Accountant Salary in Meridian, MS: $69,759 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Meridian, MS earns a median $69,759/year (≈ $33.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $81,399 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an accountant salary in Meridian, Mississippi, is projected to reach a median of $69,759. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $85,864, presenting a gap of nearly 19% that candidates must consider. Local salaries range from $48,601 at the 10th percentile to $108,127 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variations largely tied to experience, licensure, and the type of firm or industry. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living factors, highlight the importance of obtaining a CPA license, which can significantly influence earning potential. While entry-level positions may sit closer to the lower end of the pay scale, becoming a licensed CPA can unlock higher salaries for those advancing to senior roles.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,601 | $23.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,588 | $27.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,759 | $33.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,292 | $42.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,127 | $51.98 |
Median Salary Position
18.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, MS, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,526 (2026 est.). At $69,759, the local median is 18.76% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Accountant Pay Compares
Meridian median: $69,759/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $73,586 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -18.76% less |
Accountants in Meridian, MS earn a median of $69,759 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $73,586.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Meridian, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $69,759 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $81,399 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,130
2025 BLS Actual
$67,985
2026 Current Est.
$69,759
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,763 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,761 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,898 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,371 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,985 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,759 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,580 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $58,130 (2019) to $67,985 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,580 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,450 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $48,601 – $56,588 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,588 – $69,759 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,759 – $89,292 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,292 – $108,127 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Meridian
In Meridian, the local market currently supports seven accountants, indicating a small community with specific needs for financial expertise. The cost of living index in Meridian stands at 85.7, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power for these accountants is relatively manageable. Among local employers, larger firms typically offer higher compensation, with Big 4 firms generally commanding the most competitive salaries. The disparity in pay can be attributed to various factors, such as the CPA license, which opens doors to higher staff and senior pay, as well as the nature of the firm—public firms tend to pay more than small practices. Accountants looking to maximize their earnings in Meridian should consider aligning with larger firms or specializing in high-demand areas like tax or forensic accounting, where premiums can augment their base salaries. Transitioning into corporate roles can also provide significant income opportunities, particularly in controllership positions where bonuses may further enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
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 $67,985 for accountantsin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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