Accountant Salary in Cary, NC: $83,689 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Cary, NC earns a median $83,689/year (≈ $40.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Cary's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $89,411 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cary, North Carolina, the median annual salary for accountants is projected to reach $83,689 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median of $85,864, highlighting a modest local compensation environment within the broader job market. The salary range for this profession is significant, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $57,799 and more experienced roles commanding up to $129,718. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost-of-living adjustments, provide a clear view of the market for accountants in Cary, which continues to expand. The local job market benefits from a healthy demand for accounting professionals, though those transitioning from public accounting to industry roles often encounter varying compensation levels that reflect their previous experience and qualifications.
About the Cary Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,799 | $27.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,002 | $32.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,689 | $40.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,122 | $51.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,718 | $62.37 |
Median Salary Position
2.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cary
In Cary, NC, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,919 (2026 est.). At $83,689, the local median is 2.53% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cary: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cary Accountant Pay Compares
Cary median: $83,689/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cary Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $80,625 | +3.80% more |
| National Average | $85,864 | -2.53% less |
Accountants in Cary, NC earn a median of $83,689 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.53% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 3.80% above the North Carolina state average of $80,625.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cary has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cary, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $83,689 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $89,411 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,737
2025 BLS Actual
$81,560
2026 Current Est.
$83,689
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Cary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,737 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,696 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,293 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,024 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,856 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,269 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,689 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,873 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cary metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $69,737 (2019) to $81,560 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,873 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,136 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cary 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $57,799 – $68,002 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,002 – $83,689 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,689 – $107,122 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,122 – $129,718 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Cary
As of 2026, Cary employs around 44 accountants, indicating a stable presence of professionals within the area. The cost of living index, sitting at 93.6, suggests relatively affordable living conditions compared to the national average, empowering accountants to enjoy a better purchasing power despite lower salaries than their national counterparts. Major employers, such as the Big 4 firms and regional CPA firms, typically offer higher starting salaries, with accountants in more specialized roles, like tax or forensic accounting, benefiting from added premiums. The discrepancy between lower and higher pay levels is influenced by factors such as CPA licensing, job-specific demands, and opportunities for bonuses during busy seasons. To maximize compensation in Cary, accountants should consider pursuing specialized certifications and experiences that align with industry trends while remaining strategic about their career transitions.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $81,560 for accountantsin the Cary metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cary is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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