Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Fayetteville, North Carolina.

---

Accountant Career Guide: Fayetteville, NC

As a career analyst who has spent considerable time navigating the professional landscape of North Carolina, I can tell you that Fayetteville offers a unique proposition for accountants. It’s not the booming tech hub of Raleigh or the banking epicenter of Charlotte. Instead, it’s a stable, military-influenced economy with a low cost of living and a distinct local character. This guide strips away the marketing fluff and provides a data-driven look at what it’s really like to build an accounting career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Fayetteville Stands

When evaluating a move, the raw numbers are your starting point. Fayetteville's accounting salaries are respectable for the region, though they trail the national average—a common trend for mid-sized Southern markets.

Salary Data Snapshot:

• Median Salary: $83,859/year
• Hourly Rate: $40.32/hour
• National Average: $86,080/year
• Jobs in Metro: 419
• 10-Year Job Growth: 4%

The $83,859 median is a solid figure, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. It’s roughly 2.6% below the national average, which is a manageable gap given the lifestyle benefits. The 4% job growth is modest but steady; it indicates a stable demand rather than a volatile boom-and-bust cycle. With 419 current openings in the metro, there is a consistent churn of opportunities, particularly in public accounting firms and corporate roles supporting the military and healthcare sectors.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salary progression in Fayetteville follows a predictable path. While the median is a useful benchmark, your individual earnings will hinge heavily on your specialization and credentials.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Fayetteville)	Key Drivers
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$52,000 - $65,000	CPA eligibility, internship experience, software proficiency (QuickBooks, Excel)
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$70,000 - $90,000	CPA license, industry specialization (gov't contracting, healthcare), team lead roles
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$95,000 - $120,000	CPA license, audit/tax management, complex financial reporting, government clearance
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$120,000+	Partner track (public accounting), CFO/Controller roles, niche expertise (cost accounting for DoD)

Comparison to Other NC Cities

Fayetteville sits in the middle of the pack for accounting salaries in North Carolina. It’s not competitive with the major metros, but it’s significantly more affordable.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Real Wage Value
Fayetteville	$83,859	91.4	High
Charlotte	$89,500	97.5	Medium
Raleigh-Durham	$88,200	102.1	Medium-Low
Greensboro	$82,100	90.5	High
Wilmington	$79,800	98.2	Low

Insider Tip: A CPA in Raleigh may earn $4,000-$5,000 more than in Fayetteville, but their housing costs will be $400-$600/month higher. After factoring in rent, the Fayetteville accountant often comes out ahead on disposable income.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground the salary data in reality. Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single accountant earning the median salary of $83,859.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross: $6,988)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $6,988
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,700 (24-26% effective rate)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,288
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,120
• Remaining after Rent: $4,168

This leaves over $4,000 for utilities, groceries, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending. The Cost of Living Index of 91.4 means your dollar stretches roughly 8.6% further than the national average.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Fayetteville metro is approximately $250,000. With a 20% down payment ($50,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would result in a monthly payment of around $1,270 (including taxes and insurance). This is only $150 more than the average rent, making homeownership a realistic and financially savvy goal for mid-to-senior level accountants here.

Where the Jobs Are: Fayetteville's Major Employers

Fayetteville’s economy is anchored by Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), one of the largest military installations in the world. This creates a unique job market for accountants with skills in government contracting, procurement, and compliance.

1. Cape Fear Valley Health System: The region’s largest healthcare provider. They have a constant need for accountants in revenue cycle management, cost accounting, and auditing. Hiring trends show a shift towards accountants with ERP system experience (especially Oracle or Meditech).
2. Fort Liberty & DoD Contractors (e.g., Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics): The backbone of the local economy. Accountants with an active security clearance (or the ability to obtain one) are highly sought after for roles in cost accounting, contract administration, and financial management. This is where the $120,000+ specialist salaries are found.
3. Schedule M, Inc.: One of the largest employee-owned construction and engineering firms in the U.S., headquartered in Fayetteville. They employ accountants for project accounting, financial reporting, and internal auditing.
4. The City of Fayetteville & Cumberland County Government: Stable government jobs with excellent benefits. Roles are in general accounting, budgeting, and auditing. Hiring is slow but steady; it’s competitive but offers long-term stability.
5. Public Accounting Firms (Local & Regional): Firms like Johnson, Lambert & Co. (now part of BDO) and Greene & Company provide audit, tax, and consulting services to local businesses and government contractors. These are the primary training grounds for new CPAs.
6. Bank of Fayetteville / Local Credit Unions: Community financial institutions need accountants for branch operations, loan accounting, and regulatory compliance.

Hiring Trend Insight: There is growing demand for accountants who can bridge the gap between traditional accounting and data analytics. Familiarity with Power BI, Tableau, and advanced Excel can set you apart in both corporate and government contracting roles.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina follows the “150-hour rule” and requires the CPA license for most senior-level positions.

State-Specific Requirements (NC State Board of CPA Examiners):

• Education: 120 semester hours for exam eligibility, 150 hours for licensure. Must include 24 hours of upper-level accounting and 24 hours of general business.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
• Experience: One year (1,820 hours) of accounting experience under a licensed CPA. Industry and government roles are accepted.
• Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline (Estimated):

• CPA Exam Fees (4 parts): ~$1,500 - $2,000
• Review Course (e.g., Becker, Roger): $1,500 - $3,000
• Licensing & Application Fees: ~$300
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,300 - $5,300

Timeline to Get Started: If you are exam-ready, the process typically takes 12-18 months to complete the experience requirement and all exam parts. Start by submitting your transcripts to the NC Board for evaluation.

Insider Tip: North Carolina has a robust network of CPA societies (e.g., the Cape Fear Chapter of the NCACPA). Join immediately for networking, CPE credits, and job leads. Many local firms post exclusively within these networks.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Your commute and lifestyle will vary dramatically based on where you live. Fayetteville is geographically spread out, and traffic can be congested around Fort Liberty.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Haymount Historic District	Charming, walkable, near downtown. 5-10 min drive to most offices.	$1,250 - $1,450	Young professionals who want character and a short commute.
Woodlake / The Preserve	Quiet, suburban, master-planned. 15-20 min commute. Family-friendly.	$1,100 - $1,300	Accountants with families seeking safety and good schools.
Downtown / Festival Park	Urban, revitalizing, close to restaurants and nightlife. 5-10 min commute.	$1,000 - $1,200	Those who want an urban feel without the high cost of Charlotte/Raleigh.
West Fayetteville / Cliffdale	Affordable, practical, near shopping centers. 10-15 min commute.	$900 - $1,100	Budget-conscious professionals prioritizing savings over scenery.
Southern Pines / Pinehurst	Upscale, golf-centric, 25-30 min commute. A more polished, small-town feel.	$1,300 - $1,600	Senior accountants or those seeking a quieter, more upscale community.

Commuter Insight: If you work near Fort Liberty or the western side of town, living in Woodlake or Cliffdale minimizes your commute. If your job is downtown, Haymount is unbeatable for quality of life.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While Fayetteville’s job growth is modest (4%), advancement is achievable through specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Government Contracting (DCAA Compliance): This is the highest premium skill in Fayetteville. Accountants who understand Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) requirements can command salaries 15-25% above the median.
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle: Expertise in hospital billing and compliance (HIPAA, Medicare/Medicaid) provides a stable, in-demand niche.
  • Tax Specialization (Military/Non-Profit): Understanding the unique tax situations of military families and local non-profits can make you a valued community partner.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Public Accounting to Industry: Start at a local firm to get your CPA, then move to a corporate role at a contractor or Cape Fear Valley Health for better work-life balance and higher pay.
  2. Corporate Ladder: Move from Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller. The Controller role at a mid-sized local company can pay $110,000 - $140,000.
  3. Government/DoD Path: Obtain a clearance, specialize in cost or contract accounting, and move into management within a defense firm or on-base position.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth will be concentrated in healthcare and government contracting. Traditional manufacturing and retail accounting roles may stagnate. To thrive, focus on tech integration, regulatory compliance, and strategic analysis rather than just bookkeeping.

The Verdict: Is Fayetteville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living (Index 91.4)	Salaries trail national average
Stable Job Market (Gov't & Healthcare)	Limited high-end corporate HQ jobs
Easy Commute & Affordable Housing	Can feel isolated from major cultural hubs
Strong Community & Outdoor Access	Job growth is modest (4%)
Unique Niche for Gov't Contracting	Less diverse industry base than Raleigh/Charlotte

Final Recommendation:
Fayetteville is an excellent choice for accountants who value stability, affordability, and work-life balance over the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for:

• Early-career CPAs looking to build experience without crushing debt.
• Mid-career professionals with families who want to buy a home and build equity.
• Accountants with a security clearance or interest in government contracting.

It is not the best choice if your primary goal is to climb the corporate ladder at a Fortune 500 headquarters or to be in a hyper-competitive, high-growth market. For those seeking a balanced, grounded career in a supportive community, Fayetteville offers a compelling and financially sound proposition.

FAQs

Q: Is a CPA license necessary to get an accounting job in Fayetteville?
A: No, but it is highly recommended for career advancement. You can secure an entry-level or staff accountant role without it, but senior, manager, and controller positions almost universally require it, especially with local corporations and government contractors.

Q: How is the work-life balance for accountants here?
A: Generally good, but it depends on your employer. Public accounting firms (especially during tax season) and government contractors can have demanding periods. Corporate and healthcare roles typically offer a more predictable 9-to-5 schedule.

Q: What is the networking scene like?
A: It’s tight-knit. The Cape Fear Chapter of the NC Association of CPAs is the central hub. The military connection also means many professionals have national networks. Attending monthly meetings is the most effective way to find jobs and mentors.

Q: Do I need to know anything specific about military/government accounting?
A: If you’re working for a DoD contractor, yes. Key concepts include Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and DCAA audit processes. Many local firms offer training for new hires from non-government backgrounds.

Q: How competitive is the job market with Fort Liberty nearby?
A: It’s competitive for entry-level roles but in a healthy way. The large pool of military spouses and veterans keeps the talent pool deep. For specialized roles (clearance holders, DCAA experience), there is a shortage of qualified candidates, giving you leverage.

---

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, NC Department of Commerce, NC State Board of CPA Examiners, Zillow Rent Data, Sperling's BestPlaces Cost of Living Index.