Accountant Hourly Pay in Golden, CO: $39.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Golden, CO runs $39.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,393 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Golden's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,430 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The accountant hourly pay in Golden, CO, stands at $39.61, slightly below the national median of $41.28. This hourly rate is significant for part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, who may earn a comfortable income while managing other commitments. For per-diem accountants, this rate allows for flexible work environments, whether in public firm client meeting rooms, corporate finance offices, or working remotely during tax season. The hourly range extends from $28.60 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $61.40 for those at the top of their careers, highlighting the potential for growth as experience and expertise develop. Importantly, these hourly figures are derived from projected annual salary data, emphasizing the increased urgency of understanding income on an hourly basis for both employees and freelancers in Golden.
About the Golden Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.60 | $228.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.73 | $261.86 |
| Median (P50) | $39.61 | $316.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.70 | $405.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.40 | $491.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Golden
Based on $39.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.61/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Golden, CO can expect to earn approximately $82,384 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,529. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Golden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Golden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,584.30 | $6,865 | $82,384 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $950.58 | $4,119 | $49,430 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $633.72 | $2,746 | $32,953 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Golden) | $39.61 |
| 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 Golden, CO earn a median of $82,393 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.04% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $89,557.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.61/hr = $49,430/year (purchasing power: $47,076).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,384/year (purchasing power: $78,460).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Golden grew 17.0% from $33.00/hr (2019) to $38.60/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.64/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 Golden 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 Golden
Many accountants in Golden prefer part-time roles, with a typical schedule of 24 hours per week translating to an annual income that can vary widely. In contrast to full-time counterparts, who may receive benefits, part-time professionals can tailor their work life to meet personal needs while still enjoying competitive earnings. Per-diem or agency accountants might bill between $50-$95 per hour, with those from the Big 4 toasting higher rates during busy seasons, often between $80-$130 an hour. Forensic accountants serving as expert witnesses can command rates as high as $300-$600 per hour in litigation. The employer type greatly influences earnings, as Big 4 firms provide prestige but may pay lower hourly wages compared to corporate accounting departments where cash compensation tends to be higher. Accountants often face a choice between a higher hourly rate without benefits or a lower rate with more comprehensive health plans. For those seeking hourly roles in Golden, negotiating for better rates requires showcasing relevant experience and understanding market demands, especially during peak seasons when extra hours are in high demand.
More salary data for Golden, CO:
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 Golden. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Golden 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