Accountant in Salina, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Salina Stands

Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re moving to Salina, KS, as an accountant, you’re looking at a market that’s stable but not booming. The median salary for accountants here is $82,981/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.89/hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, but don’t let that number scare you off. The cost of living in Salina is significantly lower than the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 88.0 (where the US average is 100). This means your dollar stretches much further here than in larger metros.

The job market is modest. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Salina metro area shows only 92 accountant jobs. That’s not a lot of churn, meaning you need to be strategic about your timing and how you approach your job search. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is about average for the country but slower than what you’d see in a major metropolitan area. This isn’t a place for rapid job-hopping; it’s a place for building a long-term, stable career with a single employer, often within a specific industry like agriculture, manufacturing, or healthcare.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a more granular look at what you can expect to earn, based on local job postings and BLS data for the region:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$50,000 - $65,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic financial reporting under supervision.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$70,000 - $90,000	Full-cycle accounting, month-end close, budgeting, some tax preparation.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Managing accounting teams, financial analysis, audit coordination, strategic planning.
Expert/Controller (15+ years)	$120,000+	CFO-level oversight, complex financial modeling, SEC reporting (if applicable), department leadership.

Comparison to Other Kansas Cities

To put Salina’s median salary of $82,981 in perspective, consider the larger Kansas metros:

• Wichita: The state’s largest city has a higher concentration of corporate headquarters (like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation). Salaries in Wichita are typically 5-10% higher, with more job openings, but the cost of living is also higher.
• Kansas City: A major metropolitan hub with a diverse economy. Accountant salaries there can be 15-25% higher than in Salina, driven by finance, insurance, and tech firms. The trade-off is a significantly higher cost of living and a more competitive job market.
• Topeka: As the state capital, salaries in government and non-profit accounting are strong. Salina’s median is competitive with Topeka’s, but Topeka offers a larger variety of public sector roles.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

An accountant’s salary needs to be analyzed through the lens of local expenses. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single accountant earning the median salary of $82,981 (assuming they take the standard deduction and are paid bi-weekly).

Monthly Take-Home Pay (Estimate):

• Gross Monthly Income: $6,915
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$1,650
• Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ~$5,265

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1-Bedroom Avg): $792
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet, Water): $200 - $250
• Groceries: $300 - $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/ Gas: $450 - $600 (Salina is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $200 - $400
• Retirement Savings (Target 10%): $690
• Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Clothing): $500
• Total Estimated Expenses: $3,132 - $3,632

Can They Afford to Buy a Home? Yes, absolutely. After your essential expenses and a healthy retirement contribution, you could have a surplus of $1,633 - $2,133 per month. This is more than enough for a mortgage. The median home price in Salina is around $185,000. Using a standard 20% down payment ($37,000), you’re looking at a principal and interest payment of roughly $750 / month (at a 6.5% rate), plus taxes and insurance. Total monthly housing cost could be under $1,000—even less than the average rent for a 1-bedroom. The key is having the down payment saved, which is very feasible with a $50,000+ salary and Salina’s low cost of living.

Where the Jobs Are: Salina’s Major Employers

The job market isn’t vast, but it’s anchored by stable, local institutions. Knowing these employers is crucial for your job search.

1. Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC): The largest employer in the region. As a not-for-profit hospital, they have a robust finance department. Roles here are in medical billing, cost accounting, and financial reporting. Hiring is steady, especially for those with healthcare accounting experience.
2. Tony’s Pizza / Schwan’s Company: A massive local presence. While Schwan’s HQ moved, their operational footprint in Salina is huge. They need accountants for manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain accounting. This is a prime spot for industry-specific experience.
3. North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKTC): A stable public employer. Accountant roles here involve public sector accounting, grants management, and compliance. It’s a great fit for those who value job security and a predictable work environment.
4. Salina Municipal Utilities (SMU): Another key public entity. They handle everything from water to electricity. Their finance team manages large capital projects and long-term debt, offering unique experience in utility accounting.
5. First Bank Kansas: As a regional bank, they need accountants for internal audit, loan accounting, and branch financial analysis. This is a direct path into the financial services sector.
6. Salina School District (USD 305): The largest school district in the area. Their finance office manages multi-million dollar budgets, federal funds, and bond issues. A great environment for those interested in governmental accounting.
7. Local CPA Firms: While small, firms like Hodge, Barton & Co. or Witt & Associates are essential for tax and audit work. They often hire seasonal help and provide a stepping stone for newly licensed CPAs.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers have a "boomerang" effect. They prefer to hire locals or people with local connections. Attending community events, like the Salina Business Expo or volunteering for local non-profits, can be as valuable as your resume.

Getting Licensed in KS

For the most serious career advancement, becoming a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is the gold standard. The Kansas State Board of Accountancy regulates licensing.

Requirements:

• Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting. You must have at least 30 hours of upper-level accounting courses and 24 hours of general business courses.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can sit for the exam in Kansas with 120 hours, but you must complete the full 150 hours to be licensed.
• Experience: 1-2 years of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA (this can be in public accounting, industry, or government).
• Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Education: Costs vary dramatically by institution. An in-state, online program (like through Kansas State or Fort Hays State) can be cost-effective.
• Exam Fees: Approx. $1,500 - $2,000 for all four sections (varies by state).
• License Application Fee: ~$150.
• Timeline: If you already have 150 hours, expect 6-12 months to pass the exam and another 6-12 months to complete the experience requirement. If you need to go back to school for the extra hours, add 1-2 years.

Insider Tip: Kansas is part of the International Qualification Examination (IQEX) reciprocity program. If you’re a CPA from another U.S. state or a country with a reciprocal agreement (like Canada or Ireland), the process is streamlined.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Your choice of neighborhood will impact your commute and lifestyle. Salina is compact, and most commutes are under 15 minutes.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1-Bedroom Rent Estimate	Best For
South Salina / Downtown	Historic, walkable, near SRHC and municipal buildings. Easy commute to most employers.	$800 - $1,000	Young professionals who want to be near restaurants, coffee shops, and the library.
West Salina	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. Close to schools and the airport. Commute is still short.	$750 - $900	Accountants looking for a peaceful setting, possibly with a family.
East Salina	Close to I-135 and major retailers (like the Salina Mall area). More suburban feel.	$700 - $850	Practical commuters who want quick access to the highway and shopping.
North Salina	Industrial and commercial area, but with pockets of affordable housing. Near business parks.	$650 - $800	Those prioritizing a lower rent budget and don’t mind a more utilitarian environment.

Insider Tip: The Sunflower Apartments or Brookdale Salina are examples of larger complexes in the eastern part of the city. For more character, look for rental houses in the South Salina historical district.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Salina, growth isn’t about jumping to a new company every two years. It’s about deepening your expertise within the local ecosystem.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest premiums in Salina are for cost accounting (especially in manufacturing like Tony’s Pizza), non-profit accounting (hospital, school district), and tax preparation for small businesses and farmers. A CPA license can boost your salary by 15-25%.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager or Controller. For a true leadership role (CFO), you might need to look at the larger employers (SRHC, Tony’s) or consider consulting.
• 10-Year Outlook: While the job growth is a modest 4%, the stability is a major asset. Salina’s economy is resilient, anchored by healthcare, agriculture, and education. Accountants who specialize in these sectors will remain in demand. The potential for remote work is growing, but local employers still value a physical presence for key financial roles.

The Verdict: Is Salina Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary of $82,981 goes much further than in coastal cities.	Limited Job Market: Only 92 accountant jobs total. Less diversity in industries.
High Quality of Life: Safe, clean, easy to navigate. No traffic jams.	Slower Pace: Can feel isolated if you’re used to a bustling, 24/7 city.
Strong Community: Tight-knit professional networks. Easy to get involved.	4% Job Growth: Limited upward mobility without relocating or remote work.
Affordable Homeownership: A major financial advantage over renting in larger cities.	Car-Dependent: Limited public transportation; you’ll need a vehicle.
Stable Employers: Major institutions (hospital, utilities, school district) provide job security.	Fewer Networking Events: Smaller scale for professional conferences and meetups.

Final Recommendation: Salina is an excellent choice for an accountant who values stability, financial comfort, and a high quality of life over rapid career advancement and urban excitement. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or establish deep roots in a community. It’s less suitable for a new graduate seeking a fast-paced, high-growth environment with endless job options. If you can secure a job before moving, Salina offers a comfortable, financially savvy career path.

FAQs

1. Is the accountant job market in Salina competitive? Yes, but for the right reasons. With only 92 jobs, openings don’t appear daily. However, the candidate pool is also smaller than in Kansas City or Wichita. Your best strategy is to apply proactively to the major employers listed above, even if they don’t have an opening posted. Tailor your resume to the local industries (healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture).

2. Do I need a CPA license to get a good job in Salina? Not necessarily for all roles. Many staff accountant positions at schools, hospitals, and small businesses don’t require a CPA. However, for senior accountant, controller, or manager roles, a CPA is highly preferred and can be a deciding factor. It’s a strong long-term investment, especially if you aim to work in public accounting or for one of the larger local firms.

3. What’s the typical work-life balance like? Generally, it’s good. Most accounting roles follow a standard business schedule (8-5, M-F). Month-end close or tax season can bring extra hours, but it’s rarely the extreme crunch seen in Big 4 firms. The lack of a long commute (most are under 15 minutes) adds significant time back to your day.

4. How do I network in a smaller city like Salina? Forget LinkedIn-only approaches. Join the Salina Chamber of Commerce and attend their events. Volunteer for a local non-profit’s finance committee (like the Salina Art Center or United Way). Engage with the Kansas Society of CPAs (KSCPA) Salina chapter. Personal connections matter immensely here.

5. Is remote work common for accountants in Salina? It’s a growing trend, especially for roles with national companies. However, for the core local employers (SRHC, Tony’s, school district), they still prefer on-site staff. A hybrid model (2-3 days remote) is becoming more common. You can find remote positions, but you’ll be competing with a national talent pool, which can be more challenging.