The Accountant's Guide to Oshkosh, WI: A Local's Data-Driven Look

Hey there. If you're an accountant considering a move to Oshkosh, you're probably looking past the postcard image of the Fox River and the college town vibe. You want the real numbers, the commute times, the best neighborhoods for your budget, and the straight truth on the job market. As someone who knows this city's economic backbone—I'm talking about the manufacturing plants on the south side and the healthcare hubs in the neighborhoods—you've come to the right place. Let's break it down, no fluff.

The Salary Picture: Where Oshkosh Stands

First, the bottom line. In the Oshkosh metro area, the median salary for accountants is $83,678 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.23 per hour. That's slightly below the national average of $86,080 per year, but it's crucial to factor in Oshkosh's significantly lower cost of living. The nationwide job market for accountants is vast, but Oshkosh is a more specialized, midsize metro. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, there are approximately 132 accounting jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 4%, which tells us this isn't a boomtown for our profession, but it's stable. Growth will be driven by retirements, new small businesses, and the expansion of existing local firms.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Oshkosh area. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry data, reflecting the market's reality.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Oshkosh)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, assisting with AP/AR, basic payroll, data entry.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Full-cycle accounting, month-end close, financial reporting, tax preparation.
Senior/Managerial (8-15 years)	$85,000 - $105,000+	Team oversight, complex financial analysis, budgeting, audit support, CPA preferred.
Expert/Controller (15+ years)	$105,000 - $130,000+	Strategic financial planning, systems implementation, risk management, CFO track.

Comparison to Other Wisconsin Cities:

• Milwaukee Metro: Median salary closer to $85,000 - $90,000, but cost of living is 15-20% higher. Commute can be brutal.
• Madison Metro: Salaries are higher, often $87,000+, but the housing market is fiercely competitive and expensive.
• Green Bay Metro: Very comparable to Oshkosh, both in salary (~$82,000) and cost of living. It's a sibling metro.
• Racine/Kenosha: Salaries can be slightly lower, but proximity to Chicago offers different opportunities.

Insider Tip: The gap between the median ($83,678) and the national average ($86,080) is narrow. In Oshkosh, your purchasing power often feels stronger than in a higher-salary locale. The key is landing a role in a stable industry like manufacturing or healthcare, which often pays at the higher end of the local scale.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your monthly budget. We'll use the median salary of $83,678 as our baseline.

Estimated Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Annual: $83,678
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA): ~$21,000 (this is an estimate; use a WI-specific calculator for precision).
• Net Annual Take-Home: ~$62,678
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,223

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Sample):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$779	Oshkosh average. You can find places for $650-$900.
Utilities (Elec, Heat, Water)	$150	Varies by season; winter heating can spike.
Groceries	$350	Reasonable for a single person or couple.
Transportation	$300	Car payment + insurance + gas. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$200	Employer-sponsored plans vary.
Retirement (401k/IRA)	$400	Invest in your future—this is a smart move.
Entertainment/Dining	$300	Plenty of local pubs, cafes, and events.
Miscellaneous	$200	Everything else.
Total Monthly Expenses	$2,679

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a net monthly income of $5,223 and estimated expenses of $2,679, you have a surplus of $2,544 per month. For a median-priced home in Oshkosh (around $220,000), a 20% down payment is $44,000. Saving $2,500/month would take about 18 months. Mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) would likely be around $1,400-$1,600/month, which is very manageable on this salary. In short, yes, buying a home is a realistic goal for an accountant earning the median salary in Oshkosh. This is a major advantage over cities like Madison or Milwaukee.

Where the Jobs Are: Oshkosh's Major Employers

Oshkosh's job market for accountants is anchored by a handful of major, stable employers. These aren't just names on a list; they shape the city's economy and neighborhoods.

1. Oshkosh Corporation (The Oshkosh): The global leader in specialty trucks and access equipment. Their corporate headquarters and manufacturing plants are a massive employer for cost accountants, financial analysts, and internal auditors. Hiring is steady, often tied to production cycles. Insider Tip: They value experience with manufacturing accounting standards (like costing and inventory management). Check their careers page directly.

2. Aurora Medical Center - Oshkosh: Part of the Advocate Aurora Health system, this is the city's major hospital. They have a large, stable finance department needing accountants for revenue cycle, grants, and general accounting. Healthcare accounting is a growing specialty.

3. Winnebago County: The county government employs accountants for its finance department, public works, and social services. Government jobs offer excellent benefits and job security, though salaries may be slightly below the private sector median.

4. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh: A large public university with a complex budget and endowment. They hire accountants for their business office, grants management, and auxiliary services. Academic calendars affect the hiring rhythm.

5. Sargento Foods (Plymouth, but a major regional employer): While headquartered in Plymouth (a 30-minute drive), Sargento is a huge employer for the region's accountants, especially in corporate finance and cost accounting. Many Oshkosh residents commute there.

6. Local Public Accounting Firms: Firms like Baker Tilly (Oshkosh office), Sweeney & Co. CPA's, and Hoffman, Lillie & Hebel provide opportunities in audit, tax, and consulting. These are often the best entry points for new CPAs.

Hiring Trends: The demand is for professionals who can handle both public and private sector accounting. There's a notable need for accountants with software expertise (QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle) and those who can bridge the gap between accounting and operational data. Given the 4% growth, networking is key. Attend Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce events or Wisconsin Institute of CPAs (WICPA) chapter meetings.

Getting Licensed in WI

To practice as a CPA in Wisconsin, you must follow the rules set by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and the Wisconsin Accounting Examining Board.

Requirements:

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including 24 credits in accounting and 24 credits in general business. A bachelor's degree is the minimum.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Wisconsin-specific ethics exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500-$2,000 (varies by state and number of attempts).
• Wisconsin Application & License Fee: ~$150-$250.
• Educational Costs: Varies widely if you need a master's to hit 150 credits.
• Timeline: From starting your education to full licensure can take 4-6 years. If you already have the credits, the exam and experience phase can take 1-2 years.

Insider Tip: Many local employers (like Oshkosh Corp. and Aurora) will support CPA candidates with study time and exam fee reimbursement. It's a valuable perk to ask about during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Oshkosh is a compact city with distinct neighborhoods. Commutes are short (10-20 minutes max), so your choice is more about lifestyle and budget.

1. Downtown/College Avenue: The heart of the city, near UW-Oshkosh. Walkable to cafes, bars, and the Fox River. Great for young professionals. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100 for a 1BR. Commute: 5-10 minutes to most offices.

2. Northside (North of Lake Winnebago): Quieter, more residential, with larger homes. Popular with families and established professionals. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,000 for a 1BR. Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown.

3. Southside: Home to major manufacturing plants (Oshkosh Corp.) and more affordable housing. A practical choice if you work on the south side. Rent Estimate: $700 - $850 for a 1BR. Commute: 10 minutes if working locally.

4. Westside: A mix of older and newer subdivisions, close to shopping centers and the highway. Good value. Rent Estimate: $750 - $900 for a 1BR. Commute: 10-15 minutes.

5. Riverfront (Near the Fox River): Developing area with new apartments and condos. Scenic but can be pricier. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200+ for a 1BR. Commute: 5 minutes to downtown.

Neighborhood Pro-Tip: If you work for Oshkosh Corp. or on the south side, the Southside or Westside offer the easiest commutes and best value. If you're at the university or downtown firms, the Northside or Downtown areas provide the best lifestyle.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Oshkosh, career growth for accountants is more about specialization and company loyalty than rapid job-hopping. With a 10-year job growth of only 4%, upward mobility often comes from within.

• Specialty Premiums: CPAs can command a 10-20% salary premium over non-credentialed accountants. Specializing in manufacturing cost accounting (for Oshkosh Corp.) or healthcare revenue cycle (for Aurora) can push you to the higher end of the salary spectrum.
• Advancement Paths: A typical path is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager/Controller. In larger organizations like Oshkosh Corp., you might move into financial analysis, internal audit, or even a plant controller role. In public accounting, the path is Associate → Senior → Manager → Partner.
• 10-Year Outlook: The base of manufacturing and healthcare will remain stable. Demand may increase for accountants with IT skills (ERP systems) and data analytics. The key is to build a network within the tight-knit local business community. Your reputation matters here.

The Verdict: Is Oshkosh Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: $83,678 goes far with $779 average rent and a 90.7 COL index.	Limited Job Volume: Only 132 accounting jobs; competition can be fierce for top roles.
Stable, Major Employers: Oshkosh Corp., Aurora, and the County provide recession-resistant jobs.	Slower Growth: 4% 10-year growth means fewer new opportunities; advancement can be slow.
Short Commutes: You can live in any neighborhood and be at work in under 15 minutes.	Smaller Networking Pool: Fewer local CPA firms and industry events compared to Milwaukee.
Outdoor & College Town Vibe: Access to lakes, trails, and university energy.	Cultural Scene: Smaller than a major metro; fewer niche events or dining options.
Great for Homebuyers: The surplus income makes homeownership very attainable.	Winters Are Harsh: Long, cold, and snowy winters can be a lifestyle adjustment.

Final Recommendation: Oshkosh is an excellent choice for accountants who value stability, affordability, and work-life balance. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or escape the high-cost grind of larger cities. It's less ideal for those seeking rapid career climbs, a vibrant nightlife, or specialized accounting fields that require a massive metro talent pool. If you're a pragmatic accountant who wants your salary to stretch and your commute to be short, Oshkosh deserves serious consideration.

FAQs

1. Is the salary of $83,678 enough for a comfortable life in Oshkosh?
Absolutely. With a cost of living index of 90.7 (10% below the national average) and average rent for a 1BR at $779, your take-home pay of roughly $5,223/month allows for a very comfortable budget that includes savings, entertainment, and homeownership potential.

2. How hard is it to find a job as a non-CPA accountant in Oshkosh?
It's feasible, especially for staff and senior accountant roles in private industry (manufacturing, healthcare, non-profits). However, many senior and managerial positions, especially in public accounting or at corporate headquarters, strongly prefer or require CPA licensure. Having the CPA significantly broadens your opportunities.

3. What's the commute like from Oshkosh to Appleton or Green Bay?
Many professionals do this. The commute to Appleton is about 25-30 minutes via US-41, and to Green Bay is about 45-50 minutes. It's a common practice, especially if you find a niche job or higher salary in one of those metros but prefer Oshkosh's housing costs and lifestyle.

4. Are there opportunities for remote or hybrid work?
Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many local employers offer hybrid schedules (2-3 days remote). Fully remote roles are less common in the local market but can be found with national firms. It's a standard question to ask during interviews.

5. What's the best way to network in Oshkosh's accounting community?
Join the Fox Valley Chapter of the WICPA (Wisconsin Institute of CPAs). Attend their meetings and events. Also, get involved with the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce. The local business community is interconnected, and a personal recommendation carries significant weight here.