Accountant Salary in Columbia, MD (2026)
Accountants and auditors prepare financial records, ensure accuracy, and assess financial operations for businesses and individuals.
Median Annual Salary
$93,520
in Columbia · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$90,634
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#58
among cities with BLS data
Accountants in Columbia
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Columbia, MD is $93,520 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $7,793/month or $45/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($94,180), Columbia pays 1% less than the typical city.
Columbia has a cost of living index of 103.2 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $93,520 in Columbia is equivalent to $90,634 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 Columbia 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 Columbia
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $151,370 |
| Registered Nurse | $97,130 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $72,670 |
| Electrician | $69,850 |
Full cost of living profile for Columbia
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Accountant salary in Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Columbia, MD is $93,520 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Columbia Accountant pay compare nationally?
Columbia Accountant pay ($93,520) is 1% below the median across surveyed cities ($94,180).
Does cost of living affect Accountant salaries in Columbia?
Yes. Columbia has a cost of living index of 103.2 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $93,520 salary in Columbia has the purchasing power of approximately $90,634 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology