Accountant Salary in Leland, NC: $74,855 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Leland, NC earns a median $74,855/year (≈ $35.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Leland's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $79,973 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, accountants in Leland, North Carolina, can expect a median annual salary of $74,855, reflecting a competitive compensation structure that indicates both local demand and the value of CPA licensure. With a salary range extending from $55,242 at the 10th percentile to $116,025 at the 90th percentile, the opportunities for professional growth are evident. The figures illustrate local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, highlighting the importance of obtaining a CPA license which significantly boosts earning potential from entry-level to senior positions. This local market provides a favorable environment for career advancement, especially as firms seek qualified accountants to meet their needs.
About the Leland Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,242 | $26.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,662 | $30.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,855 | $35.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,814 | $46.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,025 | $55.78 |
Median Salary Position
12.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leland
In Leland, NC, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,783 (2026 est.). At $74,855, the local median is 12.82% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Leland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Leland Accountant Pay Compares
Leland median: $74,855/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Leland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $80,576 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -12.82% less |
Accountants in Leland, NC earn a median of $74,855 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.82% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 7.10% below the North Carolina state average of $80,576.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Leland 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.
Leland, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $74,855 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $79,973 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,376
2025 BLS Actual
$72,951
2026 Current Est.
$74,855
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Leland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,376 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,129 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,345 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,999 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,638 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,534 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,951 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,855 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,809 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Leland metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $62,376 (2019) to $72,951 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,809 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,433 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leland 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) | $55,242 – $62,662 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,662 – $74,855 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,855 – $95,814 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,814 – $116,025 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Leland
As of the latest projections, Leland's accounting sector employs a modest pool of six accountants, indicating a niche market within the broader North Carolina landscape. With a cost of living index of 93.6, aspiring financial professionals find that their take-home pay holds greater purchasing power relative to many other regions, making this an attractive option for those starting their careers or transitioning from public accounting roles. Pay disparities hinge on various factors, including the type of employer; larger firms like Deloitte or PwC typically offer higher salaries compared to the local CPA practices. Many accountants enhance their earnings through specializations, such as tax or forensic accounting, where premiums exist due to market demand. Therefore, to maximize compensation, candidates may want to focus on obtaining CPA licensure, seeking opportunities at larger firms, and considering specialization in high-demand fields. Staying abreast of busy-season dynamics can also offer useful insights on potential overtime and bonus structures that further boost earnings in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Leland, 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
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 $72,951 for accountantsin the Leland 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 Leland 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