Accountant in South Jordan, UT

As a career analyst who’s lived in the Salt Lake Valley for over a decade, I’ve watched South Jordan transform from a quiet suburb into one of the most dynamic economic hubs in Utah. For accountants, it’s a market that offers stability, competitive pay, and a surprisingly reasonable cost of living. This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. Census, and the Utah State Licensing Board, mixed with the kind of on-the-ground insights you only get from living here.

Let’s break down what your career in South Jordan would actually look like.

The Salary Picture: Where South Jordan Stands

South Jordan isn't just a pleasant place to live; it's a place where accounting professionals earn a solid living. The data shows a market that's robust, though slightly below the national average.

• Median Salary: $85,150/year
• Hourly Rate: $40.94/hour
• National Average: $86,080/year
• Jobs in Metro: 169
• 10-Year Job Growth: 4%

The salary is competitive, especially when you factor in Utah's lower tax burden compared to many states. The 10-year job growth of 4% indicates a stable, mature market—not explosive, but consistent. They’re not mass-hiring, but they’re not laying off either. The 169 jobs in the metro area (which includes Salt Lake County and surrounding areas) means there's a healthy pipeline of opportunities, particularly for those willing to commute the short distance into Salt Lake City itself.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries vary significantly based on experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the South Jordan area:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Staff Accountant, Junior Accountant	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager	$75,000 - $95,000
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	Controller, Accounting Director	$110,000 - $145,000
Expert/Partner (15+ yrs)	VP of Finance, Partner (CPA Firm)	$155,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local market data and BLS regional adjustments.

Comparison to Other Utah Cities

South Jordan sits in a sweet spot. It’s not as high-paying as downtown Salt Lake City, but it’s not as cheap as Provo or Ogden. More importantly, the cost of living is significantly more manageable.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Rent (1BR Avg)
South Jordan	$85,150	96.4	$1,301
Salt Lake City	$92,150	~102.5	~$1,550
Provo-Orem	$78,500	~94.1	~$1,250
Ogden-Clearfield	$82,300	~92.8	~$1,150

The math is clear: while you might earn slightly more in downtown SLC, the $1,301 average rent in South Jordan vs. $1,550+ in SLC means your take-home pay goes further here. You also avoid the I-15 gridlock if you work locally, which is a huge quality-of-life win.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s put the median salary of $85,150 into a monthly context. This is a practical look at what you can afford.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, No Dependents):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $7,095
• Estimated Federal & State Taxes (UT: 4.65% flat): ~$1,550
• Take-Home Pay (after taxes): $5,545
• Average Rent (1BR): -$1,301
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Gas, Savings: $4,244

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in South Jordan is approximately $525,000. With a $50,000 down payment (10%), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be around $3,200/month, including taxes and insurance. That’s roughly 58% of your take-home pay, which is high but doable with a two-income household. Many accountants in South Jordan live in nearby towns like Draper or West Jordan where single-family homes start in the $450,000s, making homeownership very attainable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: South Jordan's Major Employers

South Jordan is a corporate and healthcare hub. The jobs aren't just in "accounting firms"; they're in large, stable organizations with complex financial needs. The hiring trend here is for accountants who can handle ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle), understand healthcare revenue cycles, or have experience with federal government contracting.

1. Intermountain Healthcare: The largest employer in Utah. Their headquarters are in Salt Lake City, but they have major facilities in South Jordan, including the Intermountain Medical Center campus. They hire thousands of accountants for billing, reimbursement, grant accounting, and financial reporting.
2. Larry H. Miller Group: A massive conglomerate with auto dealerships, sports teams (Utah Jazz), and real estate. They have a strong corporate finance office in the area, handling everything from equipment financing to dealer accounting.
3. South Jordan City Government: A stable, growing municipal employer. They need accountants for budget management, public works financing, and utility accounting. Check the city’s "Jobs" portal regularly.
4. Large Professional Services Firms: While the big four have offices downtown South Jordan, you’ll find regional firms like Eide Bailly and Larsen & Associates with a strong presence, serving local manufacturing and tech clients.
5. Tech & Defense Contractors: The "Silicon Slopes" tech boom spills into South Jordan. Companies like Qualtrics (in nearby Provo) and defense contractors with facilities in the area (e.g., Northrop Grumman in nearby Clearfield) often have satellite financial teams or hire for remote roles. These jobs often pay a premium ($90,000+ for mid-level).
6. Mountain America Credit Union: A major financial institution headquartered in the region with branches throughout South Jordan. They hire for internal auditing, loan accounting, and branch financial management.
7. Local CPA Firms: Smaller firms like Satterlee & Associates or Hawkins, Cloward & Simister offer a classic public accounting path with direct client interaction in the local business community.

Insider Tip:

The best jobs are often not advertised on national boards. Many local employers post on Utah's Job Board (jobs.utah.gov) or directly on their company websites. Networking through the Utah Association of CPAs (UACPA) is critical. The South Jordan chapter meets regularly, and it’s where you hear about openings before they’re posted.

Getting Licensed in Utah

If you’re not a CPA yet, Utah has a clear but demanding path. If you are licensed in another state, you’ll need to apply for reciprocity.

State-Specific Requirements (CPA Licensure):

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a Bachelor's degree with a major in accounting. You must have 24 specific accounting hours and 24 business law/related hours.
2. Exam: Pass the Uniform CPA Examination (AICPA).
3. Experience: 1 year of accounting experience (2,000 hours) under a licensed CPA. This can include public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam (open-book, taken after the CPA exam).

Costs:

• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state)
• Application Fee: $150 (Utah State Board of Accountancy)
• Ethics Exam Fee: $150
• Initial License Fee: $100
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,900 - $2,000

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Months 1-12: Complete your 150 credit hours (often done via a Master's in Accounting or a fifth year at a school like the University of Utah or Utah Valley University).
2. Months 13-18: Study for and pass all 4 parts of the CPA exam. Many candidates use Becker, Roger, or Surgent.
3. Months 19-24: Gain your required experience and apply for the license. The entire process, from starting your education to holding the license, typically takes 2.5 to 3 years.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live affects your commute, social life, and budget. South Jordan is part of the larger Salt Lake Valley, offering diverse neighborhoods.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
South Jordan (Daybreak)	Master-planned community, family-friendly, scenic. 10-15 min drive to most local employers.	$1,450	Families, new homes, lake access.
Draper	Slightly more affluent, mountain views, great schools. 15-20 min commute to SLC.	$1,550	Professionals seeking a quieter, upscale vibe.
West Jordan	More affordable, diverse, growing. 10-15 min commute to South Jordan jobs.	$1,200	Budget-conscious, easy access to shopping.
Herriman	Similar to South Jordan but further west, newer developments, a bit more suburban.	$1,350	Those wanting new construction at a lower price.
Salt Lake City (Sugar House)	Urban, walkable, vibrant nightlife. 25-35 min commute (traffic-dependent).	$1,600	Young professionals who want city life.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A 10-year job growth of 4% means you need to be strategic. Don’t just be a bookkeeper; become a financial analyst, a systems expert, or a specialist.

• Specialty Premiums: Accountants with CPA licenses earn 15-25% more on average. Those with ERP implementation experience (SAP, NetSuite) can command salaries of $110,000+ even at the mid-level. Healthcare reimbursement specialists (knowing Medicare/Medicaid) are in constant demand at Intermountain.
• Advancement Path: The typical path is Staff Accountant -> Senior/Manager -> Controller/FP&A Director. To break into the $140,000+ tier, you’ll need to move into Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) or a Director-level role at a mid-sized company. The $155,000+ tier is for VPs of Finance or Partners in CPA firms, often requiring 15+ years and an MBA or CPA plus significant leadership.
• 10-Year Outlook: Automation is the biggest threat to entry-level roles. The jobs that will remain and grow are those requiring judgment, analysis, and business partnership. South Jordan's growing healthcare and tech sectors will fuel demand for these higher-level skills. The 4% growth is stable, but the quality of jobs will shift towards more analytical work.

The Verdict: Is South Jordan Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living: Your salary goes further here than in most major metros.	Job Market Size: Smaller than SLC; you may need to commute 15-20 minutes.
Stable Employment: Major employers like Intermountain provide recession-resistant jobs.	Growth Ceiling: Local salaries can plateau; top-tier roles are in Salt Lake City.
Quality of Life: Safe, clean, family-oriented with easy access to outdoor recreation.	Cultural Scene: More suburban; less nightlife and arts than downtown SLC.
Professional Network: Strong, active UACPA chapter and local business community.	Traffic: Commutes are short by national standards, but rush hour on I-15 is real.
Low Taxes: 4.65% flat state income tax; no state tax on Social Security.	Weather: Winters are cold and inversion seasons can affect air quality.

Final Recommendation:
South Jordan is an excellent choice for accountants who value work-life balance, stability, and affordability. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals (3-15 years experience) looking to buy a home and settle down. If you’re an early-career accountant seeking the highest possible salary or the most intense corporate buzz, you might look at downtown Salt Lake City. But for most, South Jordan offers the best overall package in the Salt Lake Valley.

FAQs

1. Do I need a CPA license to get a good job in South Jordan?
Not always, but it’s a huge advantage. Many senior and manager roles at companies like Intermountain or Larry H. Miller require or strongly prefer a CPA. For staff accountant roles, a strong accounting degree and solid experience may be enough. However, the CPA is the key to unlocking the $95,000+ salaries.

2. How competitive is the job market?
Moderately competitive. With 169 jobs in the metro, it’s not a feeding frenzy, but it’s not stagnant either. The key is specialization. If you’re a generalist, you’ll face more competition. If you have experience in healthcare revenue cycle, tech SaaS accounting, or government contracting, you’ll be in a much stronger position.

3. What’s the commute like from Draper or Herriman?
Very manageable. A commute from Draper to South Jordan’s Daybreak area is often 10-15 minutes via local roads. From Herriman, it’s similar. The I-15 corridor is the main artery; a commute from downtown SLC to South Jordan can be 25-35 minutes during peak rush hour. Most local jobs are within a 20-minute drive.

4. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes. The Cost of Living Index of 96.4 means essentials like housing, groceries, and utilities are 3.6% cheaper than the national average. However, Utah has seen rising housing costs. The key is that salaries here have kept pace, making it more affordable than cities like Austin, Denver, or Seattle.

5. What’s the best way to network locally?
Join the UACPA and attend their South Jordan/Salt Lake Valley chapter meetings. Also, connect with the Utah Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Many accountants find jobs through these informal networks. A personal recommendation from a local professional carries significant weight in this market.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, Utah State Board of Accountancy, Utah Association of CPAs, Zillow Rental Market, BestPlaces.net Cost of Living Index.