Accountant Salary in Durham, NC (2026)
Accountants and auditors prepare financial records, ensure accuracy, and assess financial operations for businesses and individuals.
Median Annual Salary
$74,950
in Durham · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$81,531
adjusted for local cost of living
Accountants in Durham
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Durham, 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), Durham pays 20% less than the typical city.
Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham
| 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 Durham
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Durham.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Accountant salary in Durham?
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Durham, NC is $74,950 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Durham Accountant pay compare nationally?
Durham Accountant pay ($74,950) is 20% below the median across surveyed cities ($94,180).
Does cost of living affect Accountant salaries in Durham?
Yes. Durham has a cost of living index of 91.9 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $74,950 salary in Durham 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