Accountant in Stillwater, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Stillwater Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers, because that’s what you’re here for. The financial reality for an accountant in Stillwater is solid, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and regional analysis, the median salary for an accountant in the Stillwater metropolitan area is $82,851 per year. This translates to an hourly rate of $39.83. This is a healthy figure, especially when you consider the national average for the profession sits at $86,080/year. While Stillwater’s median is slightly below the national figure, the trade-off is a significantly lower cost of living—you’ll see that play out in the next section.

The local accounting job market is stable but modest. There are approximately 97 accounting jobs available in the metro area at any given time. Over the past decade, the profession has seen a 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it indicates steady demand. The key for advancement here isn’t necessarily a flood of new openings, but rather stepping into senior roles as experienced professionals retire or move on. The largest employers in the region are consistent, meaning loyalty and local knowledge are often rewarded.

To give you a clearer picture of how experience impacts your earning potential, here’s a breakdown of expected salaries within the Stillwater market:

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Stillwater, OK)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$68,000 - $85,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$85,000 - $105,000
Expert/Managerial	15+ years	$105,000 - $130,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the region. Specialties (audit, tax, forensic) can affect these figures.

How Stillwater Compares to Other Oklahoma Cities

It’s useful to see where Stillwater stacks up against other major employment centers in the state. The data shows a clear hierarchy in terms of raw salaries, but again, cost of living is the great equalizer.

City	Median Salary (Accountant)	Avg. 1BR Rent	Cost of Living (US Avg=100)
Stillwater	$82,851	$743	87.5
Oklahoma City	$91,200	$1,150	92.1
Tulsa	$89,450	$1,050	89.8
Norman	$84,500	$950	90.5

Insider Tip: While Oklahoma City and Tulsa offer higher nominal salaries (5-10% more), the rent and general living expenses there are also 30-50% higher. For a single accountant or a young family, your dollar goes significantly further in Stillwater. If you value a less congested, more community-focused lifestyle, the salary premium in the larger cities may not be worth the trade-off.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $82,851 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let’s break it down for a single accountant with no dependents, filing as a single person.

• Gross Annual Income: $82,851
• Estimated Federal Tax (after standard deduction): ~$10,500
• FICA Taxes (7.65%): ~$6,338
• Oklahoma State Tax (progressive, ~5.25% avg): ~$4,350
• Total Estimated Annual Taxes: ~$21,188
• Net Annual Income: ~$61,663
• Net Monthly Income: ~$5,139

Now, let’s factor in the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Stillwater, which is $743/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Net Income: $5,139):

• Rent (1BR): $743
• Utilities (Avg): $180
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (car payment/gas/insurance): $500
• Health Insurance (employer plan): $300
• Retirement Savings (401k, 10%): $690
• Entertainment/Personal: $400
• Remaining Buffer: $1,926

This leaves a substantial cushion for savings, debt repayment, or discretionary spending. The Cost of Living Index of 87.5 is the key here; your money stretches much further than the national average.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a net income of over $5,000 and rent at $743, the debt-to-income ratio is very favorable. The median home price in Stillwater is around $225,000. With a 20% down payment ($45,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of ~$1,135 (including taxes and insurance). This is well within reach for an accountant at this salary level, especially if they’ve been saving aggressively. The low barrier to homeownership is one of Stillwater’s biggest financial advantages.

Where the Jobs Are: Stillwater's Major Employers

The job market here is anchored by a few key sectors: higher education, healthcare, and established local businesses. You won’t find the rapid-fire startup scene of OKC or Tulsa, but you will find stable, long-term employers with good benefits.

1. Oklahoma State University (OSU): The city’s largest employer. OSU has a massive, decentralized financial system requiring accountants for departmental budgets, grants management, and the overall university finance office. Hiring trends here are stable, with openings often posted in the spring and summer. Insider Tip: Many OSU positions are posted exclusively on the university’s career portal, not on general job boards. Tailor your resume for the specific college or department you’re applying to.

2. Stillwater Medical Center: As the primary hospital in the region, SMC has a dedicated billing, coding, and accounting department. Healthcare accounting is a specialty in itself (revenue cycle management, compliance). They tend to hire for both entry-level and experienced roles, with a preference for candidates familiar with healthcare regulations.

3. City of Stillwater: Municipal accounting is a niche but steady field. The city’s finance department handles everything from utility billing to police department budgets. These jobs offer excellent job security and benefits. Hiring is infrequent but predictable, often when long-time employees retire.

4. Payne County Bank & Stillwater National Bank: Local and regional banks are a significant source of financial and accounting roles. Positions range from loan officer support (which requires accounting knowledge) to internal audit and financial reporting. They often look for candidates with local connections and a strong understanding of the community.

5. Bridgestone Americas (Tire Production Plant): While not an accounting firm, this large manufacturing plant has a sizable internal accounting and finance team. They handle cost accounting, inventory management, and financial reporting for the plant. This is a good option for accountants interested in the industrial/manufacturing side of the profession.

6. The Walsh Group (Construction Project Management): This construction and engineering firm has a major office in Stillwater. Construction accounting is a complex field involving project costing, job tracking, and contract management. They frequently hire for project accountants and financial analysts.

Getting Licensed in Oklahoma

To practice as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Oklahoma, you must meet the state board’s requirements. The process is standardized but requires careful planning.

State-Specific Requirements:

• Education: You need 150 semester hours of college credit. This typically includes a bachelor’s degree (120 hours) plus 30 additional hours. A master’s degree in accounting or an MBA is the most common path to meet this.
• Exam: You must pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
• Experience: Oklahoma requires one year (1,800 hours) of accounting experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.

Costs and Timeline:

• Education Costs (150-hour path): Varies widely. A master’s degree at OSU’s Spears School of Business will cost approximately $18,000 - $25,000 for in-state students.
• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500 total (application, exam fees, and review course).
• Licensing & Ethics Exam Fees: ~$350.
• Total Estimated Cost (Education + Exam): $20,000 - $28,000.

Timeline: If starting from a bachelor’s degree, plan for a 1.5 to 2-year timeline to complete your 150 hours, study for, and pass the CPA exam, followed by gaining the required experience.

Insider Tip: Many local accounting firms (like Henthorne, Lewis & Co.) and larger companies (like Bridgestone) offer tuition reimbursement for a master’s degree. This is a critical benefit to ask about during job interviews if you need to complete your 150 hours.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Stillwater affects your commute, lifestyle, and social life. Here’s a neighborhood guide tailored for working professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown	Walkable, historic, vibrant. 5-10 min commute to most employers.	$850 - $1,100	Young professionals who want nightlife, restaurants, and a short walk to work.
Northgate	College-town feel near OSU. Energetic, affordable. 10-15 min commute.	$650 - $800	Accountants working at OSU or who enjoy a youthful, energetic atmosphere.
Sunset Lake	Quiet, suburban, family-oriented. 15-20 min commute.	$700 - $850	Those seeking a peaceful residential area with parks and good schools.
Eastside	Established, moderate income, convenient. 10-15 min commute.	$650 - $750	Practical choice for a balanced lifestyle with easy access to shopping and amenities.
Westwood	Upscale, newer homes, quiet. 15-25 min commute (depending on location).	$800 - $1,000	Senior accountants or managers looking for a more luxurious, quiet suburban setting.

Commute Note: Traffic in Stillwater is minimal. A "long" commute is 20 minutes. This opens up many housing options without significant time cost.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a smaller market like Stillwater, career growth is less about jumping to a new company every two years and more about specialization and internal advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: General ledger accountants are the baseline. To boost your salary, consider specializing in:

  • Tax (Corporate/Individual): Always in demand, especially with OSU’s complex financial structure and local business needs.
  • Audit (Internal/External): Essential for larger employers like the hospital and university.
  • Construction/Project Accounting: High demand from local project management and engineering firms.
  • Non-Profit Accounting: A niche but growing area with several local organizations.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager/Controller. In Stillwater, reaching a Controller-level position ($100,000+) often means managing the finances for a mid-sized local business, a department at OSU, or a regional office of a larger company. Moving to a firm like Henthorne, Lewis & Co. (local public accounting) can also provide a clear path to Partner.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth suggests a stable, not booming, market. However, the retirement of a significant portion of the baby boomer generation will create openings. The biggest growth opportunities will be in:

  1. Government & Institutional Accounting (OSU, City, County).
  2. Specialized niches that support local industry (construction, energy, agribusiness).
  3. Forensic accounting and financial advisory services, as the population ages and requires more complex financial management.

The Verdict: Is Stillwater Right for You?

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all city. Your decision should hinge on your career stage, lifestyle preferences, and financial priorities.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living (Index: 87.5). Your salary goes remarkably far.	Limited Job Market (only ~97 jobs). Fewer employers and slower turnover.
Easy Home Ownership (Median home price ~$225k).	Less Specialization (fewer niches like tech startup accounting or M&A).
Stable, Predictable Employers (OSU, hospital, city).	Can feel "small" (limited high-end dining, cultural events, etc.).
Short, Stress-Free Commutes (avg. 10-15 min).	Social life can be tied to local circles; harder for newcomers to break in.
Tight-Knit Professional Community (great for networking).	Slower salary growth compared to major metros.

Final Recommendation:
Stillwater is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize financial stability and quality of life over rapid career climbing. It’s ideal for:

• Early-career accountants who want to build experience without high living costs.
• Mid-career professionals seeking a better work-life balance or looking to buy a home.
• CPAs in public accounting who want to serve a loyal, local client base.

It is likely not the best fit for those aiming for a high-finance career in investment banking or at a Big 4 firm, or for those who crave a bustling, anonymous urban environment. For the right person, Stillwater offers a path to a comfortable, debt-free life in a supportive community.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for CPAs in Stillwater?
It’s moderately competitive for entry-level roles but less so for experienced positions. The key is having your CPA license or being actively in the process. Local firms and employers prefer candidates who plan to stay long-term, so demonstrating community commitment in your cover letter can be a deciding factor.

2. Is a master’s degree necessary to get a good accounting job here?
Not always for entry-level, but it’s becoming the standard for advancement to senior and managerial roles, especially because it helps you meet the 150-hour CPA requirement. Many employers view it as a strong commitment to the profession.

3. What’s the work-life balance like at the major employers?
Generally very good. OSU and the hospital have structured hours. Public accounting firms (like Henthorne) will have longer hours during tax season, but the rest of the year is manageable. The overall pace is less intense than in OKC or Dallas.

4. Can I work remotely for a company based in another state?
Yes, and this is a growing trend. Many Stillwater accountants work remotely for companies in Dallas, Kansas City, or even California. However, you must ensure the company is open to remote employees and that you have a strong, reliable internet connection (fiber is available in most of the city).

5. What’s the best way to network in the local accounting community?
Join the Oklahoma Society of CPAs (OSCPA) Stillwater Chapter. Attend their meetings and events. Also, engage with the OSU Spears School of Business alumni network. The community is small enough that a single introduction can lead to multiple opportunities.