Entry-Level Accountant Salary in Fall River, MA: $66,682 (2026)
Quick Answer:New accountants entering the Fall River, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,682 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fall River's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,458 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,245) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With new graduates entering the accounting field in Fall River, the expectations for an entry-level accountant are shaped by a starting salary around $66,682, significantly below the city’s median of $94,245. This means that early-career professionals can anticipate a considerable gap between their initial pay and the overall average for their region. However, Fall River presents a growing market for new grads, as the salary trajectory from this entry point can progress to approximately $77,540 within a few years, ultimately reaching the median in about three to five years. Given the city’s promising growth rate of 2.61% annually, aspiring accountants can find a viable pathway for salary advancement as they accumulate experience and take on additional responsibilities.
About the Fall River Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fall River
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fall River
Entry-level accountants in Fall River, MA typically start between $66,682 and $77,540 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $79,398 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,245 — 9.76% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average accounting program cost in Massachusetts of $95,000 represents just 142.47% of the starting accountant pay ($66,682/year) in Fall River. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AACSB-accredited undergraduate accounting programs at public and private universities. CPA candidates typically complete an additional 30 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree to reach the 150-hour requirement.
CPA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Fall River
- 1Research the Fall River market: entry-level accountant pay ranges from $66,682 to $77,540, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the accounting field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fall River, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Fall River for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fall River's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Accountant Compensation Range
The accountant wage spread in Fall River is $79,398 ( 119.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,682, experienced hygienists can earn up to $146,080.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,599
2025 BLS Actual
$64,986
2026 Current Est.
$66,682
2019–2027 Growth
+32.6%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Fall River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,599 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,457 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,648 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,332 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,513 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,825 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,986 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,682 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,423 | Projected |
Entry-level accountant compensation (10th percentile) in Fall River, MA grew 25.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,599 in 2019 to $64,986 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,423. New graduates entering the Fall River job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fall River metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your accounting Career in Fall River
In terms of securing positions, a range of local employers actively recruit new graduates. While Big 4 firms lead the charge in hiring entry-level candidates, regional firms often provide opportunities that can potentially accelerate a partner track, albeit with smaller bonuses. Companies within the corporate accounting sector typically seek applicants with prior public accounting experience for more advanced roles. Candidates augmenting their qualifications with credentials like a CPA license through the Uniform CPA Exam can also expect to see an uptick in starting accountant salaries in MA. It is important to understand that many new graduates may find themselves in demanding roles during tax season, which can lead to 60-80 hour work weeks, aligning their efforts with greater future cash compensation. In the first three years, realistic salary growth expectations hinge on market demand and the decision to remain in public accounting or transition to industry roles, which often promise competitive salaries but at the expense of less prestige associated with firm partnership tracks.
More salary data for Fall River, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new accounting graduates. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Fall River. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fall River is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov