Accountant in Cary, NC

The Salary Picture: Where Cary Stands

As a local who has watched Cary evolve from a quiet suburb into a booming tech and healthcare hub, I can tell you that accounting salaries here are solid, though not always at the top of the national scale. You're looking at a median salary of $85,563/year for Accountants in the Cary metro area, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.14/hour. It's worth noting that this is just a hair below the national average of $86,080/year (BLS, May 2023). The job market in the metro area shows 357 current openings, with a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady, reflecting the stability of the local economy.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience level. Remember, these are estimates based on local market data and my conversations with hiring managers.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Cary)
Entry-Level	0-2	$60,000 - $72,000
Mid-Level	3-7	$75,000 - $95,000
Senior-Level	8-15	$95,000 - $125,000
Expert/Manager	15+	$125,000 - $160,000+

When you compare Cary to other major North Carolina cities, the picture gets interesting. Cary's median is competitive with the Raleigh-Cary metro area as a whole. However, it often trails Charlotte, where the financial services sector can push salaries higher. In Charlotte, you might see a 10-15% premium for similar roles, especially in corporate or banking accounting. In contrast, cities like Greensboro or Winston-Salem might offer slightly lower median salaries but could provide a lower cost of living. For an accountant seeking a balance between opportunity and quality of life, Cary holds its own, particularly if you value proximity to the Research Triangle Park's diverse employer base.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the median. In Cary, specialization is key. A CPA with a focus on international tax for a tech firm in RTP will out-earn a generalist in a non-profit, sometimes by $20,000 or more. The local market rewards niche skills.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. A salary of $85,563 sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Cary? I live here, and I can tell you the math is mid. Assuming you're single, filing as a head of household with no dependents, and taking the standard deduction, your federal and state (North Carolina has a flat 4.75% income tax) withholdings will take a significant chunk. After federal, state, and FICA (Social Security & Medicare) taxes, your estimated monthly take-home pay is roughly $5,150.

Now, let's factor in rent. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cary is $1,176/month. This is slightly above the national average but is typical for the Triangle. Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for an Accountant earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,176	Can be lower in older complexes, higher in premium areas.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200	Highly variable by season (AC in summer is a must).
Groceries	$400	Cary has competitive grocery prices (Harris Teeter, Food Lion).
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance)	$550	Cary is car-dependent; insurance rates are moderate.
Health Insurance (Employer-Subsidized)	$250	Out-of-pocket estimate after employer contribution.
Discretionary (Entertainment, Dining, Savings)	$2,574	This is where you have significant flexibility.
Total	$5,150	Matches your take-home pay.

This budget leaves you with a healthy $2,574 for discretionary spending, debt repayment, and savings. While you have room to breathe, the question of buying a home is the real hurdle. The median home price in Cary is approximately $475,000. With a $85,563 salary, following the 28/36 rule (housing costs shouldn't exceed 28% of gross income), your maximum mortgage payment would be around $2,000/month. At current interest rates, a $475,000 home with a 20% down payment would have a mortgage payment well over $2,000. The verdict: You can afford a comfortable apartment, but a single-income earner at the median salary will find it challenging to buy a home alone in Cary without a substantial down payment or dual income.

Where the Jobs Are: Cary's Major Employers

Cary's economy is a unique blend of corporate HQs, tech giants, and life sciences. The job market for accountants is heavily influenced by the Research Triangle Park (RTP), which is just minutes away. Here are the key players you should be watching:

1. SAS Institute: The global headquarters for this analytics software giant is right in Cary. They have a massive internal finance and accounting department. They hire for everything from staff accountants to controllers. Hiring trends are stable but competitive; they look for tech-savvy accountants who understand SaaS revenue recognition.
2. Fidelity Investments: While their massive campus is technically in nearby Durham, Fidelity is a top employer for Cary residents. They have hundreds of accounting and finance roles, especially in fund accounting and financial reporting. They're known for strong benefits and internal mobility.
3. IQVIA: A global leader in health data and analytics, IQVIA has a significant presence in the Triangle. Their accounting needs are complex, dealing with international contracts and R&D tax credits. They often hire CPAs with 3-5 years of experience.
4. Bank of America & BB&T (now Truist): Both have major operations centers in the broader Triangle. While some are in Raleigh or Charlotte, many finance professionals live in Cary and commute to these hubs for stable corporate accounting jobs.
5. WakeMed Health & Hospitals: As one of the largest healthcare systems in the region, WakeMed has a major hospital in Cary (Cary Hospital) and its administrative offices nearby. Healthcare accounting is a specialized field, and they have steady demand for accountants familiar with regulatory compliance.
6. Town of Cary Government: Don't overlook the public sector. The town's finance department is a large employer, offering stable jobs with great benefits. The work involves municipal accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. It's a great path for those who prefer a predictable 40-hour week.
7. Local CPA Firms (e.g., GreerWalker, DHG): While their headquarters may be in Charlotte or elsewhere, these large regional firms have significant offices in the Triangle to serve local clients. They offer a fast-track to partnership for those who thrive in public accounting.

Insider Tip: The best jobs in Cary are often not publicly posted. They're filled through networks. Join the local chapter of the North Carolina Association of CPAs (NCACPA) and attend events in the Triangle. Many hiring managers I know prefer referrals from trusted colleagues.

Getting Licensed in North Carolina

If you're not already a CPA, moving to Cary is a great time to get licensed. North Carolina follows the "150-hour rule" and requires the Uniform CPA Exam. Here’s the practical path:

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor's degree (120 hours) is the minimum to sit for the exam, but you need 150 semester hours to be licensed. Many local candidates complete a Master's in Accounting at NC State's Poole College of Management or a post-baccalaureate certificate.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can take these at a Prometric center in Raleigh.
3. Experience: You need one year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 total (varies by state).
• Review Course: Essential. A good course (Becker, Wiley) costs $2,000 - $4,000.
• Application & Licensing Fees: ~$250 (to the NC State Board of CPA Examiners).
• Timeline: From starting your 150-hour education to full licensure, plan for 2-3 years. If you already have the education and experience, you can be licensed in 6-12 months after passing the exam.

Insider Tip: The NC State Board of CPA Examiners is efficient. Submit your application online as soon as you pass your last exam section. Delays are usually due to missing transcripts or unverified experience hours. Keep meticulous records of your work experience, signed by your supervising CPA.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Cary isn't one homogeneous suburb; it has distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and commute. As an accountant, you're likely balancing a professional network with a desire for a good quality of life.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Accountants
West Cary / Preston	Family-oriented, established, quiet. 10-15 min to RTP/I-40.	$1,300	Great schools, safe, and a short commute to major employers. Very popular with professionals.
Downtown Cary	Walkable, historic, growing dining/arts scene. 15-20 min to RTP via US-1.	$1,450	Ideal if you work for the Town or a local firm. A vibrant social scene for networking.
MacGregor Park	Older, well-maintained homes, mature trees. 10 min to SAS HQ.	$1,250	Excellent value. Close to SAS and Cary Crossroads shopping. A quiet, established neighborhood.
Cary Park / Tryon Road	Newer, master-planned communities. 15-20 min to RTP.	$1,350	Modern amenities, great for young professionals. Easy access to US-1 and I-40 for commuting.
Apex (adjacent town)	Small-town feel, excellent downtown. 20-25 min to RTP via US-1.	$1,200	Apex is technically a separate town but part of the Cary metro area. Lower rent, strong community.

Insider Tip: Traffic is a real factor. The "Cary to RTP" commute on I-40 East is a nightmare at 8 AM and 5 PM. If you work in RTP, strongly consider living in West Cary or MacGregor Park to cut your commute time in half. The time saved is worth the slight rent premium.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Cary, your career trajectory is tied to the local economy's strengths. The 4% 10-year job growth suggests you need to be proactive to advance.

• Specialty Premiums: As mentioned, specialization pays. A CPA with a CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) can work for tech firms like SAS or Fidelity, commanding a 15-20% premium. Forensic accounting is another growing field, with opportunities at firms like IQVIA and in healthcare compliance. Management Accountants (CMA) are also in demand at the many corporate HQs.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to start at a public accounting firm (like the local offices of DHG or GreerWalker) for 2-3 years, then jump to a senior role in industry at a company like SAS or a local bank. From there, you can move into management (Controller, Accounting Manager) or specialize further. Another path is staying in public accounting and moving up the partnership track.
• 10-Year Outlook: The growth may be modest at 4%, but the Triangle's economy is resilient. The demand for accountants will be driven by tech, healthcare, and finance. The key to growth will be embracing technology—automation, data analytics, and cybersecurity are becoming integral to accounting. Accountants who can bridge finance and tech will have the most opportunities.

Insider Tip: The local market is smaller than Charlotte's, which can be an advantage. It's easier to build a reputation. Get involved with the Triangle Business Journal's events or the local CFO Council. A strong local network can open doors that never get posted online.

The Verdict: Is Cary Right for You?

Cary offers a high quality of life, excellent schools, and proximity to a thriving job market. But it's not without its drawbacks. Here’s a balanced look:

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Diverse employers (tech, finance, healthcare) provide stability.	Cost of Living: Housing costs, while moderate for the region, are rising and can be a stretch on a single median salary.
High Quality of Life: Safe, clean, great parks, and family-friendly amenities.	Traffic: Commutes to RTP or Raleigh can be congested, especially on I-40.
Networking Proximity: You're in the heart of the Research Triangle, with easy access to Raleigh and Durham.	Lack of "Big City" Feel: If you crave a bustling downtown nightlife, Cary might feel too quiet.
Good Schools: Public schools are consistently highly rated, a major draw for families.	Competitive Housing Market: Buying a home is challenging for first-time buyers without significant savings.

Final Recommendation: Cary is an excellent choice for mid-career accountants (5-15 years experience) earning $85,000+, especially if you have a partner with a second income. It's ideal for those who value safety, good schools, and a short commute to major RTP employers. For entry-level accountants, the rent-to-salary ratio is tight, but the career growth opportunities are worth the initial financial stretch. If you're a specialist (CPA, CISA, international tax) your prospects are even brighter. If you're single and want to buy a home quickly on a median salary, you might find better value in adjacent towns like Apex or Holly Springs, but you'll sacrifice some of Cary's central convenience.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for entry-level accountants in Cary?
It's moderately competitive. The 357 jobs in the metro area include all levels, but many require 1-3 years of experience. To stand out, gain an internship during college at a local firm or company (SAS, Fidelity, WakeMed). Passing at least one part of the CPA exam before you graduate also gives you a significant edge.

2. Is a car necessary in Cary?
Yes, absolutely. While you could live and work near Downtown Cary without a car, the vast majority of employers (SAS, RTP companies, banks) are in suburban office parks with no public transit access. Cary is not a walkable city for daily errands. Plan for a car payment, insurance, and gas in your budget.

3. What's the biggest cultural adjustment for someone moving to Cary from a larger city?
The biggest adjustment is the pace and scale. Cary is a large suburb, not a dense urban core. You'll drive to most places, and the "scene" is more spread out. If you're used to walking to a dozen bars and restaurants, you'll miss that. However, if you value space, greenways, and a quieter environment, you'll love it.

4. Are there opportunities for remote accounting work based in Cary?
Yes, this has grown dramatically. Many national companies hire remote accountants. You could work for a firm in NYC or California while living in Cary. This is a great way to access salaries above the local median. However, for career growth and local networking, being in the office 2-3 days a week is still valuable, especially early in your career.

5. What's the best way to prepare for a CPA exam while working full-time in Cary?
Space out the exams. Don't try to take all four in six months. Many local professionals take one exam per quarter, studying 10-15 hours a week. The libraries (Cary Regional Library is excellent) and coffee shops are great study spots. Form a study group with other local candidates—it keeps you accountable and helps with tricky topics.