).

Insider Tip: Nebraska is a two-tier state. You can be a "CPA Candidate" (passed the exam) while you work toward your experience requirement. Many employers, especially the public accounting firms, will help you pay for exam fees and study materials as a benefit.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Omaha is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Your choice depends on your commute preference, lifestyle, and budget. Here are five top picks for accounting professionals.

1. Downtown Omaha: The obvious choice for those working in corporate finance or at the public accounting firms downtown. You’ll be steps from the Old Market’s restaurants and the riverfront. Commute: Walk, bike, or a very short drive. Rent Estimate for 1BR: $1,100 - $1,400. Vibe: Urban, professional, lively.
2. Aksarben / Midtown: A thriving, walkable district anchored by the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and the Aksarben Village development. It has a younger, energetic vibe with great bars, restaurants, and the Holland Performing Arts Center. Commute: Easy 10-minute drive downtown or to western suburbs. Rent Estimate for 1BR: $950 - $1,200. Vibe: Modern, academic, active.
3. West Omaha (Millard / Elkhorn): This is where many professionals and families settle. It’s suburban, with top-rated schools, large homes, and strip malls. Commutes to downtown are 20-30 minutes. Commute: Car-dependent. Rent Estimate for 1BR: $850 - $1,000. Vibe: Quiet, family-oriented, spacious.
4. Benson: A historic neighborhood with a revitalized main street filled with local breweries, cafes, and music venues. It attracts a creative, slightly younger crowd. It’s centrally located. Commute: 10-15 minutes to most office hubs. Rent Estimate for 1BR: $800 - $1,000. Vibe: Historic, artsy, community-focused.
5. South Omaha: More affordable and culturally diverse, with a strong Hispanic community. It’s close to the I-80 corridor for easy access. Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown. Rent Estimate for 1BR: $700 - $900. Vibe: Working-class, authentic, evolving.

Insider Tip: If you work for a firm in Papillion or Bellevue (south of Omaha), consider looking at housing in the Lakeside or Bennett Park areas. They offer a shorter commute with a similar suburban feel.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 4% in Omaha indicates a mature, stable market. Growth will come from retirement replacements and economic expansion, not explosive new industries. To accelerate your career, specialization is key.

• Specialty Premiums: General accountants see steady pay. However, specialists often earn a premium. Forensic accounting, international tax, and IT audit are high-demand. Accountants in the construction industry (like at Kiewit) often earn more due to the complexity of project accounting.
• Advancement Paths: The classic public accounting path (Staff → Senior → Manager → Partner) is well-established. The corporate path often leads to Controller or Director of Finance. Another growing path is in financial planning & analysis (FP&A), which blends accounting with business strategy.
• 10-Year Outlook: The core accounting functions will remain. However, the role is evolving. Skills in data analytics (using Power BI, Tableau), understanding automation (RPA), and cybersecurity for financial data will become increasingly valuable. Accountants who can translate numbers into business insights will have the most growth potential.

The Verdict: Is Omaha Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Affordability: Salary of $84,143 goes very far with a $971 average rent.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a near-necessity for daily life.
Stable Job Market: Home to Fortune 500 HQs and a diverse economy.	Slower Career Growth: 4% job growth is steady, not dynamic.
Manageable, Friendly City: Easy commutes, low crime (in most areas), and a strong sense of community.	Winters Can Be Harsh: Cold, windy, and snowy winters are the norm.
Big-League Sports & Culture: From the College World Series to the Omaha Symphony, you get big-city amenities without the traffic.	Less Diverse Cuisine/Nightlife: It’s improving, but lags behind larger coastal cities.

Final Recommendation:
Omaha is an outstanding choice for accountants who value work-life balance, financial stability, and a high quality of life. It’s ideal for early-career professionals looking to get their CPA license and gain solid experience without being crushed by a high cost of living, or for mid-career accountants seeking a change of pace from a more hectic metro area. If you are seeking a cutting-edge, high-energy startup culture or plan to work in ultra-niche international finance, you may find Omaha’s market too traditional. For the vast majority of accountants, however, Omaha offers a pragmatic and rewarding career path.

FAQs

1. What is the job market like for new accountants in Omaha?
It’s competitive but accessible. Public accounting firms (Lutz, Big Four) are the primary entry points. Having your CPA exam passed or in progress will make you a much stronger candidate. The 966 available jobs show there’s steady demand.

2. How important is networking in Omaha’s accounting community?
It’s very important. Omaha’s business community is tight-knit. The Nebraska Society of CPAs is active and essential for connections. Many jobs are filled through referrals. Attend the annual conference and local chapter events.

3. Is the salary of $84,143 enough for a family to live on?
Yes, but with planning. The median family income in Omaha is lower than this. With a partner also working, a $84,143 single income is more than comfortable. For a single-income family, it’s very manageable, especially if you live outside the core downtown and in more affordable suburbs.

4. Do I need to specialize right away?
Not necessarily. Early in your career (first 3-5 years), general experience in audit or tax is valuable. Many accountants in Omaha discover their specialty (e.g., construction, healthcare, nonprofit) by working for a firm that serves diverse clients. Specialization becomes more critical for reaching the senior and expert salary tiers.

5. What’s the commute like from the suburbs?
Omaha’s traffic is mild by national standards. A commute from West Omaha (Millard/Elkhorn) to downtown is typically 20-30 minutes without major accidents. From South Omaha, it’s 15-20 minutes. The city is built on a grid system, making navigation straightforward.

Sources: Salary and jobs data derived from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA metro area. Cost of living and rent data from public sources like BestPlaces.net and local real estate analyses. Licensing information from the Nebraska Department of Commerce, Board of Accountancy.