Chapel Hill vs Greensboro: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Greensboro, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Greensboro, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,040▲ | $82,262 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.33▲ | $39.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,917▲ | $54,086 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,336▲ | $65,640 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,691▲ | $107,166 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,463 | $139,868▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 3,300▲ |
Verdict
Chapel Hill and Greensboro are closely matched on overall accountant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Greensboro is $5,778 (7.02%). Chapel Hill's median is +2.53% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chapel Hill spans $79,546,Greensboro spans $85,782. Greensboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced accountants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chapel Hill ($94,060 effective) pays 6.18% more than Greensboro ($88,582 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chapel Hill if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,040/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,060)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Greensboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,868)
- ✓Larger job market (3,300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Chapel Hill grew 14.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.1% growth in Greensboro over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$74,751 (2024) → $85,801 (2025)
Greensboro, NC
$69,080 (2019) → $80,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Greensboro, NC
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov