Accountant Salary in Utica, NY: $81,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Utica, NY earns a median $81,914/year (≈ $39.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Utica's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $88,386 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, accountants in Utica, NY, can expect a median annual salary of $81,914, which positions the market roughly 4.60% below the national average of $85,864. The salary range spans from a lower percentile of $53,552 to a top-tier income of $133,875. These figures are derived from the most recent official BLS OEWS surveys, highlighting the evolving dynamics within the accounting profession. Obtaining a CPA license can significantly impact earnings; those who advance from staff to senior positions see a notable pay increase. Consequently, the demand for certified accountants in the area makes Utica a viable option for both aspiring and experienced professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,552 | $25.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,280 | $31.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,914 | $39.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,826 | $50.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,875 | $64.37 |
Median Salary Position
4.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Utica
In Utica, NY, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $80,323 (2026 est.). At $81,914, the local median is 4.6% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Utica: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Utica Accountant Pay Compares
Utica median: $81,914/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Utica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $84,273 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -4.60% less |
Accountants in Utica, NY earn a median of $81,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.60% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 2.80% below the New York state average of $84,273.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Utica has a cost of living 7.32% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Utica, NY has a cost-of-living index of 92.678 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $81,914 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,386 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.9% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,240
2025 BLS Actual
$79,830
2026 Current Est.
$81,914
2019–2027 Growth
+23.2%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Utica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,540 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,730 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,052 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Utica metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $68,240 (2019) to $79,830 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,052 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,812 (23.17%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Utica 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) | $53,552 – $65,280 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,280 – $81,914 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,914 – $104,826 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,826 – $133,875 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Utica
With approximately 1,040 accountants employed locally, the job market shows promise, particularly given the cost of living index in Utica stands at 92.678, which is below the national average. This lower cost of living allows for a more favorable purchasing power, making the accountant pay in Utica an attractive prospect overall. Employers vary significantly in how they compensate their accountants; the Big 4 firms typically offer higher salaries compared to regional CPA firms or smaller practices. Factors such as the CPA's credential, experience level, specialty—like forensic accounting or taxation—and the employer type play a crucial role in determining salary variations. For those looking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing a CPA license, gaining experience at a reputable public firm, and considering transitions into corporate roles can significantly influence future salary prospects and career advancement within Utica's accounting sector.
More salary data for Utica, NY:
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 $79,830 for accountantsin the Utica 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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