What Is an Accountant's Salary in Texas?

Home to thriving economies and diverse industries, Texas offers a modern business climate for finance professionals. The Big Four accounting firms — Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG — maintain a strong presence in Texas' major cities. These firms offer Texas accountants diverse and challenging projects, exposure to multinational clients, and opportunities for professional development.

Accountants in Texas earned an average annual salary of $87,300 as of May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Texas' accountants enjoy slightly higher wages than the national mean of $86,740, but given the state's low cost of living, these professionals can benefit from much higher purchasing power.

In many states, even certified public accountants (CPAs) earn less than auditors and accountants in Texas. A graduate degree, professional certification, or industry awards can boost an accountant's salary over their career. Use this guide to learn more about how much you can earn as an accountant in Texas.

Salary by Experience

Accountant salaries in Texas typically increase with experience. As these professionals develop skills like tax accounting, forensic accounting, financial analysis, and auditing, they may assume management or leadership roles and receive salary increases.

Employers typically pay seasoned professionals more than they pay entry-level workers. Over time, they often reward good performance with bonuses and other benefits. Along with expected salary progression, experienced accountants can also benefit from earning industry recognition, advanced degrees, or professional certifications.

Some of the figures in the following tables apply to fewer than 50 respondents.

Source: Payscale

Source: Payscale

Source: Payscale

CPA vs. Accountant Salary in Texas

An accounting degree alone can provide a solid foundation of knowledge in accounting principles, financial analysis, taxation, and other relevant areas. However, obtaining CPA certification can significantly affect an accountant's salary and career prospects.

CPAs conduct corporate audits and represent companies before the IRS. Accountants take a more day-to-day role in financial management.

Source: Payscale; Payscale

Source: Payscale; Payscale

Source: Payscale; Payscale

In general, Texas-based CPAs earn more than general accountants. However, becoming a CPA usually requires a master's degree or its equivalent, along with passing a standardized exam.

Sometimes, an advanced certification or a graduate degree in accounting pays off. Payscale reports that an individual with a bachelor's in accounting earns an average of $77,000 a year, while a professional with an MBA in accounting earns an average of $80,000.

Cost of Living in Texas

Texas is one of the most affordable states to live in. Cost of living calculates the prices of basic necessities in an area versus the national average. A low cost of living is important because it means your accountant salary covers more expenses each month.

World Population Review, which ranks each state's cost of living against an average index of 100, awarded Texas a score of 92.1, landing it below the national median. Not all areas of Texas are equally priced, however. Major cities such as Dallas and Austin may cost more than smaller locations such as El Paso.

Job Availability in Texas

Source: Projections Central

As one of the largest states in terms of population and economy, Texas houses companies across many industries, including energy, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and finance.

These sectors often require accounting professionals to handle financial management, tax compliance, auditing, and other related tasks. Employment trends in these industries help determine how many accountants and auditors Texas can employ.

Projections indicate that Texas is poised to hire many thousands of accountants in just a few years. Experienced and certified professionals may find employment quickly in this state.