Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Pueblo, Colorado.

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Accountant's Career Guide: Pueblo, Colorado

Pueblo is a city that often gets overlooked in conversations about Colorado's economy, which tend to focus on the Front Range tech hubs or the mountain resort towns. But for accountants, Pueblo offers a distinct blend of affordability, stable employment, and a unique industrial and healthcare-driven economy. It’s a city of grit and resilience, where the cost of living is significantly lower than in Denver or Colorado Springs, allowing your salary to stretch much further. This guide is designed to give you a data-driven, no-nonsense look at what your accounting career would look like in the Steel City.

The Salary Picture: Where Pueblo Stands

When you look at the raw numbers, accounting salaries in Pueblo sit slightly below the national average, but the local purchasing power tells a different story. The median salary for an accountant in the Pueblo metro area is $84,117/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.44/hour. For context, the national average for accountants is $86,080/year. While Pueblo trails the national figure by about 2%, the city’s cost of living index (92.4) means your money goes about 7.6% further here than the U.S. average.

Experience-Level Breakdown

The following table provides a realistic salary progression based on local market trends and BLS data. These figures represent typical ranges for accountants, not the clerical bookkeeping roles which command lower pay.

Level	Years of Experience	Typical Salary Range (Pueblo)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$70,000 - $88,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$90,000 - $110,000
Expert/Managerial	15+ years	$115,000+

Insider Tip: Senior roles in Pueblo often include non-cash compensation like robust retirement contributions (Pueblo employers frequently match 401(k)s at 5-6%) and generous PTO, which is a key part of the total package. Negotiating for these benefits can be more impactful than pushing for a higher base salary in this market.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities

Pueblo’s salary is significantly lower than the state’s major metros, but so is the cost.

• Denver Metro: Median salary ~$95,000. Cost of living is ~30% higher than Pueblo. Rent for a 1BR is often double ($1,800+).
• Colorado Springs: Median salary ~$88,000. Cost of living is ~15% higher than Pueblo. Commuting between Pueblo and the Springs is common but can be 45-60 minutes each way.
• Fort Collins: Median salary ~$92,000. Cost of living is ~25% higher than Pueblo.

Verdict: If you prioritize lifestyle and affordability over maximizing raw salary, Pueblo presents a compelling case. The $84,117 median here provides a middle-class lifestyle that would be challenging on a similar salary in Denver.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the monthly budget for an accountant earning the median salary of $84,117. This assumes a single filer, no dependents, and takes into account federal, state (Colorado’s flat 4.4%), and FICA taxes.

• Annual Gross Salary: $84,117
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal + CO + FICA): ~$22,500
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$61,617
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,135

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Expense Category	Pueblo Average	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$881	The city-wide average. This can range from ~$750 in older neighborhoods to over $1,100 in new complexes.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$220	Pueblo has milder winters than the high plains, but summer AC costs can be high.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$450	Pueblo is car-dependent. Public transport (Pueblo Transit) exists but is limited.
Groceries & Household	$350	Cost of groceries is near the national average.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$300	Varies widely. This is a mid-range estimate.
Dining/Entertainment/Personal	$400	Pueblo has a low-cost dining scene.
Savings/Investments	$1,534	This is key. After all typical expenses, you have significant savings potential.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Pueblo is approximately $285,000 (as of late 2023). With the above budget, an accountant can easily afford a mortgage payment of ~$1,800/month (including taxes and insurance), which is well within the recommended 28-30% of gross income. The $1,534/month surplus can be aggressively directed toward a down payment. Pueblo is one of the few Colorado markets where homeownership is genuinely attainable on a single accountant's salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Pueblo's Major Employers

Pueblo’s economy is anchored by healthcare, higher education, local government, and a small but vital industrial sector. Accounting jobs are concentrated in these institutional employers. Here are the key players:

1. St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center: Part of the Centura Health system, this is one of Pueblo’s largest employers. They have a constant need for staff accountants, revenue cycle specialists, and financial analysts. Hiring tends to be steady, with internal promotions common.
2. Parkview Medical Center: The other major hospital system in Pueblo. Similar to St. Mary-Corwin, Parkview offers stable, union-supported (in some departments) accounting roles. The financial department is a significant operation here.
3. Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo): A growing university with over 4,000 students. They employ accountants for grants management, accounts payable, and federal compliance. These are public-sector jobs with excellent benefits (PERA retirement).
4. Pueblo County Government: A major employer with a complex budget. The County Finance Department hires accountants for auditing, budgeting, and general fund management. Jobs are posted on the official county website and are highly competitive.
5. City of Pueblo: Similar to the county, the city has its own finance department. Positions here are focused on municipal accounting, utility billing, and public works finances.
6. Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel: A historic and modern steel mill that remains a cornerstone of Pueblo’s industry. While manufacturing-focused, they have a corporate accounting team on-site for cost accounting, inventory management, and financial reporting. This is a niche but lucrative area for accountants with a cost/industrial background.
7. Pueblo School District 60: The largest school district in Pueblo. They employ accountants and financial clerks for district-wide budgeting, payroll, and school-level fund management.

Hiring Trends: The healthcare and public sectors are the most stable. The industrial sector (Evraz) can be cyclical. There is also a small but growing number of remote accounting jobs based in Pueblo, as professionals can work for Front Range companies while enjoying Pueblo’s low cost of living.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado requires a CPA license to perform attest services (audits, reviews) or to hold oneself out as a CPA. The requirements are managed by the Colorado Board of Accountancy.

• Education: You need 150 semester hours of college education, with a minimum of 33 semester hours in upper-level accounting. A bachelor’s degree in accounting is the standard starting point.
• Exam: You must pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can sit for the exam in Colorado (testing centers in Colorado Springs are the closest) or any other jurisdiction.
• Experience: Colorado requires one year (1,800 hours) of qualifying experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. The experience can be in public accounting, private industry, government, or academia.
• Costs:
  • CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,000 total (varies by state).
  • Application/Licensing Fees: ~$150 (Colorado).
  • Review Course (e.g., Becker, Roger): $1,500 - $3,000.
  • Total Estimated Cost: $2,650 - $4,150.
• Timeline: From starting your 150-hour education to passing the exam and gaining experience, the process typically takes 4-6 years. For those already meeting the education requirement, passing the exam and gaining experience can take 1.5-2 years.

Insider Tip: Many Pueblo employers, especially in healthcare and government, offer tuition reimbursement or CPA exam bonus programs. This can significantly offset the cost. Always ask about these benefits during your interview.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Pueblo is a highly commutable city, but your choice of neighborhood will impact your lifestyle and rent. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown (The Riverwalk)	Historic, walkable, arts-focused. 5-10 minute drive to most employers.	$900 - $1,200	Young professionals who want nightlife, restaurants, and a short commute.
North End	Established, quiet residential streets. Mature trees, older homes. 10-15 minute drive to hospitals.	$800 - $1,000	Accountants who prefer a peaceful, suburban feel with easy access to parks.
South Side (Off Pueblo Blvd)	Newer apartment complexes, shopping centers, and chain restaurants. Very car-centric. 10-15 minute drive.	$950 - $1,200	Those who want modern amenities, easy highway access, and don’t mind driving.
Bessemer	Working-class, tight-knit community. Close to the steel mill and industrial areas. 10-15 minute drive.	$700 - $850	Budget-conscious individuals. A great place to find a deal, though inventory is lower.
Pueblo West	Suburban, sprawling, with a small-town feel. 15-25 minute commute to Pueblo proper.	$1,000 - $1,300	Families or those who want more space, a yard, and a strong sense of community.

Commute Insight: Traffic in Pueblo is minimal. The major choke point is the I-25 interchange, but even during rush hour, a 15-minute commute is typical from most neighborhoods.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Pueblo, career growth often means moving into management, specializing, or leveraging your experience to work remotely for higher-paying metro employers.

• Specialty Premiums: General accountants are common. The premium specialties in Pueblo are:
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle: Expertise in billing, coding, and compliance for hospitals. This can command a 10-15% premium.
  • Government & Grant Accounting: Understanding federal grant compliance is highly valued at CSU Pueblo, the county, and non-profits.
  • Cost/Industrial Accounting: Experience at a place like Evraz can be a unique and transferable skill set.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller/Finance Director. The "controller" role at a mid-sized Pueblo business (e.g., a hospital department, a school district) is a well-compensated leadership position.
• 10-Year Outlook (4% Job Growth): The BLS projects 4% growth in accounting jobs for the Pueblo metro area over the next decade. This is slower than the national average (6%) but indicates stable, not booming, demand. The growth will be driven by retirements in the public sector (county/city/schools) and the continued need for healthcare financial experts. The rise of remote work also means Pueblo accountants are no longer geographically limited.

The Verdict: Is Pueblo Right for You?

Pueblo isn't for everyone. It offers a fantastic quality of life for those who value affordability, community, and a slower pace, but it lacks the amenities and career velocity of a major metropolis.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent Affordability: Median salary of $84,117 feels like $110,000+ in Denver.	Limited Job Market: Only 222 accounting jobs in the metro area. Competition is real.
Low Commute Times: Most commutes are under 20 minutes.	Fewer "Prestige" Roles: Few Fortune 500 HQs or high-growth VC-backed firms.
Stable Employers: Hospitals, government, and CSU Pueblo offer job security.	Cultural & Entertainment Options are fewer than in larger cities.
Accessible Nature: Close to Lake Pueblo State Park and the San Isabel National Forest.	Economic Cycles: The local economy can be more sensitive to industrial and state funding shifts.
Community Feel: It's easier to build a network and feel connected in Pueblo.	Remote Work is Essential for Top Pay: To reach high-end salaries, you may need to work remote or commute to Colorado Springs.

Final Recommendation: Pueblo is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants, those seeking to buy a first home, and anyone who prioritizes work-life balance over rapid career climbing. It's not the place for a 25-year-old aiming for Big Four partnership, but it's ideal for a 35-year-old accountant who wants financial stability, a short commute, and a mortgage payment under $1,200. If you can secure a remote job paying the national average ($86,080) while living in Pueblo, you've achieved a financial sweet spot that is increasingly rare in Colorado.

FAQs

Q: Is the CPA license worth it in Pueblo?
A: Yes, but it's not always required. For government and corporate staff accountant roles, a bachelor's degree and experience are often sufficient. However, if you want to work in public accounting (audit/tax), open your own practice, or rise to a controller/Director of Finance, the CPA is essential. It also provides a major salary bump, often $10,000-$15,000 above non-CPA roles.

Q: What’s the commute like from Pueblo to Colorado Springs?
A: It's a straightforward 45-60 minute drive one-way on I-25. Many Pueblo residents make this commute for higher-paying jobs in the Springs. However, with gas prices and time, it's worth calculating if the salary difference justifies the 10+ hours per week in the car. Remote/hybrid opportunities are increasingly common, which can mitigate this.

Q: Are there networking opportunities for accountants in Pueblo?
A: Yes, but they are more intimate. The Southern Colorado Society of CPAs (SCSCPA) is active and holds regular events. Networking is also very community-based; getting involved with local non-profits like the United Way of Pueblo County or the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce is a great way to build professional relationships.

Q: How does the cost of living really feel day-to-day?
A: It's noticeable. A nice dinner out for two can be $50-$70 instead of $100+. A movie ticket is cheaper, and most importantly, your housing cost is dramatically lower. The $881 average rent for a 1BR means you have hundreds of dollars more in disposable income each month compared to Denver, even with a slightly lower salary.

Q: What’s the hiring process like at major employers like St. Mary-Corwin or the County?
A: These are institutional employers. The hiring process can be slow (4-8 weeks) and formal, often involving multiple interviews and background checks. Patience is key. It's highly recommended to apply through their official career portals and, if possible, connect with a current employee on LinkedIn for an internal referral.