Accountant in Tulsa, OK

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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The Salary Picture: Where Tulsa Stands

If you’re considering a move to Tulsa, you’re looking at a market that’s stable and affordable, with a cost of living significantly below the national average. For accountants, this means your salary goes a lot further here than in coastal hubs. Let’s break down the numbers.

The median salary for accountants in Tulsa is $83,368/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.08/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, but the trade-off is a much lower cost of living—89.5 on the Cost of Living Index compared to the US average of 100. The Tulsa metro area supports 821 accounting jobs, with a 10-year job growth projected at 4%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady, indicating consistent demand.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level in Tulsa:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Tulsa)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$55,000 - $65,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic financial reporting, supporting senior staff.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$70,000 - $90,000	Financial statement preparation, tax compliance, internal controls, client management.
Senior (7-12 yrs)	$90,000 - $115,000	Supervising teams, complex tax strategy, audit planning, financial analysis.
Expert/Managerial	$120,000+	Department leadership, CFO advisory roles, mergers & acquisitions, specialized consulting.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities:

• Oklahoma City: Salaries are comparable, around $85,000 median. However, OKC has a larger job market (more government and corporate roles) and a slightly higher cost of living (91.5).
• Norman: Home to the University of Oklahoma, the median salary is lower, around $78,000. The market is smaller and heavily influenced by academic and seasonal tax work.
• Tulsa strikes a balance: a diverse economy (energy, healthcare, aerospace) with a lower cost of living than OKC, making the $83,368 median feel more powerful.

Insider Tip: While the median is $83,368, specialized roles in cost accounting for the aerospace sector or tax strategy for energy companies can command premiums of 10-15% above this figure.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s make the numbers real. For an accountant earning the Tulsa median of $83,368, here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $6,947
• Estimated Take-Home (after taxes, ~25% effective rate): $5,210

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Average): $900
• Utilities (incl. internet): $150
• Groceries: $350
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $500 (Tulsa is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (pre-tax): $300
• Retirement (401k, 5%): $347 (pre-tax)
• Miscellaneous (entertainment, shopping, etc.): $500

Total Expenses: ~$3,047
Remaining Monthly Surplus: ~$2,163

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. With a surplus of over $2,000/month, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in Tulsa is approximately $230,000. A 20% down payment is $46,000. At this savings rate, you could save that amount in about 22 months. A 30-year mortgage on a $230,000 home with current interest rates would be roughly $1,200 - $1,400/month (including taxes and insurance), which is very manageable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Tulsa's Major Employers

Tulsa’s job market is anchored by a few key industries: energy, healthcare, aerospace, and finance. Here’s where accountants are most in demand.

1. Williams Companies (Energy): A major natural gas infrastructure company. They hire for internal financial reporting, revenue accounting, and SOX compliance. Hiring is steady, especially for mid-to-senior level accountants with corporate experience.
2. Saint Francis Health System (Healthcare): One of the largest hospital networks in the state. They need accountants for billing, revenue cycle management, and grant accounting. Healthcare accounting is recession-proof, and Saint Francis is always growing.
3. American Airlines (Aerospace): The massive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Tulsa International Airport is a huge employer. They need cost accountants, financial analysts, and auditors familiar with federal contract accounting (FAR/DFARS).
4. Bank of Oklahoma (Financial Services): As Tulsa’s largest bank, they hire CPAs for internal audit, loan review, and corporate accounting. This is a prime spot for those looking to move from public accounting to a stable corporate role.
5. Tulsa Public Schools (Government/Education): A major public sector employer. They require accountants for fund accounting, budgeting, and federal grant management. It offers great benefits and job security.
6. Nordam (Aerospace/Manufacturing): A key aerospace supplier. They look for accountants with cost accounting expertise to manage job costing and inventory valuation for complex manufacturing projects.
7. Local & Regional CPA Firms: Firms like Eide Bailly, Cox & Company, and SMC (Scheiner & Mabry) are always hiring for tax and audit roles. This is the best entry point for new CPAs.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest for accountants with 3-7 years of experience. Public accounting firms are hiring to replace attrition, while corporate employers (especially in energy and aerospace) are expanding teams to handle growth and regulatory complexity.

Getting Licensed in OK

To practice as a CPA in Oklahoma, you must be licensed by the Oklahoma Accountancy Board (OAB). The process is rigorous but straightforward.

Requirements:

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 hours in upper-level accounting.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of qualifying accounting experience under a licensed CPA. This can be from public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam (self-study).

State-Specific Costs (Approximate):

• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by jurisdiction)
• OAB Application Fee: $150
• License Fee: $150 (renewed every 2 years)
• Ethics Course/Exam: ~$200
• Total Initial Licensing Cost: ~$2,000 (excluding study materials or university credits).

Timeline to Get Started:
The process can take 2-3 years from start to finish. After graduating, you’ll spend 6-12 months studying for the exam, then 1+ years gaining the required experience. Once licensed, you must complete 120 hours of CPE every 3 years to maintain your license.

Insider Tip: The Oklahoma Society of CPAs (OSCPA) is a critical resource for networking, CPE, and mentorship. Join immediately upon moving to the city.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Tulsa impacts your commute and lifestyle. Here are the top neighborhoods for accountants, balancing proximity to business districts with quality of life.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Midtown	Historic, walkable, trendy. 10-15 mins to downtown.	$950 - $1,200	Young professionals who want nightlife and restaurants.
Brookside	Upscale, walkable along Peoria Ave. 15 mins to downtown.	$1,000 - $1,300	Those seeking a vibrant, slightly more polished atmosphere.
South Tulsa	Suburban, family-friendly. 20-25 mins to downtown.	$850 - $1,100	Accountants with families or who prefer quieter, newer areas.
Cherry Street	Artsy, eclectic, historic. 10-15 mins to downtown.	$900 - $1,150	Creatives and those who love a strong sense of community.
Downtown	Urban, corporate, growing. Walk to work.	$1,100 - $1,500	Professionals who want a true urban feel and zero commute.

Insider Tip: If you work in the energy corridor (near Williams or downtown), living in Midtown or Brookside offers the easiest commute. For jobs at American Airlines or Nordam near the airport, South Tulsa is ideal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Tulsa is not a "get rich quick" market for accountants, but it’s excellent for building a stable, high-quality career. The 10-year job growth of 4% reflects a mature, steady market.

Specialty Premiums:

• Cost Accounting (Aerospace/Manufacturing): Can add $10,000-$15,000 to your base salary.
• Tax Strategy (Energy/Corporate): Senior tax accountants can clear $110,000+.
• Internal Audit (Banking/Finance): A high-demand niche with salaries often 5-10% above the median.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting: Staff → Senior → Manager → Partner (or leave for industry).
2. Corporate: Staff Accountant → Senior → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO.
3. Government/Non-Profit: Offers great work-life balance and benefits, though salary growth may be slower.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will be driven by the continued strength of the energy and aerospace sectors. Accountants who embrace technology (data analytics, ERP systems like SAP/Oracle) will have the best prospects. The 4% growth rate means competition exists, but opportunities are there for those with specialized skills.

The Verdict: Is Tulsa Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $83,368 median salary provides a very comfortable lifestyle.	Slower Salary Growth: Top-end salaries are lower than in major metros (e.g., Dallas, NYC).
Diverse Employer Base: Less reliance on a single industry; stable job market.	Limited Public Accounting: Fewer Big 4 firms (only KPMG has a notable presence).
Manageable Commutes: Traffic is minimal compared to peer cities.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; you'll need a reliable vehicle.
Strong Community: The local CPA network is tight-knit and supportive.	Hot Summers: Can be a shock if you’re from a milder climate.
Growing Urban Core: Downtown and Midtown are revitalizing, offering more amenities.	Weather: Tornadoes are a real risk; homeowners insurance is a must.

Final Recommendation:
Tulsa is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize quality of life, affordability, and stability over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or escape the high costs of bigger cities. If you’re an early-career accountant seeking the fast-paced, high-salary environment of a Big 4 firm, you might look to Tulsa for a later move. For the majority, it’s a place where a solid accounting career can build a very comfortable life.

FAQs

1. Is the market saturated for entry-level accountants?
Not saturated, but competitive. The 821 jobs in the metro are spread across experience levels. New grads should highlight internship experience, especially with local firms or employers like Saint Francis or Williams. Networking with the OSCPA is crucial.

2. How does Tulsa’s weather impact daily life?
Summers are hot and humid (often over 100°F), but springs and falls are beautiful. Winters are mild but can include ice storms. Tornado season is April-June; having a weather radio and knowing your safe space is standard practice. It’s a manageable adjustment for most.

3. Are remote accounting jobs common in Tulsa?
Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many Tulsa-based accountants work remotely for firms in other states, and local employers offer hybrid options. However, most entry-level and mid-level roles require some in-person presence, particularly in audit or manufacturing.

4. What’s the best way to break into the Tulsa market?

1. Get your CPA license or start the process. 2) Join the Oklahoma Society of CPAs and attend local events. 3) Target employers in the energy (Williams), healthcare (Saint Francis), and aerospace (American Airlines) sectors. 4) Consider starting in public accounting at a local firm to build a network.

5. Is the salary of $83,368 enough to live comfortably alone?
Absolutely. With an average 1BR rent of $900, your take-home pay leaves a significant surplus for savings, entertainment, and discretionary spending. It’s a very livable wage in Tulsa.