Accountant's Career Guide: Savannah, GA

As a career analyst who’s lived in Savannah for over a decade, I’ve seen the accounting profession evolve with the city’s unique blend of historic charm and modern industry. Savannah isn’t New York or Atlanta, but that’s its strength. It’s a manageable city with a distinct economic footprint—port logistics, tourism, healthcare, and a growing tech scene. For an accountant, this means a steady demand for financial oversight across a diverse set of employers, from global shipping firms to local hospital networks. This guide is built on hard data and local insight, designed to give you a clear, unvarnished look at what a career in accounting looks like here.

Let’s start with the numbers that matter most.

The Salary Picture: Where Savannah Stands

The first question anyone asks is about compensation. In Savannah, the financial reality for accountants is solidly middle-of-the-pack, especially when you consider the cost of living. The median salary for accountants in Savannah is $84,943 per year, or an hourly rate of $40.84. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, but that gap closes significantly when you factor in Savannah’s more affordable lifestyle. The metro area, with a population of 147,751, has approximately 295 jobs for accountants, with a 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s stable and resilient, reflecting an economy that’s less prone to the wild swings of larger financial hubs.

To break it down further, here’s how salaries typically progress with experience in the Savannah market. This is based on aggregated local job postings and industry contacts, not just national averages.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown (Savannah, GA)

Experience Level	Typical Title	Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	Senior Accountant, Tax Accountant	$70,000 - $90,000
Senior (8-15 years)	Accounting Manager, Controller	$95,000 - $125,000
Expert/Partner (15+ years)	Director of Finance, Partner at CPA Firm	$125,000 - $180,000+

How Savannah Compares to Other Georgia Cities:
Savannah’s median salary of $84,943 is competitive within the state’s context. For comparison:

• Atlanta: The state’s powerhouse, with a higher national average salary of ~$86,080. However, Atlanta’s cost of living is roughly 20% higher than the U.S. average, significantly eroding that pay advantage. Commutes are longer and more stressful.
• Augusta: Home to Fort Gordon and major medical centers, Augusta’s accountant salaries hover near the state median but with a lower cost of living, similar to Savannah.
• Columbus: A smaller metro with a manufacturing focus, salaries here trend slightly below Savannah’s, but the job market is more specialized.

Insider Tip: Savannah’s port activity creates a unique demand for accountants with expertise in international trade, logistics, and inventory cost accounting. This niche can command a premium of 5-10% over standard corporate accounting roles.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $84,943 salary sounds good, but what’s the real purchasing power? Let’s run the numbers with Savannah’s specific cost of living.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Accountant Earning $84,943

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,079	$84,943 / 12 months
Estimated Taxes	-$1,830	Federal, State (GA 5.75%), FICA. Assumes single filer, standard deduction.
Take-Home Pay	$5,249	This is your net after taxes.
Rent (1-BR Average)	$1,287	Savannah's average 1BR rent.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$180	Varies by season; summer AC is a factor.
Groceries & Household	$400
Transportation	$250	Car insurance is high in GA; gas is moderate.
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-sponsored plan estimate.
Retirement Savings (401k 6%)	$425	Pre-tax.
Discretionary Spending	$1,407	Dining, entertainment, savings, etc.
Leftover	$0	This is a realistic, balanced budget.

The Homeownership Question: With a take-home of roughly $5,249 and a rent of $1,287, you have a healthy 24.5% of your net income dedicated to housing. This leaves room for savings. The median home price in the Savannah metro is approximately $325,000. A 20% down payment is $65,000. On an $84,943 salary, saving $65,000 is achievable but requires discipline—likely 3-5 years of focused saving. A mortgage on a $325,000 home (with 20% down) would be around $1,600/month (including taxes/insurance), which is manageable for a mid-career professional here. The Cost of Living Index of 95.6 (US avg = 100) means your dollar goes slightly further than the national norm, making this goal realistic.

Where the Jobs Are: Savannah's Major Employers

Savannah’s job market for accountants is anchored by several key sectors. While there are 295 accounting jobs in the metro, most are concentrated within these employers and their service providers.

1. Georgia Ports Authority (GPA): The Port of Savannah is one of the busiest in the U.S. GPA employs numerous accountants for internal financial management, logistics costing, and tariff auditing. They value CPAs with government or large-scale operational accounting experience.
2. Gulfstream Aerospace: A major employer with a global footprint. Their finance department needs accountants for cost accounting, project accounting (for aircraft manufacturing), and financial reporting. This is a top-tier employer with excellent benefits.
3. St. Joseph's/Candler Health System: The two major hospital systems (now largely merged) are huge employers. They need accountants specializing in healthcare reimbursement, billing compliance, and grant accounting. The field is recession-proof.
4. The Soltec Group (a regional powerhouse): A large, family-owned construction and real estate development firm. They need controllers and project accountants who understand job costing, contract accounting, and real estate finance.
5. Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA): A government entity that manages industrial parks and incentives. They employ accountants for grant management, public fund accounting, and economic impact analysis.
6. Large Public Accounting Firms (Local Offices): Firms like Cherry Bekaert, Porter Keadle Moore, and local CPA practices serve the port, manufacturing, and tourism sectors. These are prime spots for starting your career and getting a CPA license.
7. Tourism & Hospitality Conglomerates: Companies like The Kessler Collection (hotels) and The Savannah Food & Wine Festival organization need financial controllers to manage seasonal revenue, event budgeting, and franchise accounting.

Hiring Trends: The demand is steady. Port-related and healthcare roles are perennially open. There’s a growing need for accountants with tech skills—experience with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, and data visualization tools like Tableau. The local CPA firms are always looking for associates to build their pipeline.

Getting Licensed in GA

Georgia’s path to a CPA license is standardized and rigorous. The Georgia State Board of Accountancy (under the Georgia Secretary of State) sets the rules.

Requirements:

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 hours of upper-level accounting courses and 24 hours of general business courses.
2. Exam (CPA): Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You must apply through NASBA and get an "Authorization to Test" (ATT) from the Georgia Board.
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of qualifying accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA’s Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,000 total (varies by state).
• Application Fees: ~$200-$300 to the GA Board.
• Review Course: $1,500 - $3,000 (Becker, Roger, Wiley).
• Total Estimated Cost: $2,700 - $4,300.
• Timeline: For a recent graduate with 150 credits, the path is typically: Pass exam (6-18 months) -> Gain experience (12 months) -> Apply for license. Total time: 2-3 years.

Insider Tip: Many Savannah employers, especially Gulfstream and the larger CPA firms, offer CPA exam review course reimbursement as a benefit. Always ask about this during negotiations.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Savannah is geographically large, so choosing wisely is key.

1. Midtown / Ardsley Park: The quintessential Savannah neighborhood. Tree-lined streets, beautiful historic homes, and a strong sense of community. It’s centrally located, with a 10-15 minute commute to the Downtown business district and Port. Rent for a 1BR: $1,300 - $1,600. Ideal for those who want charm and walkability.
2. The Landings (on Skidaway Island): A master-planned, gated community. Popular with executives from Gulfstream and the Port. It’s not downtown, but it’s serene, with golf courses and marsh views. Commute to downtown is 20-25 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $1,500 - $2,200. A premium, suburban lifestyle.
3. Victorian District / Thomas Square: More affordable than Midtown, with a diverse mix of renovated homes and apartments. It’s close to the hospitals (St. Joseph’s/Candler) and has a growing arts scene. Commute is easy. Rent for a 1BR: $1,100 - $1,400. Great for early-career professionals.
4. Pooler / West Savannah: The fast-growing suburb west of the city. Home to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and many new subdivisions. Commutes to downtown can be 25-35 minutes, but traffic is less congested than in other cities. Rent for a 1BR: $1,000 - $1,300. Best for those prioritizing modern housing and lower rent.
5. Downtown / Historic District: Living in the heart of the action is expensive and often limited to short-term rentals or luxury apartments. Commute is a walk or bike ride for many downtown jobs. Rent for a 1BR: $1,800 - $2,500+. For those who want to be in the center of Savannah’s social and cultural life.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Savannah, career growth for accountants is more about specialization and networking than rapid corporate ladders.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: This is the single biggest career accelerator. CPAs in Savannah earn 15-25% more than non-CPAs at similar levels.
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant): Valued in manufacturing (Gulfstream) and logistics (Port). Can add a 5-10% premium.
• Data Analytics Skills: Proficiency in SQL, Power BI, or Python for financial modeling is a differentiator, especially in larger firms and port logistics. Can lead to roles in financial planning & analysis (FP&A).

Advancement Paths:

• Public Accounting Track: Staff Accountant -> Senior -> Manager -> Partner/Director. The local firms offer this path, but it’s slower than in Atlanta.
• Corporate Path: Staff Accountant -> Senior -> Accounting Manager -> Controller -> CFO. Many Savannah CFOs started in local firms or at Gulfstream/Port.
• Government/Non-Profit: Steady, with defined benefit pensions. Growth is tied to seniority and certifications.

10-Year Outlook (2024-2034): The 4% job growth is modest but stable. The key driver will be the continued expansion of the Port and sustained healthcare demand. Automation will reduce demand for transactional accounting (AP/AR clerks) but increase demand for accountants who can interpret data, manage systems, and provide strategic insight. The local market will not see the boom of a tech hub, but it offers resilience. The best growth will come from moving into controllership or FP&A roles at the major employers.

The Verdict: Is Savannah Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $84,943 salary goes further here than in most metros.	Modest Salary Growth: Salaries plateau faster than in Atlanta or Charlotte.
Stable, Diverse Economy: Port, healthcare, and tourism provide a buffer against recession.	Limited "Big 4" Presence: The largest public accounting firms have small offices; for rapid corporate advancement, you may need to leave.
Unique Lifestyle: Unmatched history, culture, and a relaxed pace of life.	Traffic & Geography: The city sprawls; commutes can be longer than distance suggests.
Manageable Size: Easy to build a professional network and be seen.	Social Scene: Can feel small; less diversity of thought and industry than a major city.
Growing Niche Demand: Port and logistics accounting offers specialized, high-value career tracks.	Hurricane Risk: A real factor for homebuyers and insurers.

Final Recommendation: Savannah is an excellent choice for accountants who value quality of life, stability, and a lower cost of living over maximizing peak salary potential. It’s ideal for:

• Early-career professionals who want to get a CPA license without the high-pressure, high-cost environment of a major city.
• Mid-career accountants looking to specialize in logistics, healthcare, or public sector accounting.
• Anyone who wants a 90-minute drive to the beach and a deep sense of community.

If your primary goal is to climb the corporate ladder as fast as possible in a Fortune 500 HQ, look to Atlanta. If you want a sustainable career with time to enjoy life outside the office, Savannah delivers.

FAQs

1. Is the 10-year job growth of 4% a concern?
Not significantly. While 4% is slower than the national average, it’s in line with the city’s overall economic growth. The key is that the jobs are in stable sectors. The number of jobs (295) is small, but so is the metro population. Competition for the best roles is moderate, not fierce.

2. How important is the CPA license in Savannah?
It’s not always mandatory, but it’s a huge advantage. For public accounting roles, it’s essential. For corporate roles, having your CPA will make you a top candidate and is often required for Controller or CFO positions. It’s the single best investment you can make in your career here.

3. What’s the commute like from affordable areas like Pooler to downtown offices?
It’s manageable. From Pooler, the drive to downtown is typically 25-35 minutes via I-16. Traffic is nothing like Atlanta. From the Landings or Midtown, it’s 10-20 minutes. The real challenge is finding parking downtown, which can be expensive.

4. Are there opportunities for remote accounting work in Savannah?
Yes, but with a caveat. Many local employers are hybrid or remote-friendly post-pandemic. However, a significant portion of the best jobs are on-site, especially at the Port, Gulfstream, and hospitals. A fully remote role from a Savannah-based company is possible but less common than in major tech hubs.

5. How do I break into the Savannah market if I’m an out-of-state accountant?
Target the major employers listed above and the local CPA firms. Use LinkedIn to connect with finance professionals at those companies. Network through the Savannah Chapter of the Georgia Society of CPAs. Be prepared to interview in person. Highlight any niche experience (logistics, healthcare, etc.) that aligns with Savannah’s economy. Be ready to accept a slight salary adjustment if moving from a higher-cost area, but use the Cost of Living Index of 95.6 as a data point in your negotiation.