Accountant in Shawnee, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Shawnee Stands

As an accountant looking at Shawnee, you’re looking at a market that’s stable, affordable, and quietly growing. The numbers tell a compelling story. The median salary for an accountant in Shawnee is $84,349/year, which breaks down to a clear $40.55/hour. This is just slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, but the context is everything. In Shawnee, that money goes significantly further.

Let’s put that in perspective. The Shawnee metro area has 138 accountant jobs, a number that reflects the city’s role as a suburban hub for the greater Kansas City metropolitan statistical area (MSA). The 10-year job growth for accountants is projected at 4%, a figure that aligns with the national average. This isn’t explosive growth, but it indicates steady, predictable demand, which is exactly what many accountants prefer.

Here’s how that salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Shawnee market. This data is compiled from local job postings, BLS data for the Kansas City area, and insights from local accounting firms.

Experience Level	Typical Title in Shawnee	Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	Staff Accountant, AP/AR Clerk	$55,000 - $68,000	Transactional processing, reconciliations, basic reporting.
Mid-Level	Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager	$75,000 - $95,000	Month-end close, complex reconciliations, supervising junior staff.
Senior-Level	Controller, Senior Manager	$95,000 - $125,000+	Financial statement preparation, internal controls, budgeting.
Expert/Partner	CFO, Partner in a CPA Firm	$130,000+	Strategic financial planning, firm management, high-level advisory.

Insider Tip: Many Shawnee accountants work for firms based in Overland Park or Kansas City but live in Shawnee for the lower cost of living. This means you’re competing with a broader metro talent pool, but your salary can be benchmarked against Shawnee’s lower cost of living, giving you leverage in negotiations.

When compared to other Kansas cities, Shawnee holds a unique position. It’s more affordable than Kansas City, MO, and has a lower cost of living than Overland Park, its larger neighbor to the east. While Lawrence and Wichita might offer similar salaries, Shawnee’s proximity to the Kansas City suburbs provides more diverse industry opportunities—from agriculture and manufacturing to healthcare and logistics.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A salary of $84,349 doesn’t mean you bring home that exact amount. Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown for a single accountant living in Shawnee.

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$7,029	$84,349 / 12 months
Taxes (Est. 25%)	-$1,757	Includes federal, FICA, and state (KS has a 3.1% income tax).
Net Take-Home Pay	~$5,272	After taxes
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$731	Based on city-wide average of $731/month.
Utilities & Car	-$300 - $450	Kansas weather means heating/cooling costs.
Groceries/Personal	-$400 - $600
Retirement/Health	-$500 - $800	If contributing to 401(k) and paying for insurance.
Discretionary	$1,691 - $2,091	This is your savings, travel, and entertainment fund.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. Shawnee’s cost of living index is 93.3 (US avg = 100). The median home price in Shawnee is around $310,000. With a $84,349 salary and a solid credit score, a 20% down payment ($62,000) is challenging but possible with disciplined savings. Using a conservative mortgage calculator (6.5% interest, 30-year term), the monthly mortgage payment (excluding taxes/insurance) would be approximately $1,560. For many accountants in Shawnee, this is still feasible, especially with dual-income households.

Insider Tip: Shawnee has a strong property tax base, but the mill levy is reasonable compared to some Johnson County suburbs. Be sure to budget an extra $300-$500/month for property taxes and insurance on top of your mortgage.

Where the Jobs Are: Shawnee's Major Employers

Shawnee’s job market is a mix of local businesses, regional offices, and telecom giants. As an accountant, you’ll find opportunities in private industry, public accounting, and government.

1. Sprint (now T-Mobile) Campus: While the corporate headquarters moved, the massive campus in nearby Lenexa still employs thousands. Many Shawnee residents work there in finance and accounting roles supporting the telecom giant’s operations. Hiring is steady for strategic roles.
2. Johnson County Government: As part of the county, Shawnee benefits from stable public sector jobs. The County Finance Department, based in Olathe, hires accountants for budgeting, auditing, and municipal finance. The 138 jobs in the metro include many of these public sector positions.
3. Shawnee Mission Health (AdventHealth Shawnee Mission): This major hospital system is a significant local employer. Its finance department needs accountants for revenue cycle, cost accounting, and financial reporting. The healthcare sector is a consistent hirer, especially for those with hospital accounting experience.
4. Local CPA Firms: Dozens of small to mid-sized CPA firms serve Shawnee and Johnson County. Firms like Latorre & Co. (local) or regional firms with Shawnee offices (like BKD CPAs & Advisors) offer opportunities in tax, audit, and advisory services. These are excellent for licensure hours and diverse experience.
5. Manufacturing & Agribusiness: Shawnee is home to companies like Bimbo Bakeries (hostess brands) and other manufacturing firms. These roles often involve cost accounting, inventory management, and plant financial reporting. The agricultural sector also has cooperatives and processors needing financial oversight.
6. Real Estate & Development: With Shawnee’s growth, local real estate developers and property management companies need accountants for asset management, property-level reporting, and development project accounting.

Hiring Trends: Post-2020, there’s a noticeable trend toward hybrid work. Many Shawnee-based accountants work remotely 2-3 days a week, even for local companies. The demand is for accountants who are tech-savvy—proficient in cloud-based software like QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, or Sage Intacct.

Getting Licensed in KS

To practice as a CPA in Kansas, you must meet the state’s specific requirements. The Kansas State Board of Accountancy is your governing body.

Requirements:

1. Education: 150 credit hours with a bachelor’s degree. You need 30 semester hours in upper-level accounting and 24 in business.
2. Exams: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA).
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA. Experience in public accounting or industry under a CPA supervisor counts.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Kansas Professional Ethics for CPAs exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state, but this is a standard estimate for all four sections).
• Ethics Exam: ~$150.
• Licensure Fee: ~$200.
• Total Estimated Cost: ~$1,850 (excluding education costs).
• Timeline: If you already have 150 hours, the process typically takes 12-18 months: 6 months to study for and pass the CPA exam, then 6-12 months to complete the experience requirement and apply for licensure.

Insider Tip: Kansas is a "two-tier" state, meaning you can sit for the exam with 120 credit hours but must complete the full 150 and the experience requirement before you’re licensed. Plan your education accordingly. Also, Kansas has reciprocity with many states, making it easier to move here if you’re already a CPA.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Shawnee depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are the top areas for accounting professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It’s a Good Fit
Shawnee Mission Parkway Area	Central, established, quiet. ~20 min to Overland Park.	$850 - $1,100	Older homes, mature trees, easy access to I-35 and I-435. Ideal for those working in KC suburbs.
Shawnee Hills/Northwest Shawnee	Family-oriented, newer subdivisions. ~25 min to downtown KC.	$800 - $1,000	Top-rated schools, parks, and a community feel. Great for accountants with families.
Johnson County Industrial Corridor	Working-class, close to major employers. ~15 min to downtown Shawnee.	$700 - $850	Very affordable, close to T-Mobile campus and manufacturing hubs. Minimal commute for local jobs.
Downtown Shawnee	Historic, walkable, small-town charm. ~30 min to downtown KC.	$750 - $950	Quaint Main Street, local shops. A great choice if you work remotely or for a local firm.
Rosedale/Quindaro (Near KCK)	Bordering Kansas City, KS. ~20 min to downtown KC.	$650 - $800	Lower rents, historic homes, but with a more urban feel. Convenient for KC-based jobs.

Insider Tip: The commute from Shawnee to downtown Kansas City, MO, is against traffic (east in the morning, west in the evening), which is a huge perk for accountants who need to be in the office occasionally.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Shawnee, career growth for accountants is more about specialization and becoming a local expert than rapid corporate climbing.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Accounting: Accountants with experience in hospital revenue cycle or cost accounting can command a 10-15% premium over generalists, due to demand at Shawnee Mission Health and other regional clinics.
• Manufacturing/Cost Accounting: Specializing in cost accounting for local manufacturers can also offer a 5-10% premium, as these roles are critical for plant profitability.
• Governmental Accounting: Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) with governmental experience are highly sought after by Johnson County and local municipalities, offering excellent job security.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting: Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager → Partner. The path is clear but competitive. Many leave for industry roles after reaching Manager level.
2. Corporate/Industry: Staff Accountant → Senior → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. Shawnee companies often hire controllers from within, making this a stable path.
3. Government: Entry-level → Senior → Finance Director. This path offers great benefits and work-life balance.

10-Year Outlook: With 4% job growth and an aging local workforce (many CPAs are nearing retirement), opportunities will open up. The rise of remote work means Shawnee accountants can also apply for roles based in Kansas City or even nationally, while enjoying Shawnee’s low cost of living. The key is to get your CPA license and specialize in an in-demand niche.

The Verdict: Is Shawnee Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Your $84,349 salary stretches much further here than in most major metros.	Limited High-End Roles: Fewer Fortune 500 HQs; top-tier salaries are found in KC, not Shawnee.
Stable Job Market: 138 jobs and 4% growth mean steady opportunities.	Commute to KC: If you must go to downtown KC daily, the 30-45 minute commute can wear thin.
Work-Life Balance: The city is quieter, commutes are shorter, and stress is lower.	Smaller Networking Pool: Fewer accounting events and meetups than in a major metro.
Strong Community: A genuine small-town feel with big-city amenities nearby.	Slower Pace of Change: Less exposure to cutting-edge fintech or niche industries.
Proximity to KC: You get the benefits of a major city (sports, culture, airport) without the cost.	Weather: Hot summers and cold winters can be a downside for some.

Final Recommendation: Shawnee is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants and CPAs who value stability, affordability, and a lower-stress lifestyle. It’s ideal for those working in public accounting for local firms, in healthcare, manufacturing, or government. It’s less ideal for ambitious professionals seeking rapid advancement in a cutthroat corporate environment, or for those who thrive on the constant energy of a major urban core. If you have 3-5 years of experience and want to build a life where your salary affords a home and a good quality of life, Shawnee is a hard market to beat.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find an accounting job in Shawnee without a CPA license?
Yes, especially for staff and senior accountant roles in private industry. However, the median salary of $84,349 is more reflective of CPAs or those on the path. Getting your CPA will open doors to higher pay and more senior positions.

2. How does the cost of living really compare?
With a Cost of Living Index of 93.3, Shawnee is 6.7% cheaper than the U.S. average. The biggest savings are in housing (rent $731/month vs. the national average of over $1,200) and transportation. You’ll still find grocery and healthcare costs to be near the national average.

3. What’s the commute like to downtown Kansas City?
It’s typically 30-45 minutes, depending on your exact location and time of day. The key is that you’re driving against the main commuter flow, which reduces congestion. Many employers offer flexible hours to accommodate this.

4. Are there opportunities for remote accounting work?
Absolutely. Many Shawnee accountants have landed fully remote roles with companies based in other states. The local job market also increasingly offers hybrid schedules (2-3 days in the office). This is a major trend post-2020.

5. What’s the best way to network as an accountant in Shawnee?
Join the Kansas Society of CPAs (KSCPA) and attend their Kansas City chapter events. Also, get involved with the Johnson County Chamber of Commerce or the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce. These are the hubs where you’ll meet local business owners and hiring managers.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for national averages, Kansas State Board of Accountancy, Zillow and Rent.com for housing data, local job postings, and City of Shawnee demographic reports.