Accountant Salary in Richmond, KY: $75,946 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Richmond, KY earns a median $75,946/year (≈ $36.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $85,046 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected accountant salary in Richmond, Kentucky, stands at $75,946. This figure reveals a substantial earning potential within a salary range that spans from $51,137 at the 10th percentile to $117,716 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments indicate that while Richmond's compensation for accountants is competitive, it still lags behind the national median of $85,864 by approximately 11.55%. As the city experiences a public-to-industry transition, many accountants find themselves navigating different career tracks that can significantly influence lifetime earnings. The Richmond job market is witnessing steady demand for accounting professionals, amplifying the importance of strategic positioning for aspiring accountants in the area.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,137 | $24.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,474 | $29.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,946 | $36.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,211 | $46.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,716 | $56.59 |
Median Salary Position
11.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, KY, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,579 (2026 est.). At $75,946, the local median is 11.55% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richmond Accountant Pay Compares
Richmond median: $75,946/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $77,102 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -11.55% less |
Accountants in Richmond, KY earn a median of $75,946 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.55% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $77,102.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richmond, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $75,946 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $85,046 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,285
2025 BLS Actual
$74,014
2026 Current Est.
$75,946
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,285 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,063 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,327 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,990 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,653 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,549 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,014 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,946 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,928 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $63,285 (2019) to $74,014 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,928 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,643 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $51,137 – $60,474 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,474 – $75,946 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,946 – $97,211 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,211 – $117,716 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Richmond
The local job market for accountants in Richmond KY includes only five employed professionals, suggesting a tight-knit community that may foster opportunities for networking and advancement. Richmond's cost of living index is notably low at 89.3, which enhances take-home pay significantly compared to national averages. Local employment options range from Big 4 firms to regional CPA firms and corporate accounting departments, each with varying pay scales and job demands. Generally, industry roles offer slightly higher compensation due to more predictable work hours and bonus structures, while public firms often reward overtime during busy seasons but may carry higher stress levels. The disparity in salary, particularly between entry-level roles and senior positions, often hinges on having a CPA license, specialty experience, and firm prestige. For accountants in Richmond looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing higher-level certifications and seeking roles in public accounting during critical tax seasons may provide financial advantages and career progression opportunities.
More salary data for Richmond, KY:
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 $74,014 for accountantsin the Richmond 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 Richmond 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