Accountant Hourly Pay in Jonesboro, AR: $32.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Jonesboro, AR runs $32.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,723 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Jonesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,633 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Jonesboro, Arkansas, the accountant hourly pay stands at a median of $32.56, notably lower than the national hourly median of $41.28. This figure reflects the local market dynamics and offers insights into the financial expectations for accounting roles in the area. For part-time accountants working three days a week, this rate translates to meaningful earnings, allowing them to make a viable living while balancing other commitments. Per-diem accountants, who often find themselves in corporate finance departments, IRS offices, or busy tax seasons working from home, have the flexibility to adjust their work hours according to demand. With a range from $22.74 for entry-level positions to $49.07 for those at the upper end, the hourly pay in Jonesboro provides a platform for professionals at various stages in their careers to thrive, based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates, projected from 2025 data.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.74 | $181.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.48 | $203.82 |
| Median (P50) | $32.56 | $260.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.74 | $317.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.07 | $392.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jonesboro
Based on $32.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.56/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jonesboro, AR can expect to earn approximately $67,721 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,070. With a cost-of-living index of 85.88 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jonesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jonesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,302.33 | $5,643 | $67,721 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $781.40 | $3,386 | $40,633 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $520.93 | $2,257 | $27,088 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Jonesboro) | $32.56 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Bookkeeping / Accounting Clerk (National Avg) | $22.93 |
| Auditor (National Avg) | $39.88 |
| Tax Examiner / Collector (National Avg) | $29.61 |
Accountants in Jonesboro, AR earn a median of $67,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.13% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 0.30% above the Arkansas state average of $67,520.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.56/hr = $40,633/year (purchasing power: $47,315).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,721/year (purchasing power: $78,859).
CoL index: 85.876 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Jonesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Jonesboro grew 15.9% from $27.37/hr (2019) to $31.73/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.41/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem accountants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jonesboro 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.
Working as an Hourly Accountant in Jonesboro
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a three-day workweek for accountants in Jonesboro can yield an annual income that, while less than that of full-time counterparts, still can be substantial given the flexibility offered. Many professionals taking on per-diem work under 1099 contracts can command rates ranging from $50 to $95 an hour, significantly elevating their earnings, especially if they specialize in audit or tax services during peak seasons. In contrast, accountants from the Big 4 firms might earn between $80 and $130 per hour during the tax season, while forensic experts can bill an impressive $300 to $600 an hour in litigation contexts. The variance in hourly rates is notable when considering the types of employers in Jonesboro, from large public firms to smaller CPA practices and government entities. Accountants often face a trade-off between opting for a lower hourly pay with benefits or seeking higher rates without health insurance. When negotiating hourly wages, it’s essential to recognize the specific needs of the employer and leverage the local market trends to position oneself effectively in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Jonesboro, AR:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for accountants in Jonesboro. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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