Accountant Salary in Worcester, MA: $96,525 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Worcester, MA earns a median $96,525/year (≈ $46.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Worcester's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.5), that paycheck buys what $94,150 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Massachusetts state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected workforce for accountants in Worcester, Massachusetts, will see a median annual salary of $96,525, positioning it significantly above the national average of $85,864. The salary spectrum ranges dramatically from $66,327 at the 10th percentile up to $150,611 at the 90th percentile. Data derived from BLS OEWS surveys indicates that while large public accounting firms like the Big 4 can command higher figures, local CPA firms and industry roles may offer varied pay scales affected by firm size and specialization. This salary dynamic not only reflects the local job market's strength but also the competitive nature of the accounting profession in Worcester, which is home to over 3,000 accountants.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,327 | $31.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,737 | $37.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,525 | $46.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,994 | $59.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $150,611 | $72.41 |
Median Salary Position
12.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Worcester
In Worcester, MA, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $84,284 (2026 est.). At $96,525, the local median is 12.42% above the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Worcester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Worcester Accountant Pay Compares
Worcester median: $96,525/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Worcester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $95,475 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $85,864 | +12.42% more |
Accountants in Worcester, MA earn a median of $96,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.42% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 1.10% above the Massachusetts state average of $95,475.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Worcester has a cost of living 2.52% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Worcester, MA has a cost-of-living index of 102.523 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $96,525 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $94,150 — a 2.46% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,690
2025 BLS Actual
$94,070
2026 Current Est.
$96,525
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,690 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,990 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,070 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,525 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,045 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Worcester metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 29.4% from $72,690 (2019) to $94,070 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,045 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,355 (36.26%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Worcester 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) | $66,327 – $77,737 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,737 – $96,525 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,525 – $123,994 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,994 – $150,611 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Worcester
The current cost of living index in Worcester is 102.523, which means that while accountant salaries are competitive, potential employees must also consider the implications on their take-home pay. Among the various types of employers, Big 4 firms typically offer the highest compensation, especially for entry-level positions, driven by the prestige and resources available in those organizations. Furthermore, the significant pay gap between entry-level and senior roles underscores the necessity for CPA licensing, which serves as a gateway to higher earnings. Factors such as specialization in tax, forensic accounting, and the possibility of moving into corporate roles can further influence salary potential. To maximize earnings, new accountants should focus on gaining diverse experiences, seeking positions in firms with robust training programs, and considering strategic transitions into high-paying industry roles following their initial years in public accounting.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
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 $94,070 for accountantsin the Worcester 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