Oregon Accounting Salaries: What to Expect

Most professionals would agree that determining accurate salary information for specific careers can be challenging.

In this post, you'll find a detailed analysis of accounting salaries across Oregon, including key metrics like average pay for CPAs, staff accountants, and bookkeepers.

We'll compare Oregon accounting salaries to national averages, highlight top industries and cities for accountants, and explore future job growth - equipping you with the insights needed to evaluate career opportunities in the Beaver State.

Introduction to Oregon Accounting Salaries: What to Expect

Accounting is a stable and lucrative career path in Oregon. As a hub for major companies like Nike and Columbia Sportswear, Oregon offers competitive salaries to attract top accounting talent.

Several factors impact how much accountants make in Oregon:

Education level: CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) earn significantly higher salaries than accountants without that credential. Becoming a CPA requires passing difficult exams and meeting experience requirements.
Years of experience: More experienced accountants generally make higher salaries. Entry-level roles like Staff Accountant tend to pay $45,000 - $65,000, while senior-level roles like Finance Director can pay over $150,000.
Type of employer: Accountants at large corporations tend to earn higher wages than those at small businesses or non-profits. Public accounting firms also offer high salaries but demand longer hours.
Cost of living: Oregon has a lower cost of living than large coastal cities, so salaries don't need to be as high to attract talent. However, the Portland metro area is seeing rapid growth and increasing housing costs.

Overall, accounting remains a stable, well-compensated field in Oregon. Salaries vary based on factors like education, experience, employer size, and location, but accountants play a vital economic role that commands strong pay.

What is the highest paying state for accountants?

The highest paying state for accountants and CPAs in the United States is the District of Columbia, with an average annual salary of $105,240. New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and California round out the top 5 highest paying states for accountants, with average salaries ranging from $89,000 to $98,000 per year.

Some key factors that contribute to higher accountant salaries in these areas include:

High cost of living: States like New York, California, and New Jersey have a very high cost of living, especially in major metro areas. To compensate, salaries tend to be higher as well.
Concentration of Fortune 500 companies: States like New York and California are home to many large, global corporations that can pay top dollar for accounting talent. The presence of major financial hubs also drives demand.
Strong job growth: High-paying states tend to have a robust demand for accountants and auditors, leading to competitive salaries. For example, the BLS projects 14% job growth for accountants and auditors in California through 2026.

So in summary, areas with high costs of living, abundant large corporations, and growing accounting job opportunities tend to offer the highest salaries for finance and accounting professionals. Those willing to take positions in places like Washington D.C. and San Francisco can often command the highest national average compensation packages.

How much does an accountant earn near Oregon?

Accountants in Oregon earn competitive salaries, with plenty of opportunities across the state. Here's a breakdown of typical accountant earnings:

Annual Salary

Top 25% (75th percentile): $65,000
Average: $53,092
Bottom 25% (25th percentile): $46,500

Hourly Wage

Top 25% (75th percentile): $31
Average: $26
Bottom 25% (25th percentile): $22

As you can see, annual accountant salaries in Oregon tend to range from $46,500 on the low end up to $65,000 for top earners. Hourly wages typically span $22-31 per hour.

Some factors that influence accountant pay in Oregon include:

Experience level: More seasoned accountants earn higher salaries, with senior-level roles paying nearly double entry-level positions.
Certifications: CPAs tend to command the highest accountant salaries in Oregon. Other certifications like CMA or EA also boost pay.
Industry: Accountants in certain industries like tech, finance, or healthcare tend to earn above-average incomes.
Location: Accountant salaries in Portland and other large metro areas tend to exceed rural wages.

So while the average accountant in Oregon makes around $53,000, pay can vary considerably based on position, credentials, location, and employer. Those seeking the top 25% of accountant salaries will want to aim for senior or management roles, pursue CPA/CMA certifications, and target high-paying industries or employers.

What is the best accounting pay?

The highest paying accounting jobs are typically leadership roles that require extensive experience. According to salary data, some of the best accounting pay includes:

CFO: The Chief Financial Officer oversees all financial operations. Salary range is $141,000-$400,000 per year.
Audit Partner: Audit partners manage teams conducting financial statement audits. Their salary range is $215,000-$360,000 annually.
Paymaster: The paymaster is responsible for payroll and compensation. Pay can range from $31,000-$350,000 per year.
Chief Accounting Officer: The CAO is the head of accounting who reports to the CFO. Salaries are $131,000-$278,000.
Vice President of Finance: The VP of Finance supports the CFO in strategic decisions. Compensation is similar to a CAO.

Other lucrative accounting roles include Fund Controller, Finance Manager, and Chief Accountant. Generally speaking, higher degrees like a CPA or CFA certification combined with leadership capabilities can unlock the top salaries.

What is considered good income in Oregon?

The average salary in Oregon is $40,874 per year or $19.65 per hour. This provides a baseline for what is considered a decent income in the state. However, "good income" is relative and depends on individual circumstances.

Here is a breakdown of Oregon income levels:

Entry level positions typically start around $32,026 per year. This would be on the lower end for many living costs.
Experienced professionals tend to earn up to $91,685 per year. This provides greater financial flexibility.
The median household income is $63,426. Half of households earn less than this benchmark.
Top tier incomes reach over $150,000 per year. This allows for significant disposable income.

So in summary, a good income really depends on your profession, education level, location, lifestyle, and family size. But broadly speaking, the Oregon average of $40,874 would be considered decent while incomes over $60,000 enable more comfortable living. The top 10% of earners make over $100,000 which grants high prosperity.

Ultimately earning potential is strong across many accounting and finance roles in Oregon, especially in metro areas. Careful career planning can lead to solid compensation packages. But cost of living must also be factored when evaluating pay equity and financial well-being.

Deciphering the Average Salary for Accountants in Oregon

Accounting is a stable and essential profession in Oregon's business ecosystem. As companies grow and regulations evolve, demand increases for qualified accountants to manage finances, ensure compliance, and advise on strategy. This drives competitive salaries in the state, especially in metro areas like Portland.

Staff Accountant Salaries: The Foundation of Accounting Compensation Packages

Staff accountants perform core accounting duties like preparing financial statements, recording transactions, reconciling accounts, and supporting audits. According to PayScale, the average staff accountant salary in Oregon is $52,774 per year, ranging from $41,000 for entry-level roles up to around $65,000 for senior positions. Those with specialized expertise or certifications can earn more.

Key factors impacting Oregon staff accountant salaries include:

Location: Jobs based in Portland and other major metros pay more than rural areas due to higher costs of living and more competition among employers.
Experience: Salaries typically start around $45,000 for early career accountants and rise with each year of experience.
Industry: Staff accountants in lucrative fields like tech, healthcare, and finance tend to earn higher wages.

Overall, Oregon provides average staff accountant salaries on par with national trends, boosted by strong economic growth in the Portland region.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Salary in Portland, Oregon: Urban Competitive Edge

CPAs in Oregon manage accounting operations, ensure financial reporting compliance, perform audits, analyze investments, and advise clients on taxes and strategy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPAs across Oregon earn an average salary of $83,410. However, wages in Portland run around $90,000 or more.

Factors driving high Portland CPA salaries include:

High demand: Portland's business sector is rapidly expanding, fueling demand for accounting expertise.
Specialized skills: CPAs obtain rigorous training and certification, justifying premium wages.
Big firm competition: Major national accounting firms pay top dollar to attract talent.

Overall, Certified Public Accountants in Oregon enjoy competitive salaries, especially in metro regions like Portland where demand outpaces supply for their financial acumen.

Senior Accountant and Managerial Roles: Climbing the Compensation Ladder

As accountants rise into senior and managerial roles, their wages increase substantially. According to PayScale, accounting managers in Oregon earn an average of $83,239 per year. Further up the ladder, financial controllers make around $125,000 annually.

Driving factors behind senior accountant and manager pay in Oregon include:

Leadership duties: Overseeing teams and managing key accounting functions.
Advanced expertise: Deep financial reporting, tax, audit, and strategic planning skills.
Industry knowledge: Understanding of key regulations, systems, and data analytics.

In short, Oregon accounting offers clear paths to boost earnings through career development and skill-building. Ambitious accountants can unlock six-figure salaries by moving into senior or managerial positions.

Bookkeeper Salary Oregon: Essential Accounting Support

Bookkeepers are critical for recording day-to-day transactions, reconciling accounts, tracking payments, and supporting external accountants. Although they earn modest wages compared to CPAs, bookkeepers provide immense value.

According to Payscale, bookkeepers in Oregon earn an average annual salary of $43,239. Entry-level bookkeepers start around $35,000, while senior roles with 5+ years of experience can reach up to $55,000 per year.

While bookkeeper salaries in Oregon pale in comparison to accountants and financial managers, their pay still outpaces national averages. Steady demand for qualified bookkeepers will continue driving competitive wages across the state.

Comparing Accounting Salaries: Oregon vs. Average Salary for United States

Accounting salaries in Oregon tend to be higher than the national average when accounting for cost of living differences between states. Here is a comparison of key data points:

Pay Equity

The average salary for an Accountant in Oregon is $66,000 per year, which is 5% higher than the national average of $63,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For advanced roles like Certified Public Accountants, Oregon's average salary is $80,000, outpacing the national figure by 7%.
This indicates strong pay equity for accounting professionals relative to national benchmarks.

Cost of Living

Oregon's overall cost of living index score is 106.8, moderately higher than the national baseline score of 100 (Data USA). This suggests salaries need to be 6-7% higher to offer comparable purchasing power.
Key cities like Portland (score of 116.6) and Eugene (106.1) have above-average costs, especially for housing.
Accounting salaries in Oregon appear properly indexed to deliver strong real wage growth that counterbalances elevated living expenses.

Job Openings

As a dynamic state for business and technology, Oregon generates ample accounting job openings each year.
For example, a recent search on Indeed.com showed over 1,000 open accounting positions just in the Portland metro area.
High demand creates upward pressure on wages to attract talent from competitive national labor markets.

In summary, accounting salaries in Oregon tend to exceed national averages, delivering equitable pay after controlling for above-average costs of living across the state. Plentiful job openings also help boost pay rates for those pursuing accounting careers.

Key Industries for Accountants in Oregon: Pacific Payouts Across Sectors

Oregon's economy features several major industries that drive strong demand for accounting talent. Key sectors include:

Technology

The Portland metro area in particular has a thriving technology scene, home to large employers like Intel as well as countless startups. These tech companies need accountants to track finances, ensure regulatory compliance, and support business growth. Average salaries for accountants in the tech sector can range from $65,000 for entry-level roles to over $100,000 for senior positions.

Healthcare

With a rapidly aging population, healthcare is a vital and fast-growing industry in Oregon. Major health systems like Providence and Kaiser Permanente hire armies of accountants to manage patient billing, hospital finances, insurance claims, and more. Salaries often start around $55,000 for junior roles but can exceed $90,000 for senior accountant positions.

Agriculture & Food Production

Oregon has a robust agricultural sector focused on crops like hazelnuts and blueberries as well as livestock and dairy. Food processors are also major employers. Accountants keep the numbers in order across these companies' complex supply chains and distribution networks. Average base pay is $50-60,000, with bonuses and profit sharing opportunities boosting total compensation.

Renewable Energy

With its wealth of wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal resources, Oregon aims to generate 50% of its energy from renewables by 2040. Ambitious projects from utilities and independent power producers create openings for accountants to handle permitting, financing, operational analytics, and more. Salaries range from $70-90,000 on average.

In summary, Oregon's diverse economic landscape offers varied and well-compensated career paths for accounting professionals across tech, healthcare, agriculture, energy, and other vital sectors. Those willing to take on new challenges can find their niche - and a nice paycheck to go with it.

Top Cities for Accountants in Oregon: Where Pacific Payouts Peak

Oregon offers competitive salaries and abundant job opportunities for accountants, especially in major metro areas like Portland, Eugene, Bend, and Medford. Here's a breakdown of the top locations in the state for accounting careers:

Portland

As Oregon's largest city, Portland leads the way with the highest salaries and most open positions for accountants. Major employers include Nike, Intel, Columbia Sportswear, Daimler Trucks North America, and Providence Health & Services.

The average salary for an accountant in Portland is $70,930, significantly higher than the national average. Top earners can make over $100k, especially CPAs and controllers. Popular accounting roles include staff accountant, financial analyst, auditor, and tax accountant.

Portland also boasts a low cost of living compared to other large metro regions in the U.S. This translates to competitive pay and stretching your dollar further as an accounting professional.

Eugene

Home to the University of Oregon, Eugene offers a vibrant local economy and business sector. Major private and public sector employers like PeaceHealth and the University of Oregon drive demand for accountants.

Salaries average $55,000 in Eugene, on par with national rates. Top earners exceed $75k. Eugene's low cost of living also boosts real wages.

Open accounting positions span corporate accountants, financial reporting analysts, payroll administrators, and more. Entry-level and intermediate roles are abundant for those starting their careers.

Bend

Bend emerges as a new hotspot, with accounting salaries averaging $62,470. Numerous small businesses in the tech, healthcare, tourism, and recreation industries are based here.

CPAs and controllers can earn $75-90k on average. Bend also offers affordability and great work-life balance. It's an ideal spot for accountants who love the outdoors.

Medford

In southern Oregon, Medford provides careers in healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and education. Major employers like Asante Health System, Amy's Kitchen, and Harry & David drive demand for corporate and cost accountants, financial analysts, and other accounting specialists.

The average salary is $57,000 in Medford, with top earners making up to $80k. Low cost of living coupled with Medford's small town charm also appeals to many accountants.

So if you're looking to launch or advance your accounting career, target Oregon's major metro regions for the highest salaries, most openings, and great lifestyle perks. Just be prepared for some rainy days!

Outlook for Accounting Careers in Oregon: Future Pacific Payouts

This section will provide a forward-looking analysis of growth and opportunities for accountants as key Oregon industries expand.

Job Openings for Accountants in the Beaver State: Navigating the Market

The job market for accountants in Oregon is expected to grow over the next decade. As industries like technology, healthcare, and renewable energy continue expanding in the state, the demand for qualified accounting professionals will increase as well.

Some of the top accounting job openings in Oregon include:

Staff Accountant
Accounting Manager
Financial Analyst
Auditor
Tax Accountant

Many companies are hiring for hybrid or fully remote accounting roles, giving professionals flexibility in where they live and work. Job seekers can search sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and local job boards to find open accounting positions in Oregon.

When evaluating job offers, be sure to consider factors like:

Salary and benefits: Accounting salaries in Oregon tend to be lower than national averages but are rising. Review the full compensation package.
Work-life balance: Some accounting jobs require long hours, especially during reporting periods. Ask about expectations for hours and flexibility.
Company culture and values: Make sure the company's culture and your values align. Corporate and small business environments can vary greatly.

By understanding the accounting job market and knowing what to look for, finance professionals can find fulfilling careers that provide good pay and a high quality of life.

Specialized Accounting Roles in Oregon: From Tax Consultant to Fund Accountant

Beyond general accounting positions, there are a number of specialized roles for CPAs and accountants to consider in Oregon:

Tax Consultant - Advise clients on tax planning, preparation, and compliance. Salaries range from $55K for entry level to $150K for senior managers.
Fund Accountant - Record and analyze financial transactions for investment funds or pension plans. Average salary around $70K in Oregon.
Forensic Accountant - Investigate white collar crimes like fraud and embezzlement. Experienced professionals can earn over $100K.
Sustainability Accountant - Help companies understand and improve their environmental impact. Unique role that's growing in demand.

Specialized accountants generally need additional certifications like the CPA license beyond a bachelor's degree in accounting. However, these roles allow professionals to combine their financial expertise with industries and topics they're passionate about for greater career satisfaction.

How to Become a CPA in Oregon: Pathways to Pacific Payouts

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Oregon can lead to lucrative career opportunities. Here is an overview of the licensure process and continuing education needed to launch or advance an accounting career in the Beaver State.

Navigating the CPA Licensure Process in Oregon: A Step-by-Step Guide

To become a licensed CPA in Oregon, you must:

Earn a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Many aspiring CPAs complete 150 semester hours for eligibility to sit for the CPA exam.
Pass the Uniform CPA Examination. This rigorous four-part test covers auditing and attestation, business environment and concepts, financial accounting and reporting, and regulation.
Gain relevant work experience. You need at least one year of experience providing services that involve the use of accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax or consulting skills. This is under the supervision of a licensed CPA.
Apply for your license. This involves submitting an application, paying fees, and meeting character requirements with the Oregon Board of Accountancy.

Completing these steps allows you to become a licensed, practicing CPA in Oregon. This paves the way for abundant career opportunities and earning potential.

Continuing Education for Oregon CPAs: Staying Ahead in the Beaver State

Maintaining an active CPA license in Oregon requires ongoing continuing professional education (CPE). Licensed CPAs must complete 80 hours of CPE during each two-year reporting period.

CPE allows Oregon CPAs to stay current on best practices and expand their skillsets. There are abundant options for affordable online courses, seminars, workshops, and conferences. Subjects range from auditing, taxation, and ethics to more specialized topics like blockchain, data analytics, and AI applications for accounting.

Pursuing CPE improves expertise over time while meeting requirements to continue practicing as a licensed CPA. This ensures Oregon accounting professionals remain competitive and qualified to capitalize on evolving career opportunities.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways on Accounting Salaries in the Beaver State

Recap: The Landscape of Accountant Salary Oregon

Accounting salaries in Oregon offer competitive compensation compared to national averages. Key factors influencing accountant pay in the state include:

Oregon's business-friendly tax structure and growing private sector supporting demand and pay rates for accounting talent
Above-average concentration of accounting and finance jobs compared to other states
Rising cost of living, especially in the Portland metro area, pushing salaries higher
Strong presence of large national and global companies with corporate headquarters/regional hubs located in Oregon

Overall, accounting is a promising field in the Beaver State, with lots of open positions and ample room for advancement.

Final Thoughts: Pacific Payouts and the Future of Accounting in Oregon

The future looks bright for accounting professionals in Oregon seeking high salaries and abundant career opportunities. The state's business ecosystem combined with an increased focus on financial regulation and compliance will continue fueling demand.

Candidates willing to obtain CPA certification and specialized expertise in high-growth areas like technology, sustainability, and data analytics will be well-positioned to capitalize on the Pacific Northwest's burgeoning industries. With salaries projected to rise and Oregon's high quality of life, CPAs and accountants have much to gain by pursuing careers in the Beaver State.

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