Accountant Hourly Pay in Helena, MT: $37.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Helena, MT runs $37.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,702 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Helena's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,215 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Helena, MT, the average accountant hourly pay stands at $37.83, which reflects the competitive nature of the local job market compared to the national median hourly rate of $41.28. This wage offers a viable option for part-time and per-diem accountants, allowing professionals to work just three days a week in various settings such as corporate finance departments, IRS offices, or remote tax season positions. With an hourly range extending from $24.80 for entry-level positions to $52.24 for top earners, the potential for earnings in this field is promising. The data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that these figures serve as a practical benchmark for accountants looking to establish their earning base in the region.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.80 | $198.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.54 | $252.34 |
| Median (P50) | $37.83 | $302.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.55 | $356.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.24 | $417.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Helena
Based on $37.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.83/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Helena, MT can expect to earn approximately $78,691 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,399. With a cost-of-living index of 95.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Helena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Helena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,513.29 | $6,558 | $78,691 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $907.98 | $3,935 | $47,215 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $605.32 | $2,623 | $31,476 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Helena) | $37.83 |
| 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 Helena, MT earn a median of $78,702 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.34% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 1.20% above the Montana state average of $77,769.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.83/hr = $47,215/year (purchasing power: $49,349).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,691/year (purchasing power: $82,248).
CoL index: 95.675 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Helena grew 17.0% from $31.53/hr (2019) to $36.87/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.82/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 Helena 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 Helena
For those considering part-time work in accounting, opting for a 24-hour workweek can lead to wages that accumulate significantly over time, though the annual totals will inherently fall short of a full-time salary. Per-diem accountants, typically working on a 1099 basis, can command hourly rates between $50-$95 according to their areas of expertise, while those with experience in high-demand roles—like former Big 4 accountants—may achieve rates of $80-$130 during peak seasons. Different employer types, such as regional CPA firms and corporate finance departments, influence the hourly variations. Accountants often face a choice between lower hourly pay with benefits or higher wages without, compelling them to weigh their options carefully. Negotiating can be key; understanding the specific demands of Helena's market, combined with knowledge from sources like the AICPA, can empower accountants to advocate effectively for their worth in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
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 Helena. 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, 2-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