Entry-Level Accountant Salary in Cody, WY: $56,311 (2026)
Quick Answer:New accountants entering the Cody, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,311 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cody's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,780 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,075) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the accounting field in Cody, Wyoming, the starting pay presents a clear opportunity and a few challenges. The entry-level accountant salary in Cody is projected to begin at approximately $56,311, which is notably below the city's median annual salary of $79,075. However, this starting figure has the potential for steady growth, with early career professionals achieving around $64,708 by their first few years, ultimately working toward the median over the following 3-5 years. Given the local economic conditions and available positions, Cody seems like a reasonable market for new graduates aiming to launch their accounting careers despite being slightly lower than the national median of $85,864 for 2026, which highlights the need for sound expectations regarding salary progression.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cody
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 Cody
Entry-level accountants in Cody, WY typically start between $56,311 and $64,708 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $66,256 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,075 — 7.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average accounting program cost in Wyoming of $38,000 represents just 67.48% of the starting accountant pay ($56,311/year) in Cody. 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 Cody
- 1Research the Cody market: entry-level accountant pay ranges from $56,311 to $64,708, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cody, 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 Cody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cody'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 Cody is $66,256 ( 117.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,311, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,567.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,574
2025 BLS Actual
$54,879
2026 Current Est.
$56,311
2019–2027 Growth
+32.6%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Cody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,574 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,299 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,993 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,571 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,413 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,311 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,879 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,311 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,781 | Projected |
Entry-level accountant compensation (10th percentile) in Cody, WY grew 25.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,574 in 2019 to $54,879 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,781. New graduates entering the Cody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody 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 Cody
In terms of immediate employment prospects, several organizations in Cody actively seek entry-level accountants. While Big 4 firms are usual recruiters of accounting graduates from larger universities, smaller regional firms in Cody could provide a more accelerated career track toward becoming a partner, albeit with potentially smaller bonuses. Local corporate accounting departments typically require more experience, preferring candidates with public accounting backgrounds. Pursuing credentials such as a CPA license after completing a Bachelor’s degree could significantly enhance starting salaries and career opportunities. For instance, candidates striving to secure higher starting pay might also consider additional qualifications like CMA or CIA certifications. In the wake of busy seasons, particularly from January through April, new accountants may expect to work extended hours, providing valuable experience in high-pressure environments. Realistically, salaries for professionals in their first three years can expect steady growth, particularly for those who network aggressively and obtain industry-related certifications, setting the stage for upward mobility in the rewarding field of accounting in Wyoming.
More salary data for Cody, WY:
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 Cody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cody 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