Business & Finance Wisconsin (WI) Rank #32 of 50

Accountant Salary in Wisconsin

The median accountant salary in Wisconsin is $73,490 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $79,880.

Median Salary
$73,490
vs National
$-6,390
State Rank
#32 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Accountant Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #32 out of 50 states for accountant compensation. Accountant salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $73,490 per year, accountants in Wisconsin earn $6,390 less than the national median of $79,880.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $73,490 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $79,880 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: accountants at the 10th percentile earn $46,368, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $122,176 — a $75,808 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $79,880.

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for accountants across the country.

Accountant Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level accountant earns around $47,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,400 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,840
$-4,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,400
$-9,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $46,368
25th Percentile $57,684
Median (50th) $73,490
75th Percentile $94,208
90th Percentile $122,176

Accountant Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for accountants in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Accountant in Wisconsin

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Accountant make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median accountant salary in Wisconsin is $73,490 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $46,368 (10th percentile) to $122,176 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,490, a accountant in Wisconsin earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for accountants? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #32 out of 50 states for accountant pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level accountants earn $47,840, while senior professionals earn $110,400.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for accountant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for accountants is Hawaii at $135,796. Wisconsin's median of $73,490 ranks #32 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($73,490) and Texas ($73,490).
What is the entry-level accountant salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level accountant in Wisconsin earns approximately $47,840 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $73,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $110,400.
What city in Wisconsin pays accountants the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for accountants, with a median salary of $79,880. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.