Accountant Salary in Fort Collins, CO: $91,672 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Fort Collins, CO earns a median $91,672/year (≈ $44.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Fort Collins's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.1), that paycheck buys what $90,649 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for accountants in Fort Collins, Colorado, is set at $91,672, which reflects a competitive edge on the national figure of $85,864 and showcases a 6.76% premium compared to the national median. The salary range spans from $54,896 at the 10th percentile to a robust $152,540 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse range of earnings in this profession. This information is sourced from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Given Fort Collins's growing job market and the shifting dynamics of accounting roles, the area presents an intriguing opportunity for both recent graduates entering the field and seasoned professionals seeking to advance their careers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,896 | $26.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,242 | $34.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,672 | $44.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $118,094 | $56.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $152,540 | $73.34 |
Median Salary Position
6.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Collins
In Fort Collins, CO, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $97,644 (2026 est.). At $91,672, the local median is 6.76% above the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Collins: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Collins Accountant Pay Compares
Fort Collins median: $91,672/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Collins Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $89,523 | +2.40% more |
| National Average | $85,864 | +6.76% more |
Accountants in Fort Collins, CO earn a median of $91,672 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.76% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 2.40% above the Colorado state average of $89,523.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Collins has a cost of living 1.13% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fort Collins, CO has a cost-of-living index of 101.128 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $91,672 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $90,649 — a 1.12% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,750
2025 BLS Actual
$89,340
2026 Current Est.
$91,672
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Fort Collins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,750 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,672 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,064 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Collins metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 29.9% from $68,750 (2019) to $89,340 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,064 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,314 (36.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Collins 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,896 – $71,242 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,242 – $91,672 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,672 – $118,094 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $118,094 – $152,540 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Fort Collins
With 1,860 accountants employed locally, Fort Collins boasts a strong job market characterized by its relatively higher cost of living index of 101.128, influencing the purchasing power of take-home salaries. Major players like the Big 4 public accounting firms often offer the highest pay, although regional CPA firms and corporate accounting departments also provide competitive compensation. Factors such as CPA licensing, the tier of the employing firm, and specialized skills in tax, forensic, or valuation services significantly alter earning potential. For those looking to maximize their accountant pay in Fort Collins CO, tapping into these specialized skills or pursuing roles in high-paying firms can enhance career trajectories. The transition from public accounting to industry roles, while common due to factors like work-life balance and cash compensation, remains vital for aspiring accountants considering their long-term earnings.
More salary data for Fort Collins, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $89,340 for accountantsin the Fort Collins metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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