Accountant in Papillion, NE

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering Papillion, NE.

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The Salary Picture: Where Papillion Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Papillion’s accounting market is a unique mix of stability and opportunity. It’s not a high-octane financial hub like Omaha, but it offers solid compensation with a much lower cost of living and a strong sense of community. The key is knowing where you fit in the local value chain.

The median salary for an Accountant in Papillion is $84,143 per year, or $40.45 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national average of $86,080, but don’t let that fool you. The national figure is skewed by high-cost coastal cities. In Papillion, a $84,143 salary goes significantly further. The metro area supports a respectable 48 jobs for accountants, which, while not a massive volume, indicates a stable demand centered around local businesses and the broader Omaha metro economy.

The 10-year job growth is projected at just 4%. This is a critical data point. It means the market is stable but not exploding. Opportunities will be created through retirement, internal promotions, and business expansion rather than a flood of new positions. This favors experienced professionals and those with specialized skills.

Here’s how that median salary breaks down by experience level in our local market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Roles in Papillion
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $65,000	Staff Accountant, Bookkeeper, AP/AR Specialist
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$70,000 - $90,000	Senior Accountant, Corporate Accountant, Audit Associate
Senior/Manager	8-15 years	$95,000 - $120,000	Accounting Manager, Controller, Tax Manager
Expert/Partner	15+ years	$120,000+	Partner (Local Firm), Director of Finance, VP of Finance

How does Papillion stack up against other Nebraska cities?

• Omaha: Higher salary potential ($86,000 - $125,000 for mid-senior roles), but significantly higher competition and cost of living. Commuting from Papillion to Omaha is a 20-25 minute drive, making it a viable option.
• Lincoln: Salaries are comparable to Papillion, but the market is dominated by the state government and the University of Nebraska. Papillion offers more private sector opportunities.
• Grand Island/Kearney: Lower salaries (often 10-15% below Papillion’s median) and fewer specialized accounting roles.

Insider Tip: The most lucrative accounting jobs in our area aren’t always in Papillion itself. They’re with Omaha-based corporations that offer remote or hybrid work. A $84,143 salary in Papillion feels like a $110,000+ salary in Chicago or Denver.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. The median salary of $84,143 is a gross figure. Here’s a practical monthly breakdown for a single accountant filing as head of household, assuming you take the standard deduction and contribute to a 401(k).

Monthly Take-Home Pay (Estimate):

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,012
• Federal Income Tax (Est.): -$1,200
• FICA (7.65%): -$536
• NE State Income Tax (5.84%): -$410
• 401(k) Contribution (5%): -$350
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$4,516

Monthly Living Expenses (Papillion Average):

• Rent (1BR Apartment): $878
• Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water/Internet): $250
• Groceries: $350
• Car Payment/Insurance (Nebraska has high car insurance rates): $450
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): $300
• Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, etc.): $500
• Total Monthly Expenses: ~$2,728

Monthly Surplus: ~$1,788

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely.
With a $1,788 monthly surplus, a future homeowner in Papillion is in a strong position. The median home price in Papillion is approximately $325,000. With a 10% down payment ($32,500), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly P&I payment of roughly $1,945. Your surplus would cover this, but it would be tight until you get a raise or eliminate other debts. The key advantage for accountants here is that you can save your surplus aggressively for a down payment, something nearly impossible in high-cost markets.

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Where the Jobs Are: Papillion's Major Employers

Papillion’s economy is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, agriculture, and professional services. Accountants are critical to all of them. The 48 accounting jobs in the metro are primarily concentrated at these employers and their satellite offices.

1. Nebraska Medicine: While the main campus is in Omaha, their Nebraska Medicine – Papillion clinic is a significant local employer. They need accountants for clinic-level financial management, billing, and budgeting. Hiring is steady, with a focus on those with healthcare revenue cycle experience.
2. CHI Health: Another major healthcare provider with a strong presence in Papillion. Their accounting needs are similar to Nebraska Medicine, with opportunities in accounts payable, payroll, and financial reporting for their local clinics.
3. Papillion-La Vista Public Schools (PLVPS): The school district is one of the largest employers in the area. They require accountants for fund accounting, grant management, and payroll. These are stable, public-sector roles with excellent benefits and pensions. Hiring is tied to budget cycles (typically spring).
4. Local Banks & Credit Unions (e.g., First National Bank of Omaha, SAC Federal Credit Union): Papillion’s financial sector is robust. These institutions hire accountants for internal audit, loan processing, and branch financial management. They value local knowledge and strong customer service skills.
5. Agriculture & Food Processing: Companies like Loose Pumps & Accessories (a local industrial service company) and various agricultural cooperatives in the metro area need accountants for inventory, cost accounting, and financial reporting. This is a niche but steady sector.
6. Omaha-Based Corporations (Local Offices): Many Fortune 500 companies (like Berkshire Hathaway or Kiewit) have satellite offices or projects in the Papillion/Sarpy County area. They often hire for local accounting or project finance roles, offering corporate-level salaries and benefits.

Hiring Trend Insight: The trend is toward hybrid roles. Employers want accountants who can handle the full cycle (AP/AR, month-end close, basic analysis) rather than specialists in one area. Proficiency in QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, and Microsoft Excel is non-negotiable.

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Getting Licensed in NE

For most industry roles, a CPA license is not mandatory, but it is a major career accelerator. For public accounting (audit, tax), it is required. The Nebraska State Board of Public Accountancy sets the rules.

Requirements:

1. Education: 150 semester hours, including a bachelor's degree and 30 hours of upper-level accounting courses.
2. Exams: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.

Costs & Timeline:

• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state, includes application and exam fees).
• Review Course: ~$1,500 - $3,000 (e.g., Becker, Roger).
• Total Upfront Cost: $3,000 - $4,500.
• Timeline: From starting your 150-hour requirement to receiving your license, expect a 2-4 year journey. A common path is: Get your bachelor's (4 years), work while finishing your 150 hours (1-2 years), pass the exams (1-2 years of dedicated study), and complete the experience requirement.

Insider Tip: Many local Omaha firms (like Lutz or BDO) have programs to help pay for your review course and exam fees if you commit to working there. It’s a common practice to get a job as a staff accountant, then have the firm sponsor your CPA journey.

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Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Papillion is the "S" in the "Sarpy County" area. Commutes are short, and traffic is a breeze compared to Omaha. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown for an accountant earning $84,143.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown Papillion	Walkable, historic. 5-10 min drive to most employers.	$950 - $1,100	Young professionals who want to be near restaurants (e.g., Village Inn, The Coffee House) and events.
Northwest Papillion	Newer developments, family-oriented. 10-15 min drive.	$875 - $1,000	Those who want modern apartments and proximity to Papillion Park and Sarpy County Fairgrounds.
Southeast Papillion	Established, quiet, near schools. 10-15 min drive.	$825 - $950	Accountants seeking a peaceful, suburban setting with easy access to Nebraska Medicine Papillion.
La Vista (Adjacent)	A separate city but part of the metro. More retail/dining. 15-20 min to most Papillion jobs.	$900 - $1,050	If you want a bit more nightlife and shopping (e.g., La Vista City Centre) without a big-city feel.
Offutt AFB Area	Near the air force base, mix of military and civilian. 10 min to jobs.	$800 - $950	Great for security and stability. A good option for those who work at base contractors.

Insider Tip: *Rent in Papillion is on the rise. If you’re moving here, aim to lock in a lease at or below $900 for a 1BR. Many newer "luxury" apartments push $1,100+, but older complexes like the ones near Giddings Street offer better value for the same square footage.*

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The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% growth means you must be strategic. Vertical moves in Papillion are slower than in a big city, but lateral moves into specialized fields can significantly boost your income.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle: +10-15% premium. Needed at Nebraska Medicine and CHI.
  • Government/Non-Profit (Fund Accounting): +5-10% premium. Essential for the school district and local non-profits.
  • Cost Accounting (Agribusiness/Manufacturing): +10% premium. A niche but high-demand skill in the local industrial sector.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Staff Accountant (2-3 years) -> Senior Accountant (3-5 years) -> Accounting Manager (5-8 years) -> Controller (8+ years).
  2. Public Accounting Route: Audit/Tax Associate (2 years) -> Senior (2-3 years) -> Manager (3-5 years) -> Partner (10+ years). This path often starts in Omaha but can lead to a local office role.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable. AI and automation will handle routine reconciliations, pushing accountants toward data analysis, financial planning (FP&A), and strategic advisory roles. Those who embrace technology (e.g., learning Power BI or advanced Excel modeling) will be the ones getting the $120,000+ controller jobs. The 4% growth will come from these upgraded roles.

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The Verdict: Is Papillion Right for You?

Papillion is not for everyone. It’s a specific fit for accountants who value stability, affordability, and a quality-of-life balance over the frenetic pace of a major financial center.

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: Your $84,143 salary provides a comfortable lifestyle and homeownership potential.	Limited High-End Roles: Fewer senior director/VP positions in Papillion itself. May require commuting to Omaha.
Short Commutes: 10-15 minutes is the norm. Less time in traffic, more time for life.	Slower Growth: The 4% job growth means you must be proactive in networking and skill-building.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by healthcare, schools, and local government. Recession-resistant.	Limited Nightlife/Culture: For big-city amenities (concerts, pro sports, diverse dining), you’re a 20-minute drive from Omaha.
Strong Community: You’re not a number here. Networking is personal and effective.	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and can be harsh.
Family-Friendly: Excellent schools (Papillion-La Vista SD) and safe neighborhoods.	Public Transit: You need a car. There’s no reliable public transportation system.

Final Recommendation:
Papillion is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (5-15 years experience) who are looking to buy a home, start a family, or simply trade a stressful commute for more personal time. It’s also great for early-career accountants who can start at a local firm or school district, get their CPA, and build a solid foundation without the high cost of living. If you’re a young professional craving a bustling urban scene every night, you’ll likely find Papillion too quiet. But if you want a career that pays well, supports a life outside of work, and lets you be part of a real community, Papillion is a hidden gem.

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FAQs

1. Is the CPA license worth it in a smaller market like Papillion?
Yes, absolutely. While not all jobs require it, a CPA license is the single biggest differentiator for senior and managerial roles. It often comes with a $15,000-$25,000 salary premium and is a prerequisite for Controller or Partner tracks at local firms.

2. What is the commute like to Omaha for a better-paying job?
It’s very manageable. Most accountants commute from Papillion to downtown Omaha or west Omaha (the "West Center" corridor). The drive is typically 20-30 minutes via I-80 or I-680. This allows you to access higher salaries while enjoying Papillion’s lower living costs.

3. Are there opportunities for remote work?
Yes, especially post-pandemic. Local employers like healthcare systems and school districts offer hybrid models (2-3 days remote). Additionally, many Omaha-based corporations hire Papillion residents for fully remote corporate accounting roles. It’s a growing trend.

4. What’s the job market for someone without a degree?
It’s challenging but possible. You can find work as a bookkeeper or AP/AR clerk at smaller local businesses. However, advancement will be limited. For a career as an "Accountant" (with a title to match the median salary), a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is essentially required.

5. How do I network in such a small market?
The key is local professional organizations like the Nebraska Society of CPAs (NSCPA) Omaha chapter and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Omaha chapter. They hold monthly meetings, often at venues in Papillion or nearby La Vista. Also, get involved with the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce. Relationships are built here through face-to-face interaction, not just LinkedIn.