Accountant Salary in Lakewood, NJ: $98,142 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Lakewood, NJ earns a median $98,142/year (≈ $47.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $85,193 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Accountants in Lakewood, New Jersey, can expect a median annual salary of $98,142 in 2026, which represents a competitive position compared to the national median of $85,864. The salary range for accountants spans from $65,898 at the 10th percentile to $152,120 at the 90th percentile, offering opportunities for substantial earnings growth as professionals advance in their careers. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, suggest a robust local job market for accounting professionals. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.61% over the next five years, Lakewood’s accounting sector reflects both demand and stability, indicating a favorable environment for new graduates and seasoned professionals alike.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,898 | $31.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,225 | $37.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,142 | $47.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $125,622 | $60.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $152,120 | $73.13 |
Median Salary Position
14.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, NJ, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,222 (2026 est.). At $98,142, the local median is 14.3% above the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Accountant Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $98,142/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $98,934 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | +14.30% more |
Accountants in Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $98,142 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $98,934.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $98,142 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $85,193 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,781
2025 BLS Actual
$95,646
2026 Current Est.
$98,142
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,781 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,079 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,297 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,154 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,303 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,014 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,646 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,142 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,704 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $81,781 (2019) to $95,646 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,704 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,923 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $65,898 – $78,225 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,225 – $98,142 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,142 – $125,622 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $125,622 – $152,120 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Lakewood
A total of 31 accountants are currently employed in Lakewood, contributing to a market shaped by specific local dynamics. The cost of living in the area, indexed at 115.2, suggests that while salaries might be higher than the national average, the purchasing power may not be significantly above par. The highest paying employers include Big 4 accounting firms, which often attract top talent, and corporate accounting departments that provide competitive compensation packages but less prestige compared to public firms. The wage variability is attributed to factors like CPA licensure status, public firm versus corporate salary scales, and performance incentives tied to busy seasons. For those looking at accountant pay in Lakewood, NJ, specializing in high-demand areas such as tax, forensic accounting, or obtaining a partner track position can significantly enhance one’s earning potential. Maximizing career growth involves strategically considering both public and corporate pathways while navigating potential transitions from entry-level roles to senior positions.
More salary data for Lakewood, NJ:
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 $95,646 for accountantsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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