Accountant in Topeka, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Topeka Stands

As a local who’s watched Topeka’s economy from the prairie to the plains, I can tell you the accounting profession here is stable, modest, and surprisingly affordable. The data backs this up. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state wage surveys, the median salary for Accountants and Auditors in the Topeka metro area is $82,438 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.63. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, a common pattern for a regional capital that isn’t a major financial hub like Kansas City or Chicago. The trade-off? A significantly lower cost of living.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect based on experience, keeping in mind that these are estimates based on local job postings and industry averages within the metro area.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Topeka)	Key Local Roles
Entry-Level	0-2	$50,000 - $65,000	Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor, Bookkeeper
Mid-Level	3-7	$65,000 - $85,000	Senior Accountant, Tax Professional, Internal Auditor
Senior-Level	8-15	$85,000 - $110,000	Accounting Manager, Controller, Senior Tax Associate
Expert/Partner	15+	$110,000 - $145,000+	Director of Finance, Partner (CPA Firm), CFO

Compared to other Kansas cities, Topeka sits in a middle ground. The Kansas City metro, which straddles the state line, has a higher cost of living and salaries to match—often 10-15% above Topeka for similar roles. Wichita, with its larger private aerospace and manufacturing base, might offer similar pay scales but with different industry specializations (e.g., cost accounting). Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Topeka’s public sector (state and federal) offers excellent benefits packages—pensions, solid health insurance—that can make the total compensation very competitive, even if the paycheck itself is slightly lower than in a private firm.

The Bottom Line: Topeka is not a place to chase the absolute top dollar. It’s a place to build a stable career, buy a home, and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the financial stress of a major metropolis. The 10-year job growth of 4% is modest but consistent, reflecting a steady demand for accountants to serve the government, healthcare, and small business sectors.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. With a median salary of $82,438, what does your actual budget look like in Topeka?

Using the Topeka metro population of 125,480 and a cost of living index of 85.9 (US avg = 100), your money goes further here. For a single person (filing as Single, 2023 tax brackets, assuming standard deduction), the math looks like this:

• Gross Annual Salary: $82,438
• Estimated Annual Federal Tax (after standard deduction): ~$9,200
• Estimated Annual FICA (Social Security & Medicare): ~$6,306
• Estimated Annual State Tax (Kansas, 5.7% top bracket): ~$3,900
• Total Annual Tax Estimate: ~$19,406
• Estimated Annual Take-Home (After Taxes): ~$63,032

Monthly Breakdown:

• Take-Home Pay: ~$5,253/month
• Average 1BR Rent: $731/month (This is a city-wide average; see neighborhoods section for specifics)
• Remaining After Rent: ~$4,422/month

This remaining amount covers utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, savings, and discretionary spending. With the cost of living index at 85.9, your utilities, groceries, and other expenses will be roughly 14% lower than the national average. A monthly grocery bill for one might be $300-$400, utilities $150-$200, and a car payment/insurance $400-$500.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home value in the Topeka metro is around $160,000-$180,000. With your take-home pay, a 20% down payment ($32,000-$36,000) is a realistic savings goal over 2-3 years. A monthly mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) for a $180,000 home could be around $1,100-$1,300, which is very manageable on your salary. Insider Tip: Many local banks and credit unions (like Capitol Federal) offer favorable first-time homebuyer programs and lower rates for established residents. It’s worth exploring if you plan to stay 5+ years.

Where the Jobs Are: Topeka's Major Employers

Topeka’s job market is anchored by the public sector, healthcare, and agriculture. The “Jobs in Metro: 250” figure from BLS indicates a relatively small, tight-knit professional community. You’re not competing with thousands of applicants, but you are competing for a limited number of roles. Knowing the major players is key.

1. State of Kansas Government: The single largest employer. The Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Accounts & Reporting, and various agency finance offices are always hiring accountants, auditors, and fiscal specialists. Hiring Trend: Stable. They often hire in cycles, with a push in Q1 (new fiscal year). Jobs are listed on the state’s career portal (www.kansas.gov/careers). Insider Tip: State jobs have a high bar for civil service exams, but the benefits (pension, 401K match, PTO) are among the best in the region.

2. Stormont Vail Health & University of Kansas Health System: Topeka’s two major hospital systems. They employ a significant number of healthcare accountants, billing specialists, and revenue cycle analysts. Hiring Trend: Steady growth, especially in billing compliance and contract accounting. Pay is competitive, often matching or exceeding the local median.

3. Federal Government: Topeka is home to several federal agencies, including the Military & Veterans Affairs (VA Hospital) and USDA Forest Service. These roles are highly sought-after for their job security and federal pay scales (GS grades). Hiring Trend: Slow to hire due to budget cycles, but openings are posted on USAJOBS.gov and are worth monitoring.

4. Shawnee County Government: The local county government, including the courthouse and sheriff’s office, needs accountants for its budgeting and financial reporting. It’s a smaller pool than state government but offers a similar work-life balance.

5. Large Local Corporations & Agribusiness: Companies like Westborn Mills (agricultural processing) and Bimbo Bakeries (planted in Topeka) have corporate finance offices. Hiring Trend: These roles are more cyclical, tied to commodity prices and production cycles. They can be harder to get into but offer a different, private-sector experience.

6. Local CPA Firms: Firms like Ruth Mayes & Associates, P.A., Cohen & Company, and Brauer & Associates serve local small businesses, farms, and individuals. Hiring Trend: Hiring is seasonal, peaking before tax deadlines (April and October). Starting here as a junior accountant or bookkeeper is a classic path to getting your CPA license.

Getting Licensed in KS

To advance in accounting, most professionals pursue a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license. The requirements are set by the Kansas State Board of Accountancy.

State-Specific Requirements:

• Education: 150 semester hours of college education, including a bachelor’s degree with at least 24 credit hours in accounting and 24 credit hours in general business.
• Exam: Pass all four parts of the Uniform CPA Exam (REG, FAR, AUD, BEC).
• Experience: One year of qualifying experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA (this can include public accounting, government, or industry).

Timeline and Costs:

• Exam Fees: Approximately $1,000 - $1,200 for all four exam sections (fees are paid to NASBA/AICPA).
• Licensure Fee: $200 initial licensure fee.
• Ethics Exam: $150 for the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.
• Estimated Total Initial Cost: ~$1,500 - $1,700 (not including study materials, which can add $1,000-$2,000).
• Timeline: Most candidates spend 12-18 months from starting their 150-hour plan to passing the exam and gaining one year of experience. You can take the exam in Topeka at local testing centers.

Insider Tip: If you’re short on the 150-credit requirement, the University of Kansas (KU) offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program in Lawrence (about 20 minutes from Topeka) that is well-respected by local employers. Alternatively, many local accountants complete their remaining credits online while working.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Topeka impacts your commute, social life, and access to amenities. The city is bisected by I-70, with the core downtown, government offices, and hospitals clustered centrally.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown/Westboro	Urban, walkable, historic. 5-10 min drive to State Capitol or offices.	$800 - $1,000	Young professionals who want nightlife, coffee shops, and a short walk to work.
West Topeka (Fairlawn, West Hills)	Quiet, established, family-oriented. 10-15 min commute to downtown.	$700 - $850	Accountants in government or healthcare seeking stability, good schools, and green spaces.
North Topeka (Northland, Oakland)	Affordable, diverse, quick access to I-70. 10-20 min commute.	$600 - $750	Newcomers on a budget, easy commute to central employers.
South Topeka (Gage & Oakdale)	Suburban, modern apartments, near shopping. 15-25 min commute.	$750 - $900	Those who want newer housing, proximity to retailers (Target, Costco), and a quieter feel.
Lake Shawnee Area	Scenic, recreational, on the east side. 15-20 min commute to downtown.	$700 - $850	Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy lake activities and a more tranquil setting.

Commute Insight: Traffic in Topeka is minimal. A 15-20 minute drive is typical for most commutes. The public bus system (Topeka Metro) is functional but not comprehensive; having a car is essential for most professionals.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% job growth is slow, so advancement often means specializing or moving into management. Here’s how to increase your earning power in Topeka.

• Specialty Premiums: For CPAs, certain niches command higher pay:
  • Government Auditing: Expertise with GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) standards is invaluable for state and local jobs.
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle: Understanding complex medical billing and compliance (HIPAA) is a high-demand skill at Stormont Vail and KU Med.
  • Agribusiness Accounting: Knowledge of farm accounting, commodity contracts, and cost accounting can be a lucrative niche with local firms.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller/Finance Director. In Topeka, reaching a Controller or Director role at a mid-sized company or hospital can push your salary towards $120,000+. Another path is moving from a local CPA firm into a senior role at a larger employer.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth will be driven by retirements and the continuing need for compliance in government and healthcare. The rise of remote work allows Topeka-based accountants to consult for firms in Kansas City or even nationally, providing income supplements. Insider Tip: Networking is everything in a small city. Join the Topeka Chapter of the Kansas Society of CPAs. Almost every job opening is shared through this network before hitting a public job board.

The Verdict: Is Topeka Right for You?

Pros:

• Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches much further than in KC or nationally.
• Stable Job Market: Government and healthcare provide consistent employment.
• Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, family-friendly communities, and a slower pace.
• Sense of Community: It’s easy to build a professional network and personal relationships.

Cons:

• Limited High-End Opportunities: Fewer roles in Fortune 500 corporate finance or high-stakes M&A.
• Slower Career Advancement: Gains are often incremental rather than explosive.
• Cultural/Entertainment Options: Limited compared to larger cities; you’ll travel to Kansas City for major concerts, sports, or airports.
• Wage Ceiling: The median salary, while comfortable, is below the national average for the profession.

Pros	Cons
High quality of life for the cost	Limited high-end career moves
Strong, stable public sector	Slower salary growth
Easy, short commutes	Fewer cultural amenities
Tight-knit professional network	Dependence on a car for transport

Final Recommendation: Topeka is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize stability, affordability, and quality of life over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for those looking to buy a home, start a family, or enjoy a predictable, manageable career path. It’s less suitable for someone aiming for the fast-paced, high-reward world of Wall Street or Silicon Valley accounting. If you value community, balance, and the ability to own a home on a single professional income, Topeka is a smart, pragmatic move.

FAQs

Q: Is it necessary to have a CPA license to get a good accounting job in Topeka?
A: No, but it’s highly advantageous. Many government and senior corporate roles list "CPA preferred." You can build a very solid career without it, especially in bookkeeping or staff accounting, but the CPA is the key to unlocking management and higher-paying positions.

Q: How competitive is the job market for entry-level accountants?
A: Moderately competitive. With only 250 jobs in the metro, openings are limited. However, the number of qualified applicants is also lower than in major metros. Having a degree from a local school (like Washburn University or K-State) and an internship in the area gives you a significant edge.

Q: What’s the best way to network in Topeka’s accounting scene?
A: Join the Kansas Society of CPAs (KSCPA) - Topeka Chapter and attend their monthly lunches. Volunteering with organizations like the Topeka Rescue Mission or United Way also puts you in contact with local business leaders. Informal networking is key; people know people here.

Q: Can I commute from Kansas City to Topeka for a job?
A: It’s a 60-90 minute drive each way, depending on traffic and your location. Some do it, especially for high-paying state or federal jobs, but it’s not sustainable for most. The cost of tolls (on KS Turnpike) and fuel often outweighs the salary difference. It’s better to live in Topeka for the full experience and cost savings.

Q: Are there part-time or flexible accounting roles in Topeka?
A: Yes, especially in the CPA firm sector during tax season (Jan-April). Many small businesses and non-profits also hire part-time bookkeepers or contract accountants. Remote work has also increased opportunities, allowing Topeka residents to work for firms in other cities.

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Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Kansas Department of Labor, U.S. Census Bureau, Topeka Metro Area data, Kansas State Board of Accountancy. Salary data is presented as the median figure for the metro area. All cost-of-living and rent figures are estimates based on 2023-2024 market data.