Accountant Salary in Fort Dodge, IA: $72,893 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Fort Dodge, IA earns a median $72,893/year (≈ $35.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Fort Dodge's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $80,634 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the accountant salary in Fort Dodge, Iowa is projected to reach a median of $72,893, which reflects a notable disparity when compared to the national average of $85,864. The local salary range spans from $52,305 at the 10th percentile to $112,984 at the 90th percentile, indicating varying levels of compensation based on experience and credentials. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, underscore the impact that licensure—especially a CPA designation—can have on earning potential. Additionally, progression from staff to senior roles becomes significantly more lucrative once accountants achieve CPA licensure, making it a crucial factor in the job market of Fort Dodge.
About the Fort Dodge Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,305 | $25.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,995 | $28.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,893 | $35.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,303 | $44.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,984 | $54.32 |
Median Salary Position
15.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Dodge
In Fort Dodge, IA, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,679 (2026 est.). At $72,893, the local median is 15.11% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Dodge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Dodge Accountant Pay Compares
Fort Dodge median: $72,893/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Dodge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $79,404 | -8.20% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -15.11% less |
Accountants in Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $72,893 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.11% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $79,404.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Dodge has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fort Dodge, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $72,893 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $80,634 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,741
2025 BLS Actual
$71,039
2026 Current Est.
$72,893
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,741 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,448 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,217 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,813 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,406 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,039 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,893 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,796 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Dodge metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $60,741 (2019) to $71,039 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,796 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,055 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Dodge 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) | $52,305 – $59,995 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,995 – $72,893 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,893 – $93,303 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,303 – $112,984 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Fort Dodge
With only four accountants currently employed in Fort Dodge, it’s evident that the market is quite concentrated. Coupled with a cost of living index of 90.4, this suggests that your take-home pay retains a relatively higher purchasing power compared to many urban counterparts. While Big 4 firms historically pay the highest salaries, accountants in Fort Dodge may find attractive compensation in regional CPA firms and corporate accounting departments. The variance in pay often stems from factors like public firm prestige, specialty areas such as tax or forensic accounting, and opportunities for bonuses during busy seasons. For those looking to advance their careers and maximize accountant pay in Fort Dodge, pursuing CPA licensure and gaining experience in high-demand specialties can significantly influence future earning potential.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, IA:
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 $71,039 for accountantsin the Fort Dodge 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
Salary data for Fort Dodge 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