Accountant in Roswell, NM

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Roswell, New Mexico.

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The Salary Picture: Where Roswell Stands

Let’s cut right to the numbers. As an Accountant in Roswell, you’re looking at a median salary of $84,401/year. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.58/hour. It’s a solid figure, especially when you factor in the local cost of living, which sits at 93.5 (well below the national average of 100). For context, the national average for Accountants and Auditors is $86,080/year (BLS, May 2023 data), so you’re only slightly off the pace nationally. However, that slight dip in pay buys you a significantly lower cost of living, which we’ll break down later.

The job market here is specialized. The metro area has roughly 95 accounting jobs. That’s not a massive pool, but it’s a stable one. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%. This isn’t a boomtown for finance, but it’s a steady, reliable market. You won’t find the frenetic pace or the six-figure salaries of Albuquerque or Santa Fe, but you’ll find a different kind of career stability, one tied to the heartbeat of a specific regional economy.

Experience-Level Breakdown (Roswell Estimates)

Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$55,000 - $68,000	AP/AR, payroll processing, basic bookkeeping, data entry.
Mid-Level	3-7	$75,000 - $92,000	Full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, tax preparation for individuals/small businesses, audit support.
Senior-Level	8-15	$95,000 - $115,000	Financial analysis, budgeting, management, overseeing a small team, complex corporate tax.
Expert/Specialist	15+	$115,000+	CFO-level strategy, internal audit, specialized consulting (oil & gas, agriculture), firm partner.

How Roswell Compares to Other NM Cities

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Job Market Vibe
Roswell	$84,401	93.5	Stable, specialized, relationship-driven.
Albuquerque	$88,000+	98.2	Larger corporate & government sectors, more competition.
Santa Fe	$87,500+	110.1	High cost of living, strong tourism & arts funding focus.
Las Cruces	$82,000	92.5	Similar to Roswell, agriculture & education focus.
Farmington	$81,000	91.0	Heavily tied to oil & gas.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the salary number. The $84,401 in Roswell goes ~10% further than the national average due to the lower cost of living. In a city like Santa Fe, you’d need to make closer to $95,000 just to maintain the same standard of living as you do on $84,401 in Roswell.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s make this tangible. As a single filer with no dependents, earning $84,401 in New Mexico, your take-home pay after federal and state taxes would be approximately $65,800 annually, or about $5,483/month.

New Mexico has a progressive income tax structure. As an accountant, you’ll want to set aside roughly 22-25% for taxes (federal + state). The state’s median 1BR rent is $935/month. Let’s build a realistic monthly budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Accountant at Median Salary)

Category	Monthly Estimate	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,483	After taxes.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$935	Median for the city.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Highly variable by season; summer AC and winter heating can spike.
Groceries	$400
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Ins.)	$500	Essential in Roswell; no real public transit.
Health Insurance	$300	If employer-sponsored, lower. If private, higher.
Discretionary (Eating out, entertainment)	$400
Student Loans / Other Debt	$300
Savings / 401(k)	$1,448	This is the key. After all essentials, you have $1,448 left.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Roswell is around $230,000. With a 20% down payment ($46,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be about $1,228/month (principal & interest). Add property taxes, insurance, and upkeep, and you’re likely looking at $1,600 - $1,800/month total housing cost.

Insider Tip: On a $84,401 salary, a $1,800/month mortgage is about 26% of your gross income, which is manageable. The challenge isn’t the monthly payment; it’s saving the $46,000 down payment. If you can live on a budget and save the $1,448/month shown above, you could have a down payment in about 2.5 years. Many local banks, like Community Bank of New Mexico, offer first-time homebuyer programs that can lower the down payment requirement to 3-5%.

Where the Jobs Are: Roswell's Major Employers

Roswell’s economy is a unique blend of government, healthcare, education, and niche agriculture. The accounting jobs here are less about Fortune 500 corporations and more about foundational local institutions. Here are your primary targets:

1. Chaves County Government: The county is a major employer, needing accountants for public funds, grants management, and budgeting. Jobs are posted on GovernmentJobs.com (formerly NeoGov). Benefits are typically excellent (state pension plan), but salaries can be slightly below the median.

2. Roswell Independent School District (RISD): A massive organization for a city of this size. They handle everything from federal grant accounting for Title I programs to payroll for over 900 employees (teachers, support staff). Look for "Accountant" or "Payroll Specialist" openings on the RISD website.

3. Eastern New Mexico Medical Center (ENMMC): Part of the Covenant Health system, this is the largest hospital in the region. Their finance department handles everything from patient billing and revenue cycle management to operating budgeting for a critical access hospital. These jobs often require experience with healthcare-specific systems like Epic or Meditech.

4. City of Roswell: Similar to the county, the city government handles municipal accounting, including water/sewer utilities, parks & rec, and public safety budgets. Payroll for city employees is centralized. Check the "Careers" section on the City of Roswell website.

5. Dairy Farm Operations (e.g., Dairy Farmers of America, local cooperatives): Roswell is in a major dairy region. Large-scale dairy operations require accountants who understand agricultural accounting, commodity pricing, and cost accounting for production. These are specialized, high-value roles. Networking is key here—often not advertised on mainstream job boards.

6. Local CPA Firms (e.g., W. H. Jones & Company, Melzer & Associates): These are the backbone of the local accounting world. Starting at a firm like this is a classic entry point. You’ll get exposure to a wide variety of clients—from small businesses to individuals. It’s a great way to learn the local business landscape. Partnership potential exists for those who bring in clients.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. Generalists are fine, but accountants who can navigate government grants (for RISD/County), understand healthcare revenue cycles (for ENMMC), or apply agricultural cost Accounting (for dairy) have a distinct advantage. Digital transformation is slow but happening; experience with QuickBooks Online and Microsoft Dynamics 365 is becoming more expected.

Getting Licensed in NM

You do not need a CPA license to work as an "accountant" in New Mexico. The title "Accountant" is not legally protected. However, if you want to offer public accounting services (audit, review, tax preparation for the public), you must become a CPA.

CPA Requirements (New Mexico State Board of Accountancy):

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field with 30 hours of upper-level accounting. New Mexico is a 150-hour state.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience in accounting under the supervision of a licensed CPA.
4. Ethics: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,200 for all four sections.
• Educational Costs: If you need additional credits, community college credits are the most cost-effective route. Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell (ENMU-R) offers accounting courses.
• Timeline: If you have the 150 hours already, you can start the exam process immediately. Expect 6-12 months of study and passing the exam, followed by a year of experience. In total, from start to licensure, you’re looking at 1.5 - 2 years.

Insider Tip: There is a high demand for CPAs in New Mexico, with an aging workforce. If you are pursuing your CPA, you are in a strong position. The state board website is your best resource for the most up-to-date forms and requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Roswell is spread out, and traffic is minimal, but being close to your workplace matters.

1. Downtown/Market Street Area:

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, close to the courthouse, city hall, and some CPA firms. The vibe is quiet, with older homes and some new-town renovations.
   • Commute: Walkable or short drive for most government/county jobs.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100 for a 1BR apartment or a small house.
   • Best For: Those who want character and minimal commute to the public sector.

2. Westside (Near N. Main St./W. 2nd St.):

   • Vibe: Established, middle-class residential area. Quiet streets, good schools, and close to shopping (Walmart, Lowe’s).
   • Commute: Easy 10-15 minute drive to the hospital, county offices, and most office parks.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200 for a 1BR/2BR apartment or small rental house.
   • Best For: A balanced lifestyle—good access to amenities, quiet, and a central location.

3. Southwest/Near South Grand:

   • Vibe: More residential, family-oriented. Closer to the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) and some larger, newer subdivisions.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to most commercial districts. The drive along S. Grand is straightforward.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,150 for a 1BR or 2BR.
   • Best For: Those looking for a quieter, more suburban feel without being far from everything.

4. Near ENMMC (East of the hospital):

   • Vibe: Practical and convenient for healthcare workers. Less "neighborhood" feel, more commercial and practical.
   • Commute: For an ENMMC accountant, 5-10 minutes, tops.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,050.
   • Best For: The pragmatic professional who wants to eliminate commute time.

5. East Roswell / Near the Airport:

   • Vibe: More industrial and commercial. Fewer residential options, but some newer apartment complexes. Closer to the dairy operations and agricultural businesses.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most points, but can feel further out.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000.
   • Best For: If you land a job with an agricultural firm or in logistics.

Insider Tip: The housing market is competitive for rentals. Many single-family home rentals are owned by individuals rather than large companies. Use local Facebook groups (like "Roswell, NM Rentals") and check the classifieds in the Roswell Daily Record. Word-of-mouth is powerful here.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% job growth projection isn't exciting, but growth in Roswell isn't about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about deepening your expertise and building a reputation.

• Specialty Premiums: The real salary jumps come from specialization.
  • Governmental Accounting: Expertise in GASB standards and grant compliance is invaluable for the county, city, and school district. This can push your salary into the $95,000 - $110,000 range.
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle: Understanding the complex dance of patient billing, Medicaid/Medicare compliance, and cost accounting in a hospital setting. ENMMC pays a premium for this.
  • Agricultural Cost Accounting: For dairy and farming operations, understanding commodity markets, cost-per-unit-production, and specialized tax deductions is a rare and highly valued skill.

Advancement Paths:

1. Government Path: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant (City/County) → Finance Director. The Finance Director for Chaves County or the City of Roswell is a top salary position, often exceeding $110,000.
2. Public Accounting Path: Staff Accountant → Manager → Partner at a local firm. Success here is tied to client development. Your network is your career.
3. Corporate Path (Healthcare/Ag): Accountant → Senior Accountant → Controller. At ENMMC or a large dairy, the Controller role is the top in-house position before a VP-level role (which might be based in Albuquerque or out of state).

10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable, not explosive. The 4% growth means you will see a steady stream of openings as CPAs retire. The key to advancement will be certifications (CMA, CIA) and software mastery. Being the person who can implement a new financial system or automate a reporting process will make you indispensable.

The Verdict: Is Roswell Right for You?

Pros of Roswell for an Accountant	Cons of Roswell for an Accountant
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches $84,401 much further than in a metro area.	Limited Job Market: Only ~95 jobs. Less mobility if you want to switch employers frequently.
Stability: Employers like the county, hospital, and school district are not going anywhere.	Lower Ceiling: Top salaries cap out around $115,000 - $125,000 unless you're in an executive role.
High Value of Professional Certifications: A CPA or specialized skill stands out dramatically.	Geographic & Cultural Isolation: It's a 2.5-hour drive to Albuquerque. Few professional networking events.
Work-Life Balance: Short commutes and a less demanding pace of life are the norm.	Economic Volatility: Tied to agricultural and oil & gas cycles. State budget can affect government jobs.
Strong Community: Easier to build a professional reputation and network in a smaller market.	Limited Upscale Amenities: Fewer fine dining, arts, and entertainment options compared to larger cities.

Final Recommendation:

Roswell is an excellent choice for:

• Early-career accountants looking to get broad experience without the high cost of living of a major city.
• CPAs or specialists who value stability and want to be a big fish in a small pond. Your expertise will be in high demand.
• Those seeking a slower pace of life where your salary provides tangible comfort, like home ownership.

Roswell may be a difficult fit for:

• Career climbers who want rapid promotions and frequent job-hopping. The market is too small for that.
• Accountants who thrive on anonymity and working for massive, faceless corporations.
• Those who require a vibrant, diverse cultural scene outside of work.

Bottom Line: If you are motivated by stability, lower costs, and the chance to deeply integrate into a community, the $84,401 median salary in Roswell is a compelling offer. It’s a strategic career move for the long game, not a sprint to the next pay raise.

FAQs

**Q: Do I need a car in Ros