Accountant Salary in North Carolina
Based on 49K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$82,050
$39.45/hr
vs National Average
$82,597
-0.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$54K – $146K
49K employed in North Carolina
Understanding the Accountant salary in North Carolina reveals a median annual income of $82,050, positioning it just 1% below the national average. This figure falls within a broad salary range, from $53,610 for entry-level positions to $146,100 for experienced professionals. Currently, approximately 49,270 individuals are employed in accounting roles across the state.
Several factors influence the Accountant salary in North Carolina. Experience level, specific industry (e.g., manufacturing, finance, government), employer size, and location within the state (e.g., Charlotte vs. smaller towns) all play significant roles. Further specialization, such as in forensic accounting or tax law, can also command higher earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Accountant in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $53,610 |
| 25th percentile | $65,120 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $82,050 |
| 75th percentile | $108,090 |
| 90th percentile | $146,100 |
Top H-1B Employers for Accountant in North Carolina
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in North Carolina — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ernst & Young U.S. LLP | 21 | $111,581 |
| 2 | Deloitte & Touche LLP | 3 | $82,700 |
| 3 | SIEMENS ENERGY, INC. | 3 | $115,000 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Accountant H-1B Salary by Wage Level in North Carolina
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in North Carolina.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $96,952 | 25 |
| Level III | Experienced | $152,412 | 5 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $154,000 | 8 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Accountant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Accountants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Accountants in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $106,050 | 8K |
| Information | $99,430 | 35K |
| Utilities | $98,130 | 8K |
| Finance and Insurance | $93,290 | 119K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $91,940 | 105K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Accountant in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $77,030 |
| 2023 | $79,920 |
| 2024 | $80,490 |
| 2025 | $82,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,640 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $77,030 | $73,060 |
| 2023 | $79,920 | $76,751 |
| 2024 | $80,490 | $79,712 |
| 2025 | $82,050 | $82,597 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,640 | $84,198 |
Accountant Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,120 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $82,050 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $108,090 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $146,100 |
Accountant Salary in Other States
Related Accountant Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Accountant ($82,050 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Accountant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in NC | $166,780 | +103.3% | $80.18/hr |
| Economist in NC | $136,150 | +65.9% | $65.46/hr |
| Actuary in NC | $128,730 | +56.9% | $61.89/hr |
| Financial Analyst in NC | $102,390 | +24.8% | $49.23/hr |
| Financial Examiner in NC | $100,730 | +22.8% | $48.43/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in NC | $96,880 | +18.1% | $46.58/hr |
| Credit Analyst in NC | $94,570 | +15.3% | $45.47/hr |
| Budget Analyst in NC | $82,350 | +0.4% | $39.59/hr |
| Tax Examiner in NC | $80,900 | -1.4% | $38.89/hr |
| Compliance Officer in NC | $78,500 | -4.3% | $37.74/hr |
| Loan Officer in NC | $75,920 | -7.5% | $36.50/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in NC | $74,040 | -9.8% | $35.60/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an accountant typically earn in North Carolina?
- The median salary for an accountant in North Carolina is $82,050 per year, which breaks down to about $39 per hour. This means half of accountants in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for accountants in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, the salary range for accountants spans from $53,610 on the lower end to $146,100 on the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and employer.
How does the average accountant salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
- Accountants in North Carolina earn slightly less than the national average, with salaries being -0.7% lower. This means the median North Carolina salary of $82,050 is just below the national median.
How many accountants are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 49,270 accountants employed in North Carolina. This indicates a significant job market for accounting professionals within the state.