Accountant Hourly Pay in Boulder, CO: $49.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Boulder, CO runs $49.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,600 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Boulder's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.2, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,557 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Accountants in Boulder, Colorado can expect a median hourly rate of $49.32, significantly higher than the national median of $41.28. This hourly rate reflects the professional demand in varied settings, including corporate finance departments, public firm client engagement rooms, and remote work scenarios, particularly during the busy tax season. For those interested in part-time opportunities, working just three days a week can still yield a competitive income, while per-diem positions offer flexibility and potentially higher earnings. The hourly range varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $30.30 and top earners making up to $81.98 an hour, according to official BLS data projected for 2026.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.30 | $242.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.71 | $309.72 |
| Median (P50) | $49.32 | $394.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.92 | $511.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.98 | $655.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boulder
Based on $49.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.32/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boulder, CO can expect to earn approximately $102,595 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,190. With a cost-of-living index of 105.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boulder.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boulder
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,972.99 | $8,550 | $102,595 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,183.79 | $5,130 | $61,557 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $789.19 | $3,420 | $41,038 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Boulder) | $49.32 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Bookkeeping / Accounting Clerk (National Avg) | $22.93 |
| Auditor (National Avg) | $39.88 |
| Tax Examiner / Collector (National Avg) | $29.61 |
Accountants in Boulder, CO earn a median of $102,600 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.49% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 14.60% above the Colorado state average of $89,529.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.32/hr = $61,557/year (purchasing power: $58,513).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,595/year (purchasing power: $97,522).
CoL index: 105.202 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Boulder grew 30.6% from $36.82/hr (2019) to $48.07/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.61/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem accountants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boulder 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.
Working as an Hourly Accountant in Boulder
Exploring the earning potential for part-time accountants, someone working 24 hours a week could take home roughly $61,392 annually, a comfortable figure compared to the full-time alternative. Per-diem and contract accountants in Boulder may see hourly rates between $50 and $95, particularly if they specialize in high-demand areas such as tax or forensic accounting. Those affiliated with Big 4 firms during peak busy seasons can command even higher rates of $80 to $130 per hour, while expert valuation consultants can bill $300 to $600 when providing litigation assistance. Employment types significantly affect rates; positions at large public accounting firms often offer lower hourly pay than corporate roles but provide health insurance and job security, while independent contractors may prefer the higher pay without benefits. Thus, accountants must weigh these factors carefully in their negotiations to achieve a balance between immediate earnings and long-term career considerations in Boulder’s competitive market.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for accountants in Boulder in 2026?
How much do part-time accountants make in Boulder?
Are accountants in Boulder paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time accountant make per year in Boulder?
Do accountants earn more per hour working part-time in Boulder?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for accountants in Boulder. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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