Accountant Hourly Pay in Moorhead, MN: $36.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Moorhead, MN runs $36.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,697 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Moorhead's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,024 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moorhead, Minnesota, the accountant hourly pay stands at a median of $36.88. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $41.28, indicating a regional difference that may impact local accountants' earnings and job choices. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the financial implications are significant. They could expect around 24 hours of work per week, resulting in a substantial yet proportionate income compared to full-time counterparts. Entry-level accountants may start at about $26.59 per hour, whereas seasoned professionals can earn as much as $57.15. This varied scale reflects the range of responsibilities and expertise within different roles—whether in corporate finance departments, government positions, or public accounting firms in Moorhead.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.59 | $212.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.55 | $244.38 |
| Median (P50) | $36.88 | $295.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.70 | $373.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.15 | $457.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Moorhead
Based on $36.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.88/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Moorhead, MN can expect to earn approximately $76,706 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,254. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Moorhead.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Moorhead
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,475.12 | $6,392 | $76,706 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $885.07 | $3,835 | $46,024 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $590.05 | $2,557 | $30,683 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Moorhead) | $36.88 |
| 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 Moorhead, MN earn a median of $76,697 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.68% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $79,726.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.88/hr = $46,024/year (purchasing power: $46,725).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,706/year (purchasing power: $77,874).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Moorhead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Moorhead grew 17.0% from $30.73/hr (2019) to $35.94/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.84/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 Moorhead 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 Moorhead
Examining the earning potential reveals that a part-time accountant working 24 hours weekly could bring home an annual income lower than their full-time peers, yet the flexibility often proves appealing. Per diem and contract accountants in Moorhead typically command higher rates, ranging from $50 to $95 per hour depending on their specialty. Those affiliated with major firms like Deloitte or PwC in a busy season might even charge between $80 and $130 per hour, while expert witnesses in forensic accounting scenarios could see rates soaring from $300 to $600 an hour. Hourly rates in Moorhead can vary significantly based on the type of employment—whether at Big 4 firms, local CPA practices, or corporate accounting departments where benefits might be a trade-off for lower pay. It’s essential for accountants to negotiate effectively, valuing their skills and specialties while considering the stability that full-time positions may offer compared to higher hourly rates without benefits.
More salary data for Moorhead, MN:
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 Moorhead. 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 Moorhead 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