The Complete Career Guide for Accountants in Round Rock, TX

If you're an accountant considering a move to Round Rock, you're looking at a city that balances Austin's tech-fueled growth with a more manageable, family-friendly scale. I’ve spent years navigating the Texas job market, and Round Rock stands out for its specific blend of corporate headquarters, healthcare giants, and a cost of living that hasn't yet caught up to Austin's skyrocketing prices. This guide is built on hard data and local insights to help you make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Round Rock Stands

As an accountant in Round Rock, you're entering a market where your skills are in steady demand, but salaries trail slightly behind the national average. The median salary for accountants in the area is $85,460 per year, with an hourly rate of $41.09. For context, the national average for accountants is $86,080/year. You're within striking distance nationally, but the real story is in the experience breakdown and how you compare to other Texas metros.

Here’s a realistic look at what you can expect based on your experience level:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Round Rock)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$58,000 - $70,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$75,000 - $95,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$95,000 - $125,000
Expert/Manager	15+ years	$125,000 - $165,000+

How Round Rock compares to other Texas cities:

• Austin: Salaries are 10-15% higher on average, but the cost of living is significantly steeper. A senior accountant in Austin might earn $110,000+, but that gain is often erased by housing costs.
• Dallas-Fort Worth: Similar salary ranges to Round Rock, but with a more corporate, finance-centric job market. DFW offers more specialization roles (e.g., forensic accounting, REITs).
• Houston: Salaries can be higher, especially in the energy sector, but the market is more volatile and dependent on oil prices. Houston also has a higher state income tax burden for some residents.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the median. The jobs in the metro area are listed at 263, indicating a stable but not hyper-competitive market. This means you won't be drowned in applicants, but you also won't have endless options. The 10-year job growth is 4%, which is modest. This is a point of caution; while the city is growing, the accounting sector isn't exploding. You'll need to be strategic about your specialty to command top dollar.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. Earning the median salary of $85,460 means your monthly take-home pay (after an estimated 22% for federal/state taxes and FICA) is roughly $5,400. Here’s a sample monthly budget based on that figure and Round Rock's current metrics.

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,122	$85,460 / 12
Estimated Taxes (22%)	-$1,567	This is an estimate; actual depends on your filing status, 401(k) contributions, etc.
Net Take-Home Pay	$5,555
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,635	The average 1BR rent is $1,635/month.
Utilities	-$200	Electricity (high in TX summers), internet, water.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$500	Round Rock is car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Groceries	-$400
Health Insurance	-$250	Assumes employer-subsidized plan.
Miscellaneous	-$500	Dining out, entertainment, personal care.
Savings/Debt	$2,070	This is your discretionary cash. It's a healthy amount, allowing for retirement savings, emergency funds, or paying down student loans.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a Cost of Living Index of 97.6 (US avg = 100), Round Rock is slightly cheaper than the national average. However, the median home price in Round Rock is currently around $425,000. To comfortably afford this with a 20% down payment ($85,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) would be approximately $2,200-$2,500. On a $85,460 salary, that would be roughly 30% of your gross income, which is the upper limit of what lenders typically recommend. It's possible, especially for dual-income households, but it would be a tight budget. For a single accountant, renting is the more financially prudent choice until you reach a senior-level salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Round Rock's Major Employers

Round Rock's economy is anchored by a few key sectors: tech, healthcare, and education. Your job search should focus on these major local employers and their subsidiaries.

1. Dell Technologies (World Headquarters): This is the 800-pound gorilla. Dell employs thousands locally, with constant needs for internal accountants, financial analysts, and auditors. Hiring is steady, but competition is fierce for internal roles. Insider Tip: Look for roles in their "Finance & Accounting" division on their careers page. They often have internal transfer programs from other departments.
2. Ascension Seton Round Rock: A major healthcare system. Hospitals have complex accounting needs (revenue cycle, grants, capital expenditures). They hire staff accountants, billing specialists, and financial managers. The healthcare sector is recession-resistant, offering stability.
3. Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD): One of the largest employers in the area. School districts need accountants for budgeting, payroll, and compliance. The pace is slower than corporate, but benefits are excellent (including a pension). Salaries are often public record, so check the RRISD website for transparency.
4. Texas State University (Round Rock Campus): As the university expands its presence downtown, it needs accountants for grants management, endowment funds, and campus operations. This is a great niche for those with public or non-profit accounting experience.
5. Local CPA Firms & Regional Banks: While not corporate giants, firms like Suttle & Stalnaker or Carr, Riggs & Ingram (which has an Austin office serving Round Rock) provide tax and audit services to local businesses. Regional banks like Amplify Credit Union or Broadway Bank also hire for commercial lending and internal accounting roles.
6. Tech & Manufacturing Startups: Round Rock is part of the Austin tech corridor. Companies like Cymbet (semiconductors) or Silicon Labs' nearby operations have smaller, lean accounting teams. These roles can offer equity and rapid growth but come with less stability.

Hiring Trends: The demand is steady. The 4% growth projection is accurate. Most hiring is for experienced roles (mid-level and above) to replace retiring baby boomers. Entry-level roles exist but are competitive. The trend is toward hybrid work models (2-3 days in office), especially at large employers like Dell.

Getting Licensed in Texas

To practice as a CPA in Texas, you must follow the State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) requirements. Texas is strict and has specific rules.

The Path to Licensure:

1. Education: You need 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor's degree and 30 hours of upper-level accounting courses. This typically means staying an extra year for a Master's in Accounting or a fifth year of credits.
2. The Exam (CPA): Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination. You can sit for the exam with 120 hours (before completing the full 150), but you can't be licensed without the full 150.
3. Experience: You need one year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, private industry, government, or academia. The experience must be verified by your supervising CPA.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Texas-specific ethics exam.

Timeline & Costs:

• Education: 5 years total (4-year bachelor's + 1-year master's/extra credits). Cost: $60,000 - $100,000+ in tuition (varies widely by institution).
• CPA Exam: 12-18 months of study. Application fee: ~$150. Exam fees: ~$1,000 for all four sections (approx. $250 each). Review course: $1,500 - $3,000.
• Experience: 1 year of paid work.
• Licensing Fee: ~$200 (initial application + license fee).

Insider Tip: Texas has a "substantial equivalency" rule. If you're licensed in another state, you can transfer your license to Texas, but you must meet their specific experience and education requirements. Start the process with the TSBPA website early. It can take 6-9 months from application to licensure once all requirements are met.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Round Rock affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a breakdown of top neighborhoods, tailored for a working professional.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown Round Rock	Walkable, historic charm, close to UT campus & major employers. Easy access to I-35.	$1,500 - $1,800	Young professionals who want a short commute and a social scene.
Forest Creek	Established, family-oriented, golf course community. 10-15 min drive to Dell.	$1,600 - $1,900	Accountants with families or those seeking a quieter, suburban feel.
Setterfield	Newer construction, modern homes/townhomes. Close to shopping (IKEA, Bass Pro).	$1,650 - $2,000	Those who want modern amenities and don't mind a 15-20 min commute.
Teravista	Master-planned community with pools, parks, and trails. Good schools.	$1,700 - $2,100	Ideal for long-term planning (buying a home) and a strong community feel.
Round Rock West	Older, affordable, and centrally located. Less glamour, but practical.	$1,400 - $1,650	Budget-conscious professionals prioritizing savings over luxury.

Commute Reality: Round Rock is not a walking city. Most professionals drive. Your commute to a major employer like Dell or Ascension will be 5-20 minutes from most neighborhoods, barring major traffic on I-35. Insider Tip: If you work at Dell, living south of I-35 (in Austin) can cut your commute vs. living north, but your rent will double. Stick to Round Rock neighborhoods for the best affordability.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Round Rock, career growth is more about specialization and networking than rapid, explosive advancement.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: This is non-negotiable for senior roles. It can boost your salary by 15-25%.
• IT/Systems Experience: Knowing ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or advanced Excel/VBA is critical. This can command a $5,000 - $10,000 premium.
• Industry Specialization: Experience in tech (Dell) or healthcare (Ascension) is more valuable here than generalist experience. Niche expertise in cost accounting for manufacturing or revenue cycle for healthcare is golden.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting: Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager → Partner (at a local firm).
2. Corporate: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO (less common in Round Rock; more likely at a regional HQ).
3. Government/Non-Profit: Accountant → Senior Accountant → Finance Director.

10-Year Outlook (Based on 4% Growth):
The outlook is stable but not booming. Round Rock will continue to grow as an Austin suburb, but the accounting field will grow in lockstep with the local economy, not ahead of it. The key will be to leverage the proximity to Austin for networking while benefiting from Round Rock's lower cost of living. By 2034, expect more hybrid/remote roles, a greater need for data analytics skills within accounting, and continued demand from healthcare and education. Automation will handle more transactional work, so focus on analysis, forecasting, and strategic advisory skills.

The Verdict: Is Round Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Major Employers: Dell, healthcare, and education offer stable jobs.	Modest Salary Growth: 10-year job growth is only 4%; salaries trail national average.
Lower Cost of Living: Index of 97.6 vs. Austin's 108+. Rent is manageable.	Car Dependency: You will need a car; public transit is minimal.
Proximity to Austin: Easy access to a larger job market, networking, and cultural events without Austin's price tag.	Limited Industry Diversity: Heavy reliance on a few large employers (Dell, Ascension).
Family-Friendly: Good schools, parks, and a slower pace of life.	Competitive Housing: While cheaper than Austin, home prices are rising.
No State Income Tax: This effectively boosts your take-home pay.	Traffic on I-35: This is a major artery; commutes can be unpredictable.

Final Recommendation:
Round Rock is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize stability, affordability, and a family-friendly environment over the highest possible salary and a fast-paced, cut-throat career. It's ideal for mid-career professionals, especially those with a CPA or a niche specialization. If you're a young, single accountant aiming for Wall Street-style finance, Austin or Dallas is a better bet. But if you want a solid career with a comfortable lifestyle and a path to homeownership, Round Rock is a compelling, data-backed option.

FAQs

1. Can I work remotely as an accountant in Round Rock?
Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many companies based in Austin or elsewhere hire remote accountants living in Round Rock. However, local employers like Dell and Ascension often prefer hybrid models (2-3 days in office). The key is to clarify work modality during interviews.

2. Is the job market saturated for CPAs in Round Rock?
Not saturated, but competitive for the best roles. With only 263 jobs in the metro, you can't be picky. Having your CPA license and 3-5 years of experience in a relevant industry (tech or healthcare) will make you a standout candidate. Networking at local Austin/ Round Rock CPA society events is crucial.

3. How does the cost of living in Round Rock really compare to Austin?
Significantly better. While a 1BR in Austin might cost $2,000+, you can find similar in Round Rock for $1,635. Groceries, utilities, and services are also 5-10% cheaper. The biggest savings is in housing, which can free up $500-$800 per month for savings or other expenses.

4. What's the best way to start my job search?

1. Direct Applications: Check the career pages of the major employers listed (Dell, Ascension, RRISD).
2. Local Firms: Contact CPA firms in Round Rock and nearby Austin. They often serve as recruiting pipelines for local businesses.
3. LinkedIn: Optimize your profile with keywords like "CPA," "financial reporting," and "Round Rock." Connect with accountants from your target companies.
4. Networking: Join the Texas Society of CPAs (TSCPA) Austin chapter. Attend their events (often held in Round Rock or North Austin).

5. Do I need a car?
Absolutely. Round Rock is designed around cars. Public transit (CapMetro) exists but is infrequent and not practical for daily commutes. If you don't have a car, budget for one—it's a necessity of life here.