Accountant Salary in Winston, NC: $81,011 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Winston, NC earns a median $81,011/year (≈ $38.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Winston's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $88,014 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Winston, North Carolina, the accountant salary reaches a median of $81,011 in 2026, showcasing a competitive position relative to national averages. The salary spectrum varies significantly, with entry-level accountants earning around $51,326 (P10) while experienced professionals can command up to $139,478 (P90). This data derives from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, highlighting not only local compensation but also the wider corporate structural divide in the accounting industry. While Big 4 firms typically offer higher salaries compared to regional and corporate employers, the Winston job market reflects a growing demand for skilled accountants, setting the stage for promising career growth in this market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,326 | $24.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,680 | $30.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,011 | $38.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,761 | $51.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $139,478 | $67.06 |
Median Salary Position
5.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston
In Winston, NC, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $88,152 (2026 est.). At $81,011, the local median is 5.65% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winston Accountant Pay Compares
Winston median: $81,011/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $80,608 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $85,864 | -5.65% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winston has a cost of living 7.96% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Winston, NC has a cost-of-living index of 92.043 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $81,011 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,014 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.64% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,010
2025 BLS Actual
$78,950
2026 Current Est.
$81,011
2019–2027 Growth
+20.5%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Winston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,650 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,280 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,011 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,125 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winston metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 14.4% from $69,010 (2019) to $78,950 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,125 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,115 (20.45%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $51,326 – $63,680 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,680 – $81,011 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,011 – $107,761 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,761 – $139,478 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Winston
With 2,030 accountants currently employed in Winston, the local job market presents ample opportunities despite a cost-of-living index of 92.043, indicating that wages stretch further compared to many urban centers. The highest salaries in this region often stem from Big 4 firms and corporate accounting departments, while mid-tier CPA firms provide competitive compensation and a solid career pathway in public accounting. Key factors influencing pay disparities include the necessity of a CPA license, which can lead to significant income growth, as well as the value placed on specializations such as tax or forensic accounting. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Winston NC, pursuing experiences in established firms, leveraging CPA credentials, and considering roles that offer equity stakes or unique bonuses during busy seasons can greatly enhance their compensation potential.
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
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 $78,950 for accountantsin the Winston 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
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