Average Accountants and Auditors Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Accountants and Auditors in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area earn an average annual salary of $92,060. This figure is slightly below the national average of $94,430, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Charleston-North Charleston metropolitan area. The interplay of local business needs and the cost of doing business contributes to this nuanced pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $92,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $149,820.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a local workforce of 2,670 Accountants and Auditors. With a Location Quotient of 0.73, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of nearly 7 professionals per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for accounting and auditing services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Accountants and Auditors in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-2.5%below the national average.
$44.3
$1,770
$7,672
Accountants and Auditors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston-North Charleston is not provided, it is generally assumed that the accounting and auditing profession has experienced steady salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing regulatory complexity, evolving business landscapes, and a persistent need for financial oversight likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation for skilled professionals in this field.
Accountants and Auditors Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Salary progression for Accountants and Auditors in Charleston-North Charleston typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise within the local market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $51,070 | $24.6 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $69,045 | $33.2 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $78,230 | $37.6 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $115,075 | $55.3 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $149,820 | $72 |
Detailed Accountants and Auditors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$92,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$92,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $92,060 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an accountant's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial environment for residents. While the nominal salary is slightly below the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay effectively meets the average American standard.
Job Market Context
2,670
Total Jobs
6.874
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.73x the national average concentration of Accountants and Auditors jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.73 for Accountants and Auditors in Charleston-North Charleston indicates that the profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a solid base of professionals, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for those entering the field or seeking to advance. The job market is moderately competitive, with demand likely driven by the region's economic growth and diverse business sectors.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Accountants and Auditors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Accountants and Auditors Salary | $88,370↓ 4% | 63 mi |
| Sumter, SC Accountants and Auditors Salary | $78,560↓ 15% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Accountants and Auditors Salary | $71,790↓ 22% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Accountants and Auditors Salary | $84,050↓ 9% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Accountants and Auditors Salary | $80,090↓ 13% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Accountants and Auditors make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Accountants and Auditors in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $92,060. This typically ranges from $51,070 for entry-level positions to $149,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 2.5% lower than the national median of $94,430.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Accountants and Auditors?
Moderately lucrative, with pay on par with national living costs.The average salary of $92,060 is slightly below the national average, but the Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The market is stable with opportunities for growth.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Accountants and Auditors?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($88,370) and Sumter, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston accountant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Accountants and Auditors in Charleston-North Charleston is $92,060, which is slightly lower than the national average of $94,430.
What is the concentration of Accountants and Auditors in Charleston-North Charleston?
The Location Quotient for Accountants and Auditors in Charleston-North Charleston is 0.73, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of an accountant's salary in Charleston-North Charleston?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $92,060 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Accountants and Auditors are employed in the Charleston-North Charleston area?
There are approximately 2,670 Accountants and Auditors employed in the Charleston-North Charleston metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,670 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 6.874 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Accountants and Auditors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC