Entry-Level Accountant Salary in Plymouth, MN: $49,921 (2026)
Quick Answer:New accountants entering the Plymouth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,921 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,681 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,922) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the accounting field in Plymouth, Minnesota, the entry-level accountant salary is projected to start at around $49,921 in 2026. This starting figure is significantly lower than the city median annual salary of $78,922, presenting a gap that reflects typical career advancement expectations in the industry. Over the first three to five years, entry-level accountants can look forward to gradual salary increases, moving through various milestones from the 25th percentile at $65,169 to the median as they gain experience and possibly pursue additional credentials. Given Plymouth's strong job market, this is an opportune time for new grads to enter the field, especially as companies increasingly seek qualified accountants to support their financial operations.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level accountants in Plymouth, MN typically start between $49,921 and $65,169 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $72,409 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,922 — 8.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average accounting program cost in Minnesota of $58,000 represents just 116.18% of the starting accountant pay ($49,921/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level accountant pay ranges from $49,921 to $65,169, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth'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 Plymouth is $72,409 ( 145.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,921, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,330.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,629
2025 BLS Actual
$48,651
2026 Current Est.
$49,921
2019–2027 Growth
+32.6%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,629 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,272 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,172 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,805 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,651 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,921 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,224 | Projected |
Entry-level accountant compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MN grew 25.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,629 in 2019 to $48,651 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,224. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
New graduates aiming for a successful start in accounting have several avenues to consider for securing employment in Plymouth. Large firms often recruit through campus pipelines, with the Big 4 firms being major players in hiring fresh accounting graduates for staff associate roles. For those preferring a quicker path to partnership, regional firms may provide an attractive option with potentially faster advancement, albeit with smaller bonuses. It's essential for new accountants to obtain requisite credentials, such as a CPA license, which entails passing the Uniform CPA Exam and meeting state experience requirements. Other qualifications like a CMA or a master's degree in accounting can also enhance earning potential. In the initial years, accounting professionals generally experience a high turnover rate, with approximately 60% transitioning to industry roles for better pay. During busy tax seasons, accountants can expect demanding schedules, working upwards of 60 to 80 hours a week, which might also impact their early career experiences but ultimately positions them well for growth in the accounting profession.
More salary data for Plymouth, MN:
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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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