Accountant Salary in Winona, MN: $75,576 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Winona, MN earns a median $75,576/year (≈ $36.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Winona's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $76,727 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winona, Minnesota, the accountant salary landscape for 2026 reveals a median annual compensation of $75,576, significantly influenced by local market dynamics. This figure sits beneath the national median of $85,864, with salaries for accountants in the area ranging from $52,693 at the lower end (P10) to $117,144 at the upper echelon (P90). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price parities, pointing to a competitive yet modest landscape for those pursuing careers in accounting. Given the relatively small number of accountants employed locally—only four—there is a vital connection between the public-to-industry transition that often shapes career trajectories and long-term earning potential within the area.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,693 | $25.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,278 | $29.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,576 | $36.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,738 | $46.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,144 | $56.32 |
Median Salary Position
11.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winona
In Winona, MN, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,451 (2026 est.). At $75,576, the local median is 11.98% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winona Accountant Pay Compares
Winona median: $75,576/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $79,722 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -11.98% less |
Accountants in Winona, MN earn a median of $75,576 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.98% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 5.20% below the Minnesota state average of $79,722.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winona 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.
Winona, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $75,576 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $76,727 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,977
2025 BLS Actual
$73,654
2026 Current Est.
$75,576
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,977 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,747 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,994 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,655 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,309 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,545 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,654 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,576 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,549 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winona metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $62,977 (2019) to $73,654 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,549 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,572 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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) | $52,693 – $61,278 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,278 – $75,576 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,576 – $96,738 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,738 – $117,144 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Winona
Examining the job market more closely, the 2026 projections indicate that living in Winona, with a cost-of-living index of 98.5, allows accountants to have a slightly better purchasing power than in many other regions, though it requires one to be strategic about employment choices. The highest salaries typically stem from larger firms, especially the Big 4 accounting firms, which can offer robust entry-level packages, while corporate accounting departments and regional CPA firms provide alternatives that may lead to industry roles with competitive pay. Factors driving the salary differences in Winona include the CPA licensure, the prestige of the hiring firm, and specialized accounting fields—where expertise in tax or forensic accounting tends to command a premium. Understanding the seasonal demands of busy periods, particularly during tax season, can also play a vital role in maximizing compensation, as firms may offer overtime or bonuses during peak workflows. Hence, actively seeking opportunities for advancement and specialization could significantly enhance total earnings in this market.
More salary data for Winona, 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 $73,654 for accountantsin the Winona 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 Winona 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