Accountant Hourly Pay in Winston, NC: $38.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Winston, NC runs $38.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,011 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Winston's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,611 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Winston, North Carolina, the accountant hourly pay stands at a median of $38.95, slightly lower than the national median of $41.28. For part-time accountants working three days a week, this translates to a decent paycheck while allowing for a balanced lifestyle. Per-diem roles, often crucial for busy seasons, can yield varying earnings depending on experience and specialization. With a range from $24.68 per hour at entry-level positions to $67.06 for top earners, accountants in this field have the potential to adapt their work hours and environments, whether in public firms, corporate finance offices, or utilizing remote setups during tax season. This hourly data is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, making it a reliable indicator of the profession's wage distribution in Winston.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.68 | $197.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.62 | $244.95 |
| Median (P50) | $38.95 | $311.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.81 | $414.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.06 | $536.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winston
Based on $38.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.95/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winston, NC can expect to earn approximately $81,018 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,741. With a cost-of-living index of 92.04 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,558.03 | $6,751 | $81,018 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $934.82 | $4,051 | $48,611 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $623.21 | $2,701 | $32,407 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Winston) | $38.95 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Bookkeeping / Accounting Clerk (National Avg) | $22.93 |
| Auditor (National Avg) | $39.88 |
| Tax Examiner / Collector (National Avg) | $29.61 |
Accountants in Winston, NC earn a median of $81,011 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.65% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 0.50% above the North Carolina state average of $80,608.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.95/hr = $48,611/year (purchasing power: $52,813).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,018/year (purchasing power: $88,021).
CoL index: 92.043 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Winston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Winston grew 14.4% from $33.18/hr (2019) to $37.96/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.97/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem accountants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston 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.
Working as an Hourly Accountant in Winston
The opportunity for part-time work creates a diverse income scenario; an accountant working 24 hours a week could expect to bring home around $48,000 annually, which contrasts with full-time perspectives. For those opting for per-diem or contracting work, the reality can shift significantly. Many 1099 accountants command hourly rates ranging from $50 to $95, with specialized Big 4 alumni or forensic accounting professionals earning up to $130 and even $600 per hour, depending on the context. Employment settings also influence earnings; Big 4 firms like Deloitte and PwC typically offer higher hourly pay compared to mid-tier CPA firms or government roles. Some accountants might prioritize benefits and stability over higher hourly wages, carefully weighing their career choices, especially in Winston's accounting employment landscape. Negotiation is key; understanding local market rates and the value of credentials, like a CPA licensing qualification, can empower professionals to secure competitive remuneration tailored to individual circumstances.
More salary data for Winston, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for accountants in Winston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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