Business & Finance Winston-Salem, NC Pop. 249,545

Accountant Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The median accountant salary in Winston-Salem, NC is $71,093 per year, which is 11% below the national median and 6.3% below the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$71,093
vs State Avg
$-4,793
vs National
$-8,787
Cost of Living
86%

Accountant Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median accountant salary of $71,093, which is $4,793 below the North Carolina state average of $75,886. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $71,093 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,666 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for accountants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for accountants in Winston-Salem spans from $44,856 at the 10th percentile to $118,192 at the 90th percentile — a $73,336 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,280, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,800. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Accountant Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level accountant earns around $46,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,280
$-5,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,200
$-8,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,800
$-13,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Winston-Salem, NC

Percentile Winston-Salem
10th Percentile $44,856
25th Percentile $55,803
Median (50th) $71,093
75th Percentile $91,136
90th Percentile $118,192

Accountant Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$80,679
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$80,679
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$78,282
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$72,691
Pop. 299,035

How to Become a Accountant in Winston-Salem

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Winston-Salem

Browse open accountant positions in Winston-Salem, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Accountant make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
The median accountant salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $71,093 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $44,856 (10th percentile) to $118,192 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,093, a accountant in Winston-Salem earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for accountant pay? ▼
Winston-Salem's median accountant salary of $71,093 is 6.3% below the North Carolina state average of $75,886. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $71,093 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Winston-Salem? ▼
Most accountant positions in Winston-Salem 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.