Accountant Salary

Elko vs Reno: Accountant Salary (2026)

Compare accountant salaries between Elko, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Elko, NV
$78,975
$37.97/hr
Reno, NV
$84,520
$40.63/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricElko, NVReno, NV
Median Salary$78,975$84,520
Hourly Rate$37.97$40.63
Entry Level (P10)$58,949$61,227
25th Percentile$66,846$76,455
75th Percentile$98,704$106,745
Top Earner (P90)$122,411$132,582
Total Employed41,480
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Elko ($78,975) and Reno ($84,520) accountant salaries.ElkoRenoMedian Salary$78,975$84,520Entry Level (P10)$58,949$61,227Top Earner (P90)$122,411$132,582US Median $85,864

Verdict

Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elko.

The salary gap between Elko and Reno is $5,545 (7.02%). Reno's median is -1.57% compared to the US national median of $85,864.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elko spans $63,462,Reno spans $71,355. Reno has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced accountants.

Elko
P10 (Entry)$58,949
P25$66,846
Median$78,975
P75$98,704
P90 (Top)$122,411
Reno
P10 (Entry)$61,227
P25$76,455
Median$84,520
P75$106,745
P90 (Top)$132,582

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Reno ($83,672 effective) pays 4.15% more than Elko ($80,341 effective).

Elko
Nominal: $78,975
CoL Index: 98.3
Adjusted: $80,341
Reno
Nominal: $84,520
CoL Index: 101.014
Adjusted: $83,672

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Elko if…

  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Choose Reno if…

  • Higher median salary ($84,520/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($132,582)
  • Larger job market (1,480 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,672)
  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Elko grew 7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.0% growth in Reno over the same period.

Elko, NV

+7.3%

$71,742 (2024) → $76,966 (2025)

Reno, NV

+32.0%

$62,390 (2019) → $82,370 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays accountants more: Elko or Reno?

Reno has a higher median accountant salary at $84,520/year, compared to Elko at $78,975/year — a difference of $5,545 (7.02%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Elko and Reno?

Elko accountants earn $37.97/hr while Reno hygienists earn $40.63/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Elko to Reno as a accountant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Elko and Reno. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Elko = $80,341, Reno = $83,672), job availability (4 vs 1,480 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level accountants earn in Elko vs Reno?

Entry-level (10th percentile) accountants earn $58,949 in Elko and $61,227 in Reno. The Reno area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA

Career Analyst

Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Chen, CMAData verified by Amina Khan, MBA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov