Business & Finance Charlotte, NC Pop. 874,579

Accountant Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

The median accountant salary in Charlotte, NC is $80,679 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$80,679
vs State Avg
+$4,793
vs National
+$799
Cost of Living
98%

Accountant Pay in Charlotte: What to Expect (2026)

Charlotte offers a median accountant salary of $80,679, which is $4,793 above the North Carolina state average of $75,886. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Charlotte pays above average for this role.

Charlotte's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for accountants in Charlotte spans from $50,904 at the 10th percentile to $134,128 at the 90th percentile — a $83,224 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,520, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $121,200. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Accountant Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, an entry-level accountant earns around $52,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,520
+$520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,800
+$800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,200
+$1,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charlotte, NC

Percentile Charlotte
10th Percentile $50,904
25th Percentile $63,327
Median (50th) $80,679
75th Percentile $103,424
90th Percentile $134,128

Accountant Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Raleigh, NC
$80,679
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$78,282
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$72,691
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$71,093
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Accountant in Charlotte

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Charlotte may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Charlotte

Browse open accountant positions in Charlotte, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Accountant make in Charlotte, NC? ▼
The median accountant salary in Charlotte, North Carolina is $80,679 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $50,904 (10th percentile) to $134,128 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Charlotte? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,679, a accountant in Charlotte earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for accountant pay? ▼
Charlotte's median accountant salary of $80,679 is 6.3% above the North Carolina state average of $75,886. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $80,679 in Charlotte has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Charlotte? ▼
Most accountant positions in Charlotte require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.