Accountant Salary in Chapel Hill, NC (2026)
Accountants and auditors prepare financial records, ensure accuracy, and assess financial operations for businesses and individuals.
Median Annual Salary
$74,950
in Chapel Hill · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$81,531
adjusted for local cost of living
Accountants in Chapel Hill
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Chapel Hill, NC is $74,950 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $6,246/month or $36/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($94,180), Chapel Hill pays 20% less than the typical city.
Chapel Hill has a cost of living index of 91.9 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $74,950 in Chapel Hill is equivalent to $81,531 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Chapel Hill metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Accountants by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark, NJ | $121,970 |
| 2 | New York, NY | $121,970 |
| 3 | Jersey City, NJ | $121,970 |
| 4 | Berkeley, CA | $119,870 |
| 5 | San Francisco, CA | $119,870 |
| 6 | Oakland, CA | $119,870 |
| 7 | Washington, DC | $108,670 |
| 8 | Arlington, VA | $108,670 |
| 9 | Alexandria, VA | $108,670 |
| 10 | Tacoma, WA | $106,100 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Chapel Hill
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $125,090 |
| Registered Nurse | $90,700 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,830 |
| Electrician | $60,360 |
Full cost of living profile for Chapel Hill
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Chapel Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Accountant salary in Chapel Hill?
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Chapel Hill, NC is $74,950 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Chapel Hill Accountant pay compare nationally?
Chapel Hill Accountant pay ($74,950) is 20% below the median across surveyed cities ($94,180).
Does cost of living affect Accountant salaries in Chapel Hill?
Yes. Chapel Hill has a cost of living index of 91.9 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $74,950 salary in Chapel Hill has the purchasing power of approximately $81,531 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology