Business & Finance Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Accountant Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median accountant salary in Lafayette, LA is $70,294 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$70,294
vs State Avg
$-2,397
vs National
$-9,586
Cost of Living
88%

Accountant Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median accountant salary of $70,294, which is $2,397 below the Louisiana state average of $72,691. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $70,294 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for accountants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for accountants in Lafayette spans from $44,352 at the 10th percentile to $116,864 at the 90th percentile — a $72,512 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Accountant Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level accountant earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $44,352
25th Percentile $55,176
Median (50th) $70,294
75th Percentile $90,112
90th Percentile $116,864

Accountant Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$78,282
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$73,490
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$68,697
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$67,898
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Accountant in Lafayette

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Lafayette and the surrounding Louisiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Lafayette may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open accountant positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Accountant make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median accountant salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $70,294 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $44,352 (10th percentile) to $116,864 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,294, a accountant in Lafayette earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for accountant pay? ▼
Lafayette's median accountant salary of $70,294 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $72,691. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $70,294 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Lafayette? ▼
Most accountant positions in Lafayette require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.