Accountant Hourly Pay in Emporia, KS: $34.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Emporia, KS runs $34.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,056 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Emporia's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,232 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Emporia, Kansas, the projected median hourly pay for accountants stands at $34.64, which is notably lower than the national median of $41.28. This hourly rate reflects the dynamics of part-time roles in the accounting field, where professionals working three days a week can expect compensation that aligns with their availability. These accountants commonly find themselves in diverse work environments, from client-facing roles in public firms to corporate settings and remote tax season positions. The hourly wage range for accountants in the area stretches from $25.22 for entry-level positions to $53.70 for seasoned professionals, illustrating the opportunities for salary growth as one gains experience and expertise within the field. The estimates provided are derived from annual salary data projected into hourly figures, making it easier for prospective accountants in Emporia to understand their earning potential.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.22 | $201.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.75 | $230.01 |
| Median (P50) | $34.64 | $277.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.34 | $354.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.70 | $429.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Emporia
Based on $34.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.64/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Emporia, KS can expect to earn approximately $72,054 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,569. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Emporia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Emporia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,385.65 | $6,004 | $72,054 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $831.39 | $3,603 | $43,232 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $554.26 | $2,402 | $28,821 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Emporia) | $34.64 |
| 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 Emporia, KS earn a median of $72,056 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.08% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $78,067.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.64/hr = $43,232/year (purchasing power: $47,560).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,054/year (purchasing power: $79,267).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Emporia grew 17.0% from $28.87/hr (2019) to $33.76/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.55/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 Emporia 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 Emporia
Looking deeper into the earning landscape, part-time accountants working a typical 24-hour week could see their annual take-home significantly differ from full-time earnings. For those engaged on a per-diem basis, or as contract accountants, billing rates typically range from $50 to $95 an hour, depending on their specialization. High-demand roles in the industry, such as forensic accountants or those with experience at Big 4 firms, may command upwards of $80 to $130 per hour during busy seasons, while expert witnesses in litigation can see rates soaring to $300-$600 per hour. The hourly rates can vary based on the type of employer, with public accounting firms typically offering lower rates than corporate controllers while providing more comprehensive benefits. This trade-off can affect job decisions; accountants may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance, while others pursue higher hourly pay without additional perks. For those considering roles in Emporia, it’s advisable to engage in negotiations that emphasize both desired hourly rates and the overall package of benefits to secure the best compensation possible.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for accountants in Emporia in 2026?
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Are accountants in Emporia paid hourly or salary?
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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 Emporia. 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 Emporia 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