Accountant Hourly Pay in West Palm Beach, FL: $40.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in West Palm Beach, FL runs $40.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,902 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against West Palm Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,941 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Accountants in West Palm Beach, Florida, can expect a median hourly rate of $40.82, which falls slightly below the national median of $41.28. For those considering part-time opportunities, working three days a week typically means a flexible work-life balance while earning an impressive hourly wage. This earning potential is attractive for per-diem accountants who engage in various settings, such as public firm client rooms, corporate finance offices, and even remote setups during tax season. The hourly pay ranges significantly, from $26.74 for entry-level positions to $63.27 for top earners, highlighting a broad spectrum of financial opportunities within the profession in this vibrant city.
About the West Palm Beach Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.74 | $213.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.06 | $256.44 |
| Median (P50) | $40.82 | $326.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.25 | $417.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.27 | $506.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Palm Beach
Based on $40.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.82/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Palm Beach, FL can expect to earn approximately $84,902 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,982. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Palm Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Palm Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,632.73 | $7,075 | $84,902 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $979.64 | $4,245 | $50,941 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $653.09 | $2,830 | $33,961 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (West Palm Beach) | $40.82 |
| 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 West Palm Beach, FL earn a median of $84,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.12% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 7.40% above the Florida state average of $79,052.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.82/hr = $50,941/year (purchasing power: $50,537).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,902/year (purchasing power: $84,228).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in West Palm Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in West Palm Beach grew 17.0% from $34.01/hr (2019) to $39.78/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.88/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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach
In terms of part-time earning potential, a 3-day workweek accounting schedule totaling 24 hours yields considerable income, offering a viable option for professionals looking to balance work with personal commitments. Many per-diem accountants operating under 1099 contracts command rates between $50 and $95, whereas those affiliated with Big 4 firms may earn even higher during busy seasons, charging between $80 and $130 per hour. Forensic and valuation specialists in litigation can significantly boost their earnings, billing $300 to $600 per hour as expert witnesses. Hourly rates often vary based on employer type, with Big 4 firms typically offering higher compensation compared to mid-tier CPA firms or small practices. Some accountants prioritize hourly pay with health insurance benefits from employers, while others may opt for higher rates without benefits as they navigate their career trajectories. To enhance negotiation success, understanding the market trends and leveraging the specific skills required can ensure better compensation in the competitive market of West Palm Beach.
More salary data for West Palm Beach, FL:
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 West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach 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