Accountant Salary in Payson, UT: $72,949 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Payson, UT earns a median $72,949/year (≈ $35.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Payson's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $74,362 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.1% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected accountant salary in Payson, Utah, stands at $72,949, which is approximately 15% lower than the national average of $85,864. The salary range for accountants in this region varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting around $49,018 and reaching up to $113,070 for highly experienced professionals. These estimates are derived from state-level Bureau of Labor Statistics data, adjusted for local economic conditions. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.61%, the Payson job market for accountants reflects stability and modest upward movement, offering aspiring accountants a realistic, if competitive, landscape to enter as they transition from public accounting to industry roles.
About the Payson Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,018 | $23.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,077 | $29.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,949 | $35.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,484 | $43.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,070 | $54.36 |
Median Salary Position
15.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Payson
In Payson, UT, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,052 (2026 est.). At $72,949, the local median is 15.04% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Payson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Payson Accountant Pay Compares
Payson median: $72,949/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Payson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $77,687 | -6.10% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -15.04% less |
Accountants in Payson, UT earn a median of $72,949 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.04% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 6.10% below the Utah state average of $77,687.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Payson has a cost of living 1.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Payson, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $72,949 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,362 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,788
2025 BLS Actual
$71,093
2026 Current Est.
$72,949
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Payson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,788 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,495 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,267 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,865 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,176 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,093 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,949 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,852 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Payson metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $60,788 (2019) to $71,093 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,852 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,064 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Payson 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) | $49,018 – $62,077 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,077 – $72,949 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,949 – $91,484 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,484 – $113,070 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Payson
With only six accountants currently employed in the area, Payson's market is quite specialized, creating both a challenge and an opportunity for professionals in the field. The cost of living index in Payson is 98.1, suggesting that living expenses are slightly below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of accountants in this community. Among local employers, big firms, especially the Big 4 and regional CPA practices, generally offer the highest salaries. The disparity in compensation often hinges upon factors such as whether an accountant holds a CPA license, the prestige of their firm, and their specialization in fields like tax or forensic accounting. Those looking to maximize their salary in Payson might consider gaining experience in public accounting before transitioning to a corporate environment, capitalizing on busy seasons for potential overtime, and aiming for roles that promise growth within industry settings.
More salary data for Payson, UT:
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 $71,093 for accountantsin the Payson 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 Payson 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