Accountant Salary in Lawrence, IN: $76,010 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Lawrence, IN earns a median $76,010/year (≈ $36.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Lawrence's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $83,253 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, accountants in Lawrence, Indiana, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $76,010. This figure reflects the local dynamics of the job market, where salaries range from $54,160 at the lower end (P10) to $117,816 at the higher end (P90). These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, taking into account local cost adjustments. While the accountant salary in Lawrence may seem attractive, it falls 11.48% below the national median of $85,864. For those possessing a CPA license, this can unlock significant pay jumps as they transition from staff to senior positions, emphasizing the value of certification in maximizing earning potential in the local market.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,160 | $26.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,489 | $30.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,010 | $36.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,294 | $46.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,816 | $56.64 |
Median Salary Position
11.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
In Lawrence, IN, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,656 (2026 est.). At $76,010, the local median is 11.48% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lawrence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lawrence Accountant Pay Compares
Lawrence median: $76,010/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lawrence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $79,426 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -11.48% less |
Accountants in Lawrence, IN earn a median of $76,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.48% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 4.30% below the Indiana state average of $79,426.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lawrence has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lawrence, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $76,010 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $83,253 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,339
2025 BLS Actual
$74,077
2026 Current Est.
$76,010
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,339 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,118 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,385 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,049 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,713 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,636 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,077 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,010 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,994 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lawrence metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $63,339 (2019) to $74,077 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,994 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,655 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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) | $54,160 – $62,489 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,489 – $76,010 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,010 – $97,294 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,294 – $117,816 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Lawrence
Despite having only 10 accountants employed in the area, the job market in Lawrence shows promise for aspiring professionals. The cost of living index stands at 91.3, suggesting that residents may find their take-home purchasing power more favorable compared to many larger cities. Notably, major employers such as the Big 4 firms—Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG—tend to offer the highest compensation packages, followed closely by regional CPA firms. The variance in accountant pay in Lawrence results from several factors, including the entry to senior pay gap accomplished through CPA licensure, the prestige of public firms relative to local practices, and sector-specific demands such as corporate finance positions requiring specialized skills. For those looking to increase earnings, pursuing a CPA designation, gaining experience in high-demand specialties, and considering transitions to industry roles can be effective strategies in this competitive marketplace.
More salary data for Lawrence, IN:
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 $74,077 for accountantsin the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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