Accountant Salary in Chaska, MN: $78,814 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Chaska, MN earns a median $78,814/year (≈ $37.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Chaska's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $80,014 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, accountants in Chaska, Minnesota, can expect a median annual salary of $78,814. This figure serves as a crucial benchmark against the national median of $85,864, highlighting a slight disparity that local professionals should consider when evaluating their compensation. The salary range in Chaska spans from $53,890 at the 10th percentile to $122,161 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a broad variation in earnings depending on experience, the complexity of the role, and firm type. These projections arise from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost considerations, which can greatly affect take-home pay in the 98.5-cost of living indexed area. With only five accountants employed locally, the demand for skilled professionals can drive competition among firms in the region, signaling potential growth in the accounting field.
About the Chaska Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,890 | $25.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,120 | $30.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,814 | $37.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,545 | $48.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,161 | $58.73 |
Median Salary Position
8.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chaska
In Chaska, MN, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,271 (2026 est.). At $78,814, the local median is 8.21% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chaska: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chaska Accountant Pay Compares
Chaska median: $78,814/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chaska Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $79,771 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -8.21% less |
Accountants in Chaska, MN earn a median of $78,814 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.21% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 1.20% below the Minnesota state average of $79,771.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chaska has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chaska, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $78,814 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $80,014 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,675
2025 BLS Actual
$76,809
2026 Current Est.
$78,814
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Chaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,675 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,907 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,595 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,321 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,823 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,809 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,814 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,871 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chaska metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $65,675 (2019) to $76,809 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,871 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,196 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chaska 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) | $53,890 – $63,120 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,120 – $78,814 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,814 – $100,545 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,545 – $122,161 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Chaska
For job seekers, understanding the local employment dynamics is essential. With five accountants currently working in Chaska, there's limited competition in the immediate market, which could be advantageous for candidates entering the field. The relatively modest cost of living (98.5) suggests that even a lower salary might afford a decent standard of living, making it vital for professionals to maximize their earning potential. Big 4 firms tend to offer the highest pay, particularly for entry-level positions, so targeting those can be beneficial for recent graduates. Furthermore, candidates possessing CPA licenses generally command higher salaries, and those specializing in areas like tax, forensic accounting, or valuation may also see a premium. To enhance their marketability, early-career accountants should seek internships at reputable firms and consider pursuing additional certifications or specializations that can bridge the pay gap as they transition from public accounting roles to more lucrative industry positions.
More salary data for Chaska, 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
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 $76,809 for accountantsin the Chaska 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 Chaska 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