Average Accountants and Auditors Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Accountants and Auditors in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area command an impressive average annual salary of $96,370. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $94,430, indicating a robust local demand for financial expertise. The specific economic drivers within the Research Triangle region likely contribute to this competitive compensation, reflecting the area's strong presence in technology, research, and higher education.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $96,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $145,060.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area supports a substantial workforce of 3,150 Accountants and Auditors. With a Location Quotient of 0.98, the concentration of these professionals is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and well-established job market. The rate of 9.206 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a consistent demand for accounting and auditing services within this dynamic metropolitan region.
Salary Overview
The average Accountants and Auditors in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns+2.1%above the national average.
$46.3
$1,853
$8,031
Accountants and Auditors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salary landscape for Accountants and Auditors in Durham-Chapel Hill has experienced steady growth over the past four years. Economic expansion, increased demand for financial services, and the general inflationary environment typically drive upward salary trends for skilled professionals in established metropolitan areas like this one.
Accountants and Auditors Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Career progression for Accountants and Auditors in Durham-Chapel Hill is typically marked by significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between starting and senior salaries reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge, leadership capabilities, and specialized financial acumen.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $59,280 | $28.5 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $72,278 | $34.7 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $83,990 | $40.4 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $120,463 | $57.9 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $145,060 | $69.7 |
Detailed Accountants and Auditors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$96,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$96,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $96,370 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Accountant's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
3,150
Total Jobs
9.206
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.98x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.98, the Durham-Chapel Hill market for Accountants and Auditors is highly representative of the national landscape. This indicates a healthy balance between the supply of professionals and the demand for their services, suggesting a competitive yet accessible job market. Professionals can expect opportunities to be readily available, without the intense competition often seen in areas with significantly higher LQs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Accountants and Auditors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Accountants and Auditors Salary | $92,050↓ 4% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Accountants and Auditors Salary | $84,070↓ 13% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Accountants and Auditors Salary | $85,840↓ 11% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Accountants and Auditors Salary | $82,530↓ 14% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Accountants and Auditors Salary | $79,020↓ 18% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Accountants and Auditorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Accountants and Auditors make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Accountants and Auditors in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $96,370. This typically ranges from $59,280 for entry-level positions to $145,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 2.1% higher than the national median of $94,430.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Accountants and Auditors?
Yes, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC offers lucrative opportunities for Accountants and Auditors.The average salary of $96,370 is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making it a financially advantageous location.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Accountants and Auditors?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($92,050) and Burlington, NC.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Accountants and Auditors in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $96,370, which is slightly higher than the national average of $94,430.
What is the concentration of Accountants and Auditors in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.98, indicating that the proportion of Accountants and Auditors in the local workforce is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill is at the national average (100), meaning the $96,370 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Accountants and Auditors in the area?
There are approximately 3,150 Accountants and Auditors employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC 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 3,150 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 9.206 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Accountants and Auditors Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Accountants and Auditors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC