The Complete Career Guide for Accountants in Shreveport, LA

If you're an accountant looking for a solid career in the South, Shreveport deserves a serious look. As a local who’s watched the city’s economy evolve from a gaming and oil hub to a more diversified medical and logistics player, I can tell you the accounting profession here is steady, affordable, and surprisingly connected. This guide cuts through the fluff with hard data and on-the-ground insights to help you decide if the "Ark-La-Tex" is your next professional home.

The Salary Picture: Where Shreveport Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. Accountants in Shreveport earn a median salary of $82,748 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.78. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080—a common trade-off for a significantly lower cost of living. The metro area supports about 354 accounting jobs, with a 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's stable, indicating consistent demand for financial skills in local industries.

Here’s how experience typically translates into pay in the Shreveport market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range (Shreveport)	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2	$55,000 - $65,000	Often starts in staff accountant roles at local firms or as AP/AR clerks.
Mid-Career	3-8	$70,000 - $90,000	Senior accountant, internal auditor, or tax specialist roles.
Senior	8-15	$90,000 - $115,000	Managerial positions, controllers, or niche specialists (e.g., healthcare).
Expert	15+	$115,000+	Partner-track in firms, CFO roles, or high-demand government contractors.

How Shreveport compares to other Louisiana metros:

• Baton Rouge: Salaries are slightly higher (median ~$85k), driven by state government and chemical plants, but the cost of living is also higher.
• New Orleans: A tier above in both salary (median ~$92k) and cost of living. More specialized roles in tourism, maritime, and hospitality accounting.
• Lafayette: Shreveport’s closest peer, with similar median salaries and a slightly lower cost of living, but different industry drivers (oil & gas vs. gaming/medical).

Insider Tip: Don’t get hung up on the starting number. The cost of living index of 87.1 (US avg = 100) means your paycheck stretches further here. That $82,748 goes a long way in Shreveport.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $82,748 is the headline, but the real story is what you can actually afford. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single accountant earning the median wage.

Assumptions: Filing single, taking standard deduction, no dependents, health insurance from employer, 401(k) contribution at 5%.

Monthly Budget Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$6,896	($82,748 / 12)
Federal & FICA Taxes	~$1,300	Varies; use a paycheck calculator for precise amounts.
Net Monthly Pay	~$5,596	After estimated taxes and 401(k).
Rent (1BR Average)	$927	A comfortable 1BR in a safe, central area.
Utilities	$150	Electricity, water, internet.
Groceries	$300	Shreveport has affordable options.
Transport	$250	Car insurance, gas, minor maintenance.
Healthcare	$100	Co-pays, prescriptions.
Misc. / Discretionary	$700	Dining, entertainment, savings, etc.
Total Expenses	$2,427
Monthly Savings	~$3,169	Leftover for aggressive savings, travel, or investments.

Can you buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home of over $5,500 and rent at $927, you’re in an incredibly strong position. The median home price in Shreveport is around $180,000. A 20% down payment ($36,000) is achievable within 2-3 years of disciplined saving from this budget. A mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $180k home would likely be around $1,100-$1,200 per month—only marginally higher than your rent. For a dual-income household, the math becomes even more favorable.

Where the Jobs Are: Shreveport's Major Employers

Shreveport’s economy is a mix of legacy industries and growing sectors. This diversity creates opportunities for accountants across public accounting, corporate, and government.

1. Willis-Knighton Health System: The largest employer in the region. Their financial team needs accountants proficient in healthcare reimbursement, grant accounting, and compliance with complex medical billing regulations. Hiring is steady due to the aging population and expansion of services.
2. Bossier Parish School Board & Caddo Parish School Board: Government accounting is a major pillar here. These districts offer stable, pension-eligible positions for accountants and financial analysts. Hiring often coincides with the budget cycle (spring/summer).
3. Centene (Louisiana Health Plan): A major player in the Medicaid managed care space. They have a significant local office and need accountants for corporate accounting, auditing, and regulatory reporting. Their growth is tied to state contracts and Medicare expansion.
4. SLB (formerly Schlumberger): While its global headquarters is in Houston, SLB has a major operational base in Shreveport for the oilfield services sector. This drives demand for accountants with cost accounting, project accounting, and internal audit experience specific to the energy industry.
5. The City of Shreveport & Caddo Parish Commission: Municipal government jobs are posted on the official city website and parish civil service board. These are competitive but offer excellent benefits and job security.
6. Local CPA Firms (e.g., Ernst & Young, smaller local firms): Public accounting opportunities exist, particularly in tax and audit. The local office of a Big 4 firm is rare, but regional firms and boutiques serve the local market. Networking through the Shreveport Chapter of the Louisiana Society of CPAs is crucial here.

Hiring Trends: The healthcare and logistics sectors are the most consistently growing. The gaming industry (casinos) has faced headwinds, so accounting roles there may be more volatile. Government and education remain the most stable. Many local manufacturers and distributors in the Shreveport-Bossier City Industrial District also need cost accountants.

Getting Licensed in LA

To advance past entry-level, you will need your CPA license. The requirements are set by the Louisiana Board of Accountancy.

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree and specific coursework in accounting, business, and ethics.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You must apply for an Authorization to Test (ATT) from the Louisiana Board.
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of work experience under a licensed CPA. This can be gained in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.
5. Costs: Expect to spend $1,500 - $2,500 on exam fees (NIMBA, state application, review courses) and another $200 - $400 for ethics, application, and initial licensing fees.
6. Timeline: From starting your 150-hour education to getting your license, plan for 1.5 to 3 years. You can start working before you’re fully licensed, but you’ll need that supervised experience.

Insider Tip: The Louisiana Board of Accountancy has a user-friendly website. Start your application process early, as transcripts and verifications take time. Join the LA CPA Society for exam support and networking.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Shreveport is a sprawling city with distinct personality zones. Your commute and lifestyle depend heavily on where you live.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For Accountants...
South Highlands	Historic, walkable, near LSU Health. Safe, tree-lined streets.	$1,000 - $1,300	Who want charm and a short commute to medical centers.
Broadmoor	Central, established, diverse. Easy access to I-20 and downtown.	$900 - $1,100	Seeking a balanced, affordable, and centrally located home base.
Shreve Island	Quiet, suburban feel. Good schools, near the Red River.	$950 - $1,200	For a peaceful, family-friendly environment near shopping.
Downtown Shreveport	Urban, revitalizing. Lofts, arts scene, but can be quiet at night.	$850 - $1,100	Young professionals who want walkable nightlife and don't mind a short commute.
Bossier City (East)	Newer, suburban, and family-oriented. Growing commercial area.	$900 - $1,100	For those who work in Bossier (e.g., Barksdale AFB, casinos) or prefer a modern apartment.

Commute Reality: Traffic is not a major issue. A 20-minute commute is typical from most suburbs to the central business district. The I-20/I-49 corridor is the main artery.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Shreveport, career growth is more about specialization and networking than climbing a corporate ladder in a massive headquarters.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare Accounting: High demand, 10-15% premium over general corporate roles due to complexity.
  • Government/Non-Profit: Steady, with excellent benefits, but salaries may cap lower than private sector.
  • Oil & Gas/Industrial Cost Accounting: Niche skill that commands a premium, especially with major contractors like SLB.
  • Tax (Specialized): Estate planning, business tax. High-value service for local small business owners.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Public to Private: Start in a local CPA firm for broad experience, then move to a controller role at a mid-sized company (e.g., a logistics firm or manufacturer).
  2. Government to Private: Gain stable experience in the public sector, then leverage that compliance knowledge for a role in healthcare or a regulated industry.
  3. Niche to Leadership: Become the go-to expert in a high-demand area (e.g., Medicaid reimbursement), which can lead to director or CFO roles.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is modest but real. The future demand will be in accounting systems (ERP implementation) and data analysis. Accountants who can bridge the gap between financial reporting and business intelligence will be most valuable. The aging workforce means a wave of retirements is coming, creating openings for the next generation.

The Verdict: Is Shreveport Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further.	Limited High-End Opportunities: Few Fortune 500 HQs; ceiling for top salaries is lower than in major metros.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Strong healthcare, government, and industrial base.	Slower Pace: The business community is smaller; networking is essential and can feel insular.
Manageable Commutes: Easy driving, minimal traffic.	Limited Public Transit: You will need a reliable car.
Southern Hospitality: A friendly, network-driven business culture.	Fewer Specialized Roles: May need to move to find ultra-niche positions.
Good for Homeownership: The path to buying a home is very feasible.	Some Urban Blight: Parts of the city are still recovering from economic downturns.

Final Recommendation: Shreveport is an excellent choice for accountants who value work-life balance, affordability, and stability. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to stretch their income, buy a home, and enjoy a relaxed pace of life. It’s less ideal for those chasing the absolute highest salary or who need a vast, hyper-competitive corporate job market. If you’re a self-starter who can leverage local networks (like the LA CPA Society), you can build a very rewarding and secure career here.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in Shreveport?
A: Yes. Public transportation is limited, and the city is spread out. A reliable car is essential for commuting and daily life.

Q: How easy is it to network as a newcomer?
A: Very doable. The Louisiana Society of CPAs (Shreveport Chapter) is active. Attend their monthly meetings. The local business community is welcoming and relationship-based.

Q: What’s the tax situation like?
A: Louisiana has a progressive income tax (2-6%), which is higher than some states. Sales tax is high. Property taxes are relatively low. Overall, your total tax burden is moderate.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work?
A: Yes, especially since 2020. Some local companies offer hybrid models. However, fully remote roles are more common with national firms that have a local presence or for accountants with specialized, in-demand skills.

Q: How does the local job market compare to Baton Rouge or New Orleans?
A: It’s smaller and less dynamic. You’ll find fewer job postings, but also less competition. Success often comes from knowing people and being open to roles at smaller firms or in government that you might overlook in a larger city.

Sources: Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Louisiana Workforce Commission, and the Louisiana Board of Accountancy. Rental and cost of living data compiled from Zillow and BestPlaces.net. Salary ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry reports.