In Raleigh, NC, Accountants earn a median of $80,270 a year — about 12% below the U.S. median of $90,780. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #20.
What that pay is worth in Raleigh
Local prices run 98 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $90,110 salary is about break-even with the national average ($91,802 adjusted).
Can Accountants afford a home in Raleigh?
A typical Raleigh home runs about $377,800 — 4.2 times the average Accountant salary, manageable against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,468/mo takes roughly 20% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Accountant pay ladder in Raleigh
Entry-level (10th percentile) Accountants earn about $53,670; the top 10% reach $133,470 — a $79,800 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Accountant job market in Raleigh
Raleigh employs roughly 7,630 Accountants. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Raleigh with other cities
See the full Accountant salary by city ranking to weigh Raleigh against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Accountants make in Raleigh?
The average Accountant in Raleigh, NC earns about $90,110 per year, 0.7% below the national average of $90,780.
What is the take-home pay for Accountants in Raleigh after taxes?
After federal and NC taxes, this $90,110 salary is worth about $69,135 a year - roughly $5,761 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 23%.
What do the highest-paid Accountants earn in Raleigh?
The top 10% of Accountants in Raleigh earn about $133,470 a year, versus about $53,670 for the bottom 10%.
Can Accountants afford a home in Raleigh?
A typical Raleigh home runs about $377,800 - roughly 4.2x this salary, within reach by the classic 3x rule of thumb.