Accountant in Tyler, TX

As someone who’s watched Tyler’s economy evolve from a hub solely around agriculture and oil to a more diversified East Texas medical and professional center, I can tell you that the accounting field here is stable, not speculative. It’s a town where you can build a long-term career without the frantic pace of Dallas or Houston. The jobs are in the established institutions—hospitals, universities, and the regional headquarters of manufacturing companies. If you value a manageable cost of living and a slower pace of life, Tyler’s accounting landscape is worth a serious look.

Let’s break down exactly what that looks like, from your paycheck to your commute.

The Salary Picture: Where Tyler Stands

First, let’s get the numbers straight. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market surveys, the accounting profession in Tyler is solidly middle-of-the-pack nationally but comes with a significant local purchasing power advantage.

The median salary for an Accountant in Tyler, TX is $84,117 per year, or $40.44 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, but that gap is quickly erased when you factor in the cost of living. Tyler is part of the larger Tyler metropolitan statistical area (MSA), which supports about 220 accounting jobs. While that may seem like a small number, it indicates a stable, localized market rather than a boom-or-bust one. Over the next decade, the 10-year job growth projection is 4%, a modest but steady increase that outpaces many rural areas and suggests consistent replacement hiring and some expansion.

To understand where you might fit, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown for the Tyler market:

Experience Level	Typical Titles	Estimated Salary Range (Tyler)
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Staff Accountant, Junior Accountant	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager	$70,000 - $95,000
Senior/Manager (8-12 yrs)	Controller, Accounting Director	$98,000 - $125,000
Expert/Executive (12+ yrs)	CFO, Partner (if in public accounting)	$130,000+

How does this compare to other Texas cities?

• Dallas-Fort Worth: Median is ~$89,000. Higher salary, but the cost of living is ~15% above the national average, and commutes are brutal.
• Houston: Median is ~$88,000. Heavily tied to the energy sector. Higher volatility, higher stress.
• Austin: Median is ~$87,000. The tech boom has driven up salaries but also housing costs dramatically.
• Tyler: Median is $84,117. The key differentiator is the Cost of Living Index of 92.4 (US avg = 100). Your $84,117 in Tyler has significantly more buying power than the same salary in a major Texas metro.

Insider Tip: In Tyler, public accounting firms (like the local offices of regional firms) often pay at the lower end of these ranges, but offer excellent training and a path to a CPA. Industry roles (in healthcare, manufacturing, or local government) typically pay more for mid-to-senior levels, especially if you have specialized skills in cost accounting or audit.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be direct: your salary isn’t your paycheck. Using a median salary of $84,117, here’s a realistic monthly take-home and budget breakdown for Tyler.

Assumptions: Married filing jointly, two federal allowances, standard State of Texas deductions (TX has no state income tax, which is a huge plus). Estimated take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, and health insurance is roughly $5,200 - $5,500 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Accountant in Tyler:

Category	Typical Cost (Tyler)	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,300	(After taxes & basic insurance)
Rent (1BR)	$1,009	Citywide average; see neighborhood breakdown below.
Utilities (Electric/Water/Internet)	$250	Varies by season (high in summer).
Groceries & Household	$500	Tyler has good local markets (Brookshire’s, United).
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Essential; public transit is limited.
Gas & Maintenance	$200	Driving is a must.
Healthcare (Out of Pocket)	$200	Premiums often covered by employer.
Retirement Savings (401k)	$530	Recommended 10% of gross.
Discretionary/Entertainment	$1,311	Buffer for dining out, hobbies, travel.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Tyler is approximately $275,000. With a $5,300 monthly take-home, a standard mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,600/month. This is roughly 30% of your take-home pay, which is very manageable. Most accountants in Tyler become homeowners within 2-3 years of arriving, often in neighborhoods like South Broadway or The Hills. Renting a 1BR for $1,009 while saving aggressively is a very feasible short-term strategy.

Insider Tip: Property taxes in Smith County are moderate but can be a shock if you’re coming from a state with no property tax. Budget ~1.5% of your home’s value annually for taxes and insurance.

Where the Jobs Are: Tyler's Major Employers

Tyler’s job market for accountants is anchored by a handful of major, stable employers. You won’t find a sprawling tech scene, but you will find deep roles in healthcare, education, and regional corporate offices.

1. Christus Health (Tyler): A massive regional healthcare system with its Tyler headquarters. They hire a full spectrum of accountants, from patient revenue specialists to financial analysts. Hiring is consistent due to the scale of their operations. They offer strong benefits and a clear corporate ladder.
2. UT Health Tyler (University of Texas Health Science Center): A major teaching hospital and research center. Their finance department is large and complex, requiring accountants skilled in grant accounting, compliance, and state-level reporting. This is a great spot for those with a government/non-profit interest.
3. Tyler ISD (Tyler Independent School District): One of the largest employers in the county. They have a dedicated finance department that handles everything from payroll for thousands of employees to bond accounting. Stable, union-backed, and offers excellent public servant benefits.
4. East Texas Oil & Gas Companies: While not as large as in Houston, companies like Eastland Operating and Henry Resources have local offices. They need landmen, revenue accountants, and CPAs familiar with the unique financial reporting rules of the oil and gas industry. This is a niche but lucrative path.
5. Texas College / University of Texas at Tyler: The accounting departments of these universities hire staff accountants for their own financial operations. The local office of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts also employs auditors and tax specialists.
6. Manufacturing & Distribution: Tyler is a regional logistics hub. Companies like Southwest Industrial Electronics and Tyler Pipe (a division of McWane) have corporate offices that require cost accountants and internal auditors. This is where you find "real-world" manufacturing accounting experience.

Hiring Trends: The medical sector (Christus, UT Health) is the most aggressive hirer. There is also steady demand from local government and school districts. Public accounting firms (like Holtzman Partners or Cannon & Co.) hire seasonally for tax and audit, but these roles are highly competitive. Your best bet is to target the corporate and healthcare sectors first.

Getting Licensed in TX

To practice as a CPA in Texas, you must be licensed by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA). The process is rigorous but straightforward.

Requirements:

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including 30 hours of upper-level accounting and 24 hours of upper-level business.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). This is a national exam.
3. Experience: 1 year of work experience (2,000 hours) under the direct supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Texas-specific ethics exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state and section).
• TSBPA Application & Licensing Fees: ~$400.
• Ethics Exam Fee: ~$200.
• Study Materials (Becker, Roger, etc.): $1,500 - $3,000.
• Total Estimated Cost (excluding tuition): $3,600 - $5,100.

Timeline to Get Started: If you already have your 150 hours, the process typically takes 12-18 months: 6-12 months to study and pass all four exam sections, and then 3-6 months to complete the experience requirement and application process. If you need to take extra classes, add another year.

Insider Tip: The Texas Board is known for being strict on the "direct supervision" requirement. If you move to Tyler with a job offer from a non-CPA supervisor, clarify your path to licensure with the TSBPA before you accept. Many local firms in Tyler are happy to help new hires get licensed, as it benefits them directly.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Tyler is a sprawling city, and your commute can vary wildly depending on where you live. Most accountants work in the South Tyler / The Hills area (near Christus) or North Tyler (near UT Health and the airport). Here are the best neighborhoods to consider.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
South Broadway / The Hills	Upscale, quiet, tree-lined. 10-15 min to major employers.	$1,100 - $1,400	Young professionals, couples. Safe, walkable to some shops.
Cannan / Old Omen Road	Established, family-friendly. 15-20 min commute.	$950 - $1,200	Those wanting more space for the money. Great schools.
Downtown Tyler	Historic, walkable, growing arts/food scene. 10-12 min to most jobs.	$1,000 - $1,300	Urban-minded professionals who want nightlife and festivals.
North Tyler / Chandler Hwy	More affordable, convenient to UT Health/airport. 10-15 min commute.	$800 - $1,000	Budget-conscious renters; easy access to I-20 for travel.
Saddlebrook / SE Loop 323	Suburban, newer apartment complexes. 20-25 min commute.	$900 - $1,100	Those who prioritize new amenities (pool, gym) and don’t mind a drive.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area around Tyler State Park for a daily commute if you work in South Tyler—traffic on the loop can be a bottleneck. For the best balance of commute and lifestyle, Downtown is emerging as a top choice for younger accountants who want to avoid a car-centric life.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Tyler, career growth is less about rapid jumps and more about deepening expertise and building a local network. The path is typically linear: Staff → Senior → Manager → Controller or Partner.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: Non-negotiable for senior roles. Expect a 10-15% salary premium immediately upon licensure.
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant): Highly valued in Tyler’s manufacturing and industrial sectors. Can add $8,000-$12,000 to your salary.
• ERP Experience (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite): Critical for any large corporate role (Christus, Tyler ISD). This is a key differentiator.
• Oil & Gas Accounting: A niche skill that commands a premium in the local market due to the regional industry presence.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth rate means you won’t see explosive expansion, but you will see consistent opportunity. The aging workforce in Tyler means senior roles will open up steadily. The most significant trend is the digitization of accounting—firms are adopting cloud-based systems, so accountants who are tech-savvy will have a major advantage. The most successful long-term accountants in Tyler often end up as CFOs for local mid-sized companies or Partners in local CPA firms, roles that are deeply tied to the community.

The Verdict: Is Tyler Right for You?

Tyler is not for everyone. It’s a specific choice for a specific lifestyle.

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: Your $84,117 salary goes far here.	Limited Industry Diversity: Heavily reliant on healthcare and oil.
Stable Job Market: Major employers (Christus, UT Health) are recession-resistant.	Slower Pace: Less "buzz" and fewer networking events than major metros.
Manageable Commutes: Under 20 minutes for most residents.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is minimal; you need a reliable vehicle.
Outdoor Access: Great parks, lakes, and hiking within 30 minutes.	Political & Social Conservatism: A strong cultural fit for some, not for others.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck in your pocket.	Limited Cultural Scene: Good for families, but fewer arts/music options than Austin.

Final Recommendation:
Tyler is an ideal choice for mid-career accountants (ages 30-50) seeking stability, homeownership, and a better work-life balance. It’s perfect for those who value community, outdoor activities, and a lower cost of living over the frantic energy of a major tech or finance hub. If you are a CPA with 5-10 years of experience, you can land a senior role (Controller, Senior Manager) and live very comfortably. If you are a young, single accountant fresh out of school, you may find the social scene limiting, but you can build a strong financial foundation here faster than almost anywhere else.

For the right person, Tyler offers a rare combination: a meaningful accounting career with a high quality of life that’s increasingly hard to find in Texas’s larger cities.

FAQs

1. Is the CPA license mandatory to get a good job in Tyler?
Not for entry-level, but absolutely for any senior or managerial role. In Tyler’s tight-knit professional community, the CPA is the gold standard. If you want to be a Controller, Director, or Partner, you need it.

2. How competitive is the job market with only 220 accounting jobs?
It’s selective, not hyper-competitive. With 220 jobs, you can’t be picky, but the applicant pool is smaller than in Dallas. Tailor your resume to Tyler’s employers (highlight healthcare, education, or oil & gas experience if you have it). Networking through the local East Texas Society of CPAs is very effective.

3. What’s the best way to network in Tyler as a newcomer?
Join the East Texas Society of CPAs and attend their monthly meetings. Also, get involved with the Tyler Chamber of Commerce. For informal networking, the "Tyler Young Professionals" group is active. Insider Tip: Many deals and job leads here happen through church connections and community groups, not just LinkedIn.

4. Can I work remotely for a Dallas or Houston firm while living in Tyler?
Yes, and this is a growing trend. Several accountants in Tyler have hybrid or full-remote roles with firms based in larger metros. This can give you Dallas-level salary with Tyler cost of living. However, you’ll need to be self-motivated and ensure your career progression isn’t stunted by physical distance from your firm’s leadership.

5. What’s the biggest "culture shock" for accountants moving to Tyler from a big city?
The pace. Everything moves a bit slower, business relationships are built over time (and often over lunch), and there’s less anonymity. Your professionalism and reputation matter deeply in a community this size. Also, be prepared for a much shorter—and often earlier—commute. Most people are at their desks by 7:30 or 8:00 AM.