Accountant Salary in Prior Lake, MN: $78,052 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Prior Lake, MN earns a median $78,052/year (≈ $37.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Prior Lake's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $79,241 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an accountant in Prior Lake, Minnesota, will see a median annual salary projected at $78,052. This figure reflects a salary range that spans from $52,020 at the lower end (10th percentile) to a robust $120,981 at the upper tier (90th percentile). These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price disparities, illustrate the professional compensation landscape. While the local median salary compares unfavorably to the national median of $85,864, opportunities for growth and a steady demand for accounting professionals indicate a resilient local market. This context is crucial, particularly as the dynamics of public accounting affect long-term compensation trajectories for professionals transitioning into industry roles.
About the Prior Lake Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,020 | $25.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,574 | $29.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,052 | $37.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,726 | $47.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,981 | $58.16 |
Median Salary Position
9.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Prior Lake
In Prior Lake, MN, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,961 (2026 est.). At $78,052, the local median is 9.1% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Prior Lake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Prior Lake Accountant Pay Compares
Prior Lake median: $78,052/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Prior Lake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $79,727 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -9.10% less |
Accountants in Prior Lake, MN earn a median of $78,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.10% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 2.10% below the Minnesota state average of $79,727.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Prior Lake 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.
Prior Lake, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $78,052 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $79,241 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,041
2025 BLS Actual
$76,067
2026 Current Est.
$78,052
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Prior Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,041 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,868 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,222 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,904 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,613 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,052 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,067 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,052 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,090 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Prior Lake metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $65,041 (2019) to $76,067 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,090 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,049 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Prior Lake 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) | $52,020 – $61,574 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,574 – $78,052 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,052 – $98,726 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,726 – $120,981 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Prior Lake
In Prior Lake, the presence of only seven employed accountants highlights the compact nature of the local job market. With a cost-of-living index at 98.5, accountants may find their purchasing power is relatively favorable compared to national averages, allowing them to stretch their salaries further than in many urban centers. Notably, while the Big 4 firms typically set the bar for entry-level compensation, it is crucial for professionals to explore opportunities at regional CPA firms and corporate accounting departments, which may offer competitive salaries without the demanding hours often associated with public accounting. Factors contributing to the wide salary range include the necessity of a CPA license for higher pay brackets, the prestige associated with large firms, and specialization in areas like tax or forensic accounting. To maximize earnings potential, accountants in Prior Lake should consider diversifying their skill sets and pursuing project-based work during busy seasons, where overtime pay can significantly enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Prior Lake, 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 $76,067 for accountantsin the Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake 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