Accountant Salary in Cottage Grove, MN: $78,708 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Cottage Grove, MN earns a median $78,708/year (≈ $37.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Cottage Grove's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $79,907 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, accountants in Cottage Grove, Minnesota are projected to earn a median annual salary of $78,708, which is notably lower than the national median of $85,864, reflecting the distinctions in compensation between local markets and larger, nationwide firms. The salary range for this profession will span from $53,640 at the 10th percentile to $121,997 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the variation based on experience, employer type, and specialization. Estimates are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, revealing notable differences in pay structures across public accounting, industry roles, and small practices. As Cottage Grove continues to develop its business environment, understanding these salary dynamics is vital for prospective accountants.
About the Cottage Grove Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,640 | $25.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,904 | $30.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,708 | $37.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,285 | $48.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,997 | $58.65 |
Median Salary Position
8.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cottage Grove
In Cottage Grove, MN, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,357 (2026 est.). At $78,708, the local median is 8.33% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cottage Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cottage Grove Accountant Pay Compares
Cottage Grove median: $78,708/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cottage Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $79,745 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -8.33% less |
Accountants in Cottage Grove, MN earn a median of $78,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.33% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 1.30% below the Minnesota state average of $79,745.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cottage Grove 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.
Cottage Grove, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $78,708 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $79,907 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,587
2025 BLS Actual
$76,706
2026 Current Est.
$78,708
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Cottage Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,587 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,429 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,812 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,499 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,223 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,716 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,706 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,708 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,762 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cottage Grove metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $65,587 (2019) to $76,706 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,762 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,175 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cottage Grove 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) | $53,640 – $62,904 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,904 – $78,708 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,708 – $100,285 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,285 – $121,997 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Cottage Grove
The job market for accountants in Cottage Grove is relatively limited, with only eight individuals currently employed in the field. The local cost of living is below the national average, reflected in a cost-of-living index of 98.5, which can translate to enhanced purchasing power despite lower salaries compared to national standards. Employers in this area typically include mid-tier CPA firms and some corporate accounting departments, which may not match the Big 4 in pay but offer good entry points. The spread between lower and higher salaries in Cottage Grove can be attributed to factors such as the CPA licensing requirement, which influences earning potential, and the varying compensation related to different types of employers and specific skill sets like tax or forensic accounting. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in this market, gaining CPA credentials and seeking roles in well-established firms or specialized areas can prove beneficial.
More salary data for Cottage Grove, 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 $76,706 for accountantsin the Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove 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