Accountant Salary in Ponce, PR: $38,971 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Ponce, PR earns a median $38,971/year (≈ $18.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Puerto Rico's price level (25% below national, BEA RPP 75.0), that paycheck buys what $51,961 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the Puerto Rico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the accountant salary in Ponce, Puerto Rico, averages $38,971 annually, representing a significant contrast to the national median of $85,864. The local salary range spans from $24,575 at the lowest decile to $70,267 at the highest, reflecting a diverse job market influenced by various factors such as licensure and experience. Moreover, accountants in Ponce benefit from the premium associated with obtaining a CPA license, which considerably enhances their earning potential, particularly when transitioning from entry-level roles to senior positions. This growth trajectory is vital for professionals navigating their career paths in Ponce's financial environment, amplifying the importance of credentials in accessing higher earnings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,575 | $11.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29,870 | $14.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,971 | $18.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,715 | $23.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,267 | $33.79 |
Median Salary Position
54.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ponce
In Ponce, PR, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,692 (2026 est.). At $38,971, the local median is 54.61% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ponce: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ponce Accountant Pay Compares
Ponce median: $38,971/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ponce Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico Average | $38,395 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $85,864 | -54.61% less |
Accountants in Ponce, PR earn a median of $38,971 per year (2026 est.), which is 54.61% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 1.50% above the Puerto Rico state average of $38,395.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,710
2025 BLS Actual
$37,980
2026 Current Est.
$38,971
2019–2027 Growth
+39.3%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Ponce (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,710 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,971 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,988 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ponce metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 32.3% from $28,710 (2019) to $37,980 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,988 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,278 (39.28%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ponce 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) | $24,575 – $29,870 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $29,870 – $38,971 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,971 – $49,715 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,715 – $70,267 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Ponce
The job market in Ponce supports approximately 590 accountants, providing a solid foundation for employment opportunities in the region. However, local living costs must be taken into account, as they can significantly impact the real value of earnings. Large accounting firms, particularly the Big 4, offer among the highest compensations within Ponce, followed by regional CPA firms and corporate accounting departments. The disparity in salaries arises from various factors including CPA licensure, where higher-tier firms often provide considerable pay increases. Additionally, niche specialties such as tax and forensic accounting command premiums that enhance overall earnings. For accountants looking to optimize their pay in Ponce, pursuing CPA certification and considering employment with larger firms can lead to substantial increases in compensation, particularly in the lead-up to demanding busy seasons.
More salary data for Ponce, PR:
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 $37,980 for accountantsin the Ponce 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