Entry Level (10th pct.)
$44,000
0–2 years experience
25th Percentile
$56,000
Below average earner
Median (50th pct.)
$76,000
Typical earner
75th Percentile
$99,000
Above average earner
Top Earner (90th pct.)
$125,000
5+ years experience

Accountant Salary Breakdown — Durham, NC

The table below shows how Accountant salaries in Durham distribute across experience levels and pay percentiles in 2026.

PercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyHourly (est.)Profile
10th$44,000$3,667$21Entry-level, new graduate
25th$56,000$4,667$271–3 years experience
Median$76,000$6,333$37Mid-career professional
75th$99,000$8,250$48Experienced professional
90th$125,000$10,417$60Senior / specialist

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), adjusted for Durham regional cost of living. Data as of 2026.

Visual Salary Distribution

10th pct.
$44,000
25th pct.
$56,000
Median
$76,000
75th pct.
$99,000
90th pct.
$125,000

What Affects Accountant Salaries in Durham?

  • Experience: Entry-level professionals earn significantly less than their senior counterparts. In Durham, the gap between the 10th and 90th percentile is $81,000.
  • Industry:Accountants working in high-demand industries such as technology, finance, and healthcare often command salaries above the median.
  • Education & Certifications: Advanced degrees and relevant professional certifications can move your salary into the upper quartile.
  • Company size: Larger organizations typically offer higher compensation packages, including bonuses and equity.
  • Location within Durham: Employers in downtown/central business districts or tech corridors often pay more than suburban offices.

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