Accountant Salary

Entry-Level Accountant Salary in Aguadilla, PR: $24,914 (2026)

Quick Answer:New accountants entering the Aguadilla, PR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,914 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Puerto Rico's local price level (BEA RPP 75.025% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,219 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($37,843) within a few years of clinical practice.

$24,914
Starting Salary
$11.97/hr
Starting Hourly
$24,914
Entry Level
$37,843
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

Accountant Entry Level Salary in Aguadilla, PR — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Aguadilla, PR accountant entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

New graduates seeking entry-level positions in accounting in Aguadilla, PR, can expect a starting salary around $24,914. This figure is markedly below the city’s median annual salary of $37,843, indicating a significant gap that reflects the typical earnings trajectory for early-career professionals. Over the first three to five years, entry-level accountants can realistically anticipate a gradual climb in compensation, moving from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, which is pegged at $30,126. This growth is fueled by experience and increased value-add as they adapt to the demands of the profession. For those entering the workforce in 2026, Aguadilla represents a competent market for accounting positions, although salaries remain significantly lower than the national average of $85,864.

Career Earnings Timeline in Aguadilla

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$24,914/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$30,126/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$37,843/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$48,535/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aguadilla

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for accountants in Aguadilla. The median salary is $37,843, compared to the national median of $85,864.$22.4K$39.4K$56.3K$73.2K$90.2K$24.9K10th Pctl$30.1K25th Pctl$37.8KMedian$48.5K75th Pctl$68.1K90th PctlUS Median$85.9K

Entry-level accountants in Aguadilla, PR typically start between $24,914 and $30,126 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,157 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $37,84355.93% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of accountant pay in the Aguadilla metro area.

Return on Investment

$25,000
Avg PR Program Cost
$24,914
Starting Salary
100.35%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
1.0 yr
Payback Estimate

The average accounting program cost in Puerto Rico of $25,000 represents just 100.35% of the starting accountant pay ($24,914/year) in Aguadilla. 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 Aguadilla

  • 1Research the Aguadilla market: entry-level accountant pay ranges from $24,914 to $30,126, 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 PR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Aguadilla, 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 Aguadilla for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Aguadilla'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 Aguadilla is $43,157 ( 173.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,914, experienced hygienists can earn up to $68,071.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$18,560

2025 BLS Actual

$24,280

2026 Current Est.

$24,914

2019–2027 Growth

+37.7%

Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Aguadilla (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for accountants in Aguadilla. Baseline $18,560 in 2025, projected to $25,564 by 2027.$17.2K$19.6K$22.1K$24.5K$27.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$18.6K$19.6K$21.8K$22.1K$22.2K$22.4K$24.3K$24.9K$25.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$18,560Actual
2020$19,560Actual
2021$21,780Actual
2022$22,050Actual
2023$22,220Actual
2024$22,430Actual
2025$24,280Actual
2026(current)$24,914Estimated
2027$25,564Projected

Entry-level accountant compensation (10th percentile) in Aguadilla, PR grew 30.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,560 in 2019 to $24,280 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,564. New graduates entering the Aguadilla job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aguadilla metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Aguadilla

In Aguadilla, several employers are looking to hire new graduates in accounting, with the most notable being the larger firms known colloquially as the Big 4. While these firms typically recruit a significant number of graduates fresh from college, regional firms also present opportunities for accelerated career advancement, albeit with potentially smaller bonuses. Corporate accounting departments generally prefer experienced candidates, often requiring 2-5 years of public accounting experience before considering new hires for senior or managerial roles. To enhance starting pay, candidates should consider obtaining a CPA license, which requires passing the Uniform CPA Exam and fulfilling state experience requirements; the additional certifications—such as CMA, CIA, or CFE—can also elevate a candidate's marketability. As many professionals transition from public firms to industry roles within their first few years, this provides another viable pathway to higher-paying positions, although the public firms often demand 60-80 hour work weeks during the peak tax season from January to April. Realistic salary growth expectations for entry-level accountants should consider that while initial pay may be modest, diligent professionals can expect to see increased earnings as they gain valuable experience and recognition in Aguadilla’s accounting sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for accountants in Aguadilla in 2026?

Entry-level accountants in Aguadilla start at approximately $24,914/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.61% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $11.98/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do accountant salaries grow in Aguadilla?

Most accountants in Aguadilla progress from the entry-level salary of $24,914 to the area median of $37,843 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $68,071 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is accounting school worth it in Aguadilla?

With a starting salary of $24,914/year in Aguadilla and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new accountants recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new accountants make right out of school in Aguadilla?

New accounting graduates in Aguadilla typically start near the 10th percentile at $24,914/year, or approximately $11.98/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a accountant in Puerto Rico?

To become a licensed accountant in Puerto Rico, you typically need bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field is required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Puerto Rico, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some accountants pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Puerto Rico

SP

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

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 Aguadilla. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.

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

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