Accountant in Riverton, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Riverton Stands

As a local, I can tell you that accounting salaries in Riverton follow a straightforward pattern: they’re solid for Wyoming but don’t rival the big cities. The median salary for accountants here is $85,305/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.01. That’s slightly below the national average of $86,080 for accountants and auditors, but when you factor in Riverton’s low cost of living, it goes much further.

The job market here is stable but small. There are only 21 accounting-related jobs in the metro area, which means competition for openings can be fierce. However, the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is steady if not explosive. This isn't a place for aggressive career hopping; it's for those who value stability and a lower-stress environment.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Riverton area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Riverton)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $68,000	Often at small firms or in bookkeeping roles.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	Senior Accountant, Staff Accountant at local firms.
Senior/Expert (8+ yrs)	$85,305 - $105,000	Managerial roles, CPA partners, or niche specialists.

How does Riverton compare to other Wyoming cities?

• Cheyenne & Casper: Accountants here typically earn 5-10% more than Riverton’s median, closer to the $90,000-$95,000 range, due to larger corporate headquarters and state government jobs.
• Jackson Hole: Salaries can be significantly higher (often $95,000+), but the cost of living is astronomical, making Riverton’s $85,305 far more attractive in real terms.
• Laramie: Similar to Riverton, with a slight edge due to the University of Wyoming, but the overall market is comparable.

Insider Tip: The most lucrative accounting roles in Riverton aren’t always at the largest firms. Specializing in agricultural accounting (a huge sector here) or working for the Wind River Reservation government can offer premium pay and unique experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. On a $85,305 salary, your take-home pay in Wyoming (which has no state income tax) is estimated at around $65,000 annually or roughly $5,417 per month after federal taxes, FICA, and health insurance deductions.

The biggest expense here is housing. The average 1BR rent is $921/month. Let’s break down a monthly budget for an accountant earning the median salary.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (Riverton Average)	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$921	This is the city-wide average.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Int)	$250	Varies by season; winters can be high.
Groceries & Household	$450
Car Payment/Fuel (1 vehicle)	$450	Essential in Riverton; no public transit.
Health Insurance (out of pocket)	$300	Varies by employer plan.
Discretionary/Savings	$3,046
TOTAL	$5,417	Matches estimated take-home pay.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With the leftover discretionary income, saving for a down payment is very achievable. The median home price in Riverton is around $325,000. On the $85,305 salary, a standard $65,000 down payment (20%) is a 10-month savings goal if you’re aggressive. A monthly mortgage (including taxes/insurance) would likely be around $1,700-$1,800, which is manageable on this income, leaving over $3,500 for other expenses.

Insider Tip: Many locals buy homes in the East Riverton or South 12th Street areas, where prices are slightly lower than the historic district. The property tax in Fremont County is also relatively low, which helps with long-term affordability.

Where the Jobs Are: Riverton's Major Employers

The 21 accounting jobs in the metro area are concentrated in a few key sectors. You won't find Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, but you will find stable employers who value long-term employees.

1. Central Wyoming College (CWC): Located in Riverton, CWC is a major employer. They regularly hire accountants for their finance department, managing budgets, grants, and payroll for the college and its outreach centers. Hiring is often tied to the academic calendar.
2. Fremont County School District #1: The administrative office for the county's school system is a consistent source of government accounting jobs. These roles come with excellent benefits and job security.
3. Wind River Reservation Government: The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribal business committees manage significant resources. Accountants here handle tribal enterprises, grant management, and governmental accounting. This is a unique and growing field.
4. Local CPA Firms (e.g., H & R Block, local independents): Several small firms serve the community's tax and audit needs. They are often the first stop for new graduates and offer broad experience. Hiring trends show a steady demand for CPAs, especially during tax season (Jan-April).
5. Riverton Memorial Hospital (now part of SageWest Health Care): The hospital's finance department needs accountants for billing, cost accounting, and regulatory compliance. Healthcare accounting is a growing specialty.
6. Wyoming Food Co-op & Other Local Businesses: While not a single huge employer, the network of local businesses (agriculture, retail, manufacturing) often uses part-time or outsourced accountants. Building a bookkeeping practice here is viable.
7. US Government (Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs): Federal agencies with offices in the region sometimes have accounting or administrative roles, offering federal pay scales and benefits.

Insider Tip: The best way to hear about jobs before they’re posted is through the Riverton Chamber of Commerce and the Wind River Reservation's networking events. Build relationships with the office managers at CWC and the School District—they know who’s retiring or expanding.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming has a straightforward path to licensure, governed by the Wyoming Board of Accountancy. The process is similar to most states but has no state income tax, which is a perk.

1. Education: You need 150 semester hours of college credits, including a bachelor’s degree. The core requirement is 24 semester hours in accounting (beyond introductory courses) and 24 semester hours in business.
2. Uniform CPA Exam: Pass all four sections of the exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). Wyoming uses the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) for processing.
3. Experience: You need one year (1,800 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, government, or industry.
4. Ethics Exam: Wyoming requires passing the AICPA’s Professional Ethics Exam with a score of 90% or higher.

Costs and Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,000 (paid to NASBA/AICPA)
• Licensing Fees: ~$300 (initial license + annual renewal)
• Education: Varies by institution; WY community colleges (like CWC) offer affordable pathways to meet the 150-hour requirement.
• Timeline: From starting the education requirement to full licensure, plan for 18-24 months. If you’re already qualified, the licensure process post-exam can take 2-4 months.

Insider Tip: The Wyoming Board of Accountancy is reachable and helpful. If you’re moving from another state, start the CPA reciprocity process early. Wyoming is a NASBA member, which simplifies the process if you’re already licensed in another jurisdiction.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Riverton is a compact city, so commutes are short. Your choice of neighborhood will depend more on lifestyle and housing type than on a long drive to the office.

Neighborhood	Commute to Downtown (CWC, School District)	Lifestyle & Vibe	Estimated 1BR Rent
East Riverton	5-10 mins	Family-friendly, quieter, newer developments. Popular with professionals.	$850 - $1,000
Historic District	0-5 mins	Walkable, charming older homes, close to shops and restaurants.	$950 - $1,200
South 12th Street Area	5-8 mins	Affordable, mix of older and newer homes, close to schools.	$800 - $950
West Riverton (near CWC)	5-10 mins	Slightly more rural feel, larger lots, good for families wanting space.	$900 - $1,100
Lander Road Area	10-15 mins	Growing, more suburban feel, newer apartment complexes.	$850 - $1,050

Insider Tip: If you’re new to town, consider renting in the East Riverton area first. It offers a great balance of affordability and safety, and it’s an easy drive to all major employers. The Historic District is lovely but can be more expensive and has older housing stock that may require more maintenance.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a small market like Riverton, career growth isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder in one company. It’s about specialization and building a reputation.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest premiums are in agricultural accounting (serving local ranches and farms), tribal government accounting, and non-profit/ grant management (for CWC, schools, and healthcare). Specializing in one of these can make you indispensable.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is:
  1. Bookkeeper/Staff Accountant (at a local firm or business)
  2. Senior Accountant (with CPA license)
  3. Controller (for a local business, school district, or tribe)
  4. Partner in a local CPA firm or Director of Finance (for an organization like CWC or the hospital).
• 10-Year Outlook (4% growth): This translates to about 1-2 new accounting jobs per year in the Riverton area. The growth will be in public accounting (serving the growing small business sector) and government/tribal accounting (due to federal funding and tribal economic development). The need for CPAs will remain strong, as the current cohort of local CPAs approaches retirement age.

Insider Tip: To accelerate your career, consider obtaining a CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) credential. These are less common in the area and can set you apart, especially for roles in manufacturing, healthcare, or government auditing.

The Verdict: Is Riverton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $85,305 salary provides a high quality of life.	Limited Job Market: Only 21 accounting jobs; moving laterally is hard.
Stable, Low-Stress Environment: Strong community, short commutes, outdoor access.	Lower Ceiling: Salaries top out around $105k, far below major metros.
Niche Specializations: Unique opportunities in agriculture, tribal, and education accounting.	Isolation: 2+ hours from a major airport (Casper) or city (Laramie).
No State Income Tax: Higher take-home pay than in most states.	Small Networking Pool: Fewer peers for professional development.
Outdoor Access: World-class hiking, fishing, and skiing in the Wind River Range.	Limited Amenities: No major sports teams, limited shopping/dining options.

Final Recommendation: Riverton is an excellent choice for an accountant who prioritizes work-life balance, affordability, and a strong sense of community over rapid career advancement and high six-figure salaries. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to plant roots, CPAs specializing in agriculture or tribal finance, or anyone who finds the big-city grind exhausting. If you’re an early-career accountant seeking diverse experience and mentorship, you may want to start in a larger market and consider moving to Riverton later in your career.

FAQs

1. Is the CPA license in Wyoming difficult to get?
Not particularly. The requirements (150 hours, 1-year experience) are standard. The main challenge is the exam itself, which is nationally uniform. Wyoming’s Board is supportive, and the lack of a state income tax is a nice benefit.

2. How competitive is the job market with only 21 jobs?
It’s competitive but not cutthroat. Many positions are filled through networking and word-of-mouth. Having a Wyoming CPA license and local ties (even through CWC) significantly improves your chances. Patience is key.

3. Can I work remotely for a company outside of Wyoming while living in Riverton?
Yes, this is increasingly common. The main consideration is time zones (Wyoming is in Mountain Time). However, for tax and accounting roles that require state-specific knowledge, remote work for a WY-based firm is more common than for an out-of-state firm.

4. What’s the commute like?
Excellent. Riverton is a small city. You can cross town in 10-15 minutes during rush hour. Most accountants live within a 5-mile radius of their workplace. Public transit is virtually non-existent, so a reliable vehicle is a must.

5. How does the agricultural economy affect accounting jobs here?
It’s a major driver. Ranches, farms, and agricultural co-ops need sophisticated accounting for succession planning, tax strategies, and grant management. This sector provides a stable, year-round demand for accountants with relevant expertise, insulating the market from some broader economic fluctuations.

Data Sources:

• Salary Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Riverton, WY Metro Area.
• Cost of Living: Sperling's BestPlaces.
• Population: U.S. Census Bureau.
• Wyoming Board of Accountancy: Official state website for licensure requirements.