Accountant in High Point, NC

The Salary Picture: Where High Point Stands

If you're an accountant looking at High Point, you need to understand the local economics. I’ve lived here long enough to know that while the city might not have the same corporate buzz as Charlotte or Raleigh, the numbers tell a solid story for our profession. The median salary for an Accountant in the High Point metro area is $84,194/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.48/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, but the gap is minimal. When you factor in the lower cost of living, that median salary often feels more robust than it does in more expensive tech hubs.

The job market here is steady but not explosive. There are approximately 232 accounting jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%. This isn’t a boomtown number, but it indicates stability. In a city like High Point, which is anchored by manufacturing, furniture, and healthcare, accounting roles are consistent rather than cyclical. You aren’t chasing the next IPO here; you’re securing a solid role in an established industry.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in High Point scale predictably with experience. Here’s how the numbers break down locally:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in High Point
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping for local SMEs, AR/AP processing, assisting with month-end close in manufacturing or retail.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, budgeting for regional offices, managing audit prep for local firms.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$86,000 - $105,000	Controller or Senior Accountant roles, managing teams, overseeing compliance for larger local employers (e.g., hospitals, furniture groups).
Expert/CPA (15+ years)	$106,000+	Partner track at a local CPA firm, CFO for a mid-sized local company, or specialized tax/consulting roles.

Note: These ranges are approximate based on local job postings and BLS data for the region. A CPA license consistently commands a premium of 10-15% over non-CPA roles.

Comparison to Other NC Cities

How does High Point stack up against its North Carolina neighbors?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Vibe
High Point	$84,194	92.7	Stable, manufacturing/healthcare-driven, less competition.
Charlotte	$92,500 (est.)	101.8	High-growth, high-finance, intense competition, higher stress.
Raleigh	$90,000 (est.)	104.1	Tech/biotech growth, more startups, strong demand for forensic accountants.
Greensboro	$82,000 (est.)	94.5	Very similar to High Point, but with more corporate HQs (e.g., Volvo Trucks).
Asheville	$80,000 (est.)	107.2	Tourism/hospitality focus, seasonal fluctuations, lower median salary.

Insider Tip: While Charlotte and Raleigh offer higher salaries, the cost of living (especially housing) eats into that advantage. In High Point, you can often live comfortably on a mid-level salary without the pressure of a cutthroat corporate environment. The commute from High Point to Greensboro (its larger sibling) is only about 15 minutes, and many accountants work in one city while living in the other.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary of $84,194 doesn’t mean you take home that amount. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single filer in High Point, assuming a standard deduction and North Carolina’s flat state income tax rate of 4.75% (as of 2024, but always verify current rates with the NC Department of Revenue).

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Salary: $84,194
• Federal Taxes (est.): ~15%
• State Taxes (NC 4.75%): $4,000
• Social Security & Medicare (7.65%): $6,441
• Pre-tax 401(k) contribution (5%): $4,209

Estimated Net Monthly Take-Home (after taxes & 401k): ~$4,950

Monthly Budget Breakdown

High Point’s average 1BR rent is $1,042/month. Here’s a realistic budget for an accountant earning the median salary:

Category	Monthly Amount	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,042	You can find quality 1BRs in decent neighborhoods for this price.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$180	Higher in summer due to AC; lower in the mild winters.
Groceries & Household	$400	Competitive grocery prices; good local farmers' markets (e.g., High Point Farmers Market).
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Essential in NC. Insurance is moderate.
Gas & Maintenance	$150	High Point is car-dependent; commute to Greensboro is easy but adds cost.
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$250	Varies greatly by employer.
Retirement Savings (beyond 401k)	$300	Important for long-term growth.
Entertainment/Dining Out	$300	Plenty of affordable local options (e.g., downtown High Point, Jamestown).
Miscellaneous/Emergency Fund	$400	Crucial for unexpected expenses.
Total Expenses	$3,472
Remaining for Discretionary/Savings	~$1,478

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. With a take-home of ~$4,950 and estimated expenses of $3,472, you have a surplus of $1,478/month. The median home price in the High Point metro area is around $240,000 - $260,000. With a 20% down payment ($48,000-$52,000), you’re looking at a monthly mortgage (including taxes & insurance) of approximately $1,400 - $1,500. This is very feasible on an accountant’s salary, especially if you have a dual-income household. Many accountants here live in suburbs like Jamestown or Archdale, where homes are affordable and commutes are short.

Where the Jobs Are: High Point's Major Employers

High Point’s economy is a blend of old-world manufacturing (the "Furniture Capital of the World") and modern healthcare. As an accountant, you’ll find opportunities in these sectors. Here are the key players:

1. Cone Health System (High Point Medical Center): The largest healthcare employer in the Triad. They have a constant need for accountants, billing specialists, and financial analysts. Hiring is steady, with a preference for CPAs in senior roles. Insider Tip: They often partner with the local CPA firms for audit work, so networking there can lead to opportunities on both sides.
2. HanesBrands (HQ in Winston-Salem, but major presence): While HQ is in Winston-Salem, their massive financial operations serve the entire Triad, including High Point. They hire for cost accounting, internal audit, and financial reporting roles. Hiring Trend: Recent restructuring has focused on efficiency, meaning they seek accountants with strong ERP (like SAP) skills.
3. Furniture Manufacturers (The "Big Three" Local Groups): Companies like Surya, Southern Motion, and Craftmaster are major employers. They need plant controllers, cost accountants, and inventory specialists. Insider Tip: Knowledge of manufacturing accounting (job costing, standard costing) is a golden ticket here. The industry is cyclical, but the large players are stable.
4. The Triad Office of the IRS & NC Department of Revenue: The IRS has a significant campus in nearby Greensboro, and the state has offices in High Point. These roles offer great government benefits and job security, though salaries may be at the lower end of the spectrum.
5. Local CPA Firms (e.g., Smith, Sapp, et al.): While not as large as the Big 4, firms like Smith, Sapp & Associates or Sprenz & Associates are the backbone of local business. They handle audit, tax, and consulting for most small-to-mid-sized businesses in the area. This is the best path for those seeking partnership tracks without leaving the city.
6. Wake Forest Baptist Health (High Point campus): Another major healthcare player, contributing to the steady demand for healthcare finance professionals.
7. Retail Giants (Wal-Mart, Target Distribution Centers): High Point is a logistics hub. Distribution centers for major retailers need accountants for inventory control, logistics accounting, and financial analysis.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest for accountants with 2-5 years of experience and proficiency in Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks (for SMEs), and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle for larger firms). CPAs are always in demand, especially for audit and tax roles.

Getting Licensed in NC

For accountants, the CPA license is the gold standard. North Carolina follows the Uniform CPA Examination requirements set by NASBA and the NC State Board of CPA Examiners.

Requirements:

1. Education: 150 semester hours, including 24 hours in accounting courses (upper-level) and 24 hours in general business courses.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year (1,200 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Timeline & Costs:

• Education: If you need the extra 30 hours, consider High Point University’s graduate program or online options from UNC Greensboro (just 15 minutes away). Cost: ~$10,000-$30,000 depending on program.
• Exam Fees (NASBA): ~$1,500 total for all four sections (approx. $300-$400 per section).
• Review Course: Essential. Becker, Wiley, or Roger. $1,500 - $3,000.
• License Application Fee (NC Board): $150 (non-refundable).
• Ethics Exam: ~$200.

Realistic Timeline: If you’re starting from scratch with a bachelor’s, it can take 1-2 years of post-graduate education and study, plus the exam and experience period. For an experienced accountant moving to NC, you can apply for licensure by reciprocity if you’re CPA-certified in another state (check NASBA’s reciprocity guidelines). The NC Board is efficient; processing can take 60-90 days after submitting a completed application.

Insider Tip: Join the Triad Chapter of the NC Association of CPAs immediately. Their meetings are held in Greensboro/High Point, and it’s the single best way to get licensed, find mentors, and hear about unadvertised jobs.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

High Point is divided into quadrants (Downtown, North, East, South, West), but for living, these are the top spots for working professionals.

1. Downtown High Point: The revitalized core. Walkable, with new apartments and cafes. Commute to most employers is under 10 minutes. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300 for a modern 1BR. Best for young professionals who want a social scene.
2. Jamestown (Southwest): A separate town but part of High Point’s metro. Excellent schools, family-friendly, with a charming downtown. A 15-minute commute to High Point’s core. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200 for a 1BR or small house. Ideal for those planning to buy soon.
3. Westchester (North): A classic, established neighborhood with large homes, mature trees, and quiet streets. Very close to Cone Health High Point Medical Center. Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,100 for a 1BR. Great for those working in healthcare.
4. Archdale (South): A suburb with more shopping and chain restaurants, but still a quick 20-minute commute to downtown. More affordable housing. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,050 for a 1BR. A practical choice for budget-conscious professionals.

Commute Tip: Traffic is light compared to major metros. Rush hour is predictable (7-8 AM, 5-6 PM) on I-85 and US-52, but it’s rarely a standstill. Most accountants live within a 15-25 minute drive of their office.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While High Point may not have the explosive growth of a tech city, it offers stable, long-term career paths with clear advancement.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA License: Adds $10,000 - $20,000 to your base salary.
• Cost/Managerial Accounting (Manufacturing): High demand in furniture and textiles; can command a 5-10% premium over general ledger roles.
• ERP Implementation Specialist (SAP/Oracle): This is a niche but critical skill, especially with the large manufacturers and healthcare systems here. Premium can be $15,000+.
• Fraud/Forensic Accounting: Limited but growing, especially in insurance and legal firms in the Triad.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting Track: Staff Accountant -> Senior -> Manager -> Partner (at a local firm). This is the most traditional path and offers the fastest income growth.
2. Industry (Corporate) Track: Staff Accountant -> Senior -> Accounting Manager -> Controller -> CFO. Common in furniture, healthcare, and retail distribution.
3. Government/Non-Profit: Offers excellent work-life balance and benefits, though salary growth is capped. Roles are at the city/county level and with local health systems.

10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth rate, the market is stable. The key to growth is specialization. The generic bookkeeper role is being automated. The accountant who can analyze data, manage complex projects (like ERP implementations), and provide strategic advice will see the best opportunities. The Triad’s proximity to three major universities (UNC-G, UNCSA, WSSU) ensures a pipeline of talent, but experienced professionals are always valued.

The Verdict: Is High Point Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, especially for home ownership.	Limited High-Growth Opportunities: Fewer startups and Fortune 500 HQs than Charlotte/Raleigh.
Stable Job Market: Healthcare and manufacturing provide consistent demand.	Slower Salary Growth: Raises may be more modest than in high-growth metros.
Central Location: 1 hour to Charlotte, 30 mins to Greensboro, 1 hour to Raleigh. Easy access to bigger leagues.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is limited.
Work-Life Balance: Less "hustle culture," more traditional 9-5 schedules in many firms.	Smaller Network: The professional network is tight-knit; harder to break in without local connections.
Diverse Employers: From hospitals to furniture giants, you aren't tied to one industry.	Lifestyle: Quieter nightlife and fewer cultural amenities than larger cities.

Final Recommendation:
High Point is an excellent choice for accountants seeking stability, affordability, and a manageable pace of life. It’s particularly well-suited for:

• Early to mid-career professionals who want to buy a home and build equity.
• CPAs looking for partnership tracks in a less competitive local market.
• Industry specialists (cost, healthcare accounting) seeking consistent demand.
• Those valuing commute time and quality of life over the buzz of a major metropolis.

If you’re driven by the ambition of a Wall Street-level career, you might feel constrained. But if you want a solid, well-paying career that allows you to have a life outside of work, High Point is a hidden gem in North Carolina.

FAQs

1. Do I need a CPA license to get a good job in High Point?
Not always, but it opens the best doors. For roles at local CPA firms, the healthcare system, or senior corporate positions, a CPA is often required. For bookkeeping, staff accounting at SMEs, or AR/AP roles, it’s not mandatory but will set you apart. Most accountants I know here who earn over $90,000 are CPAs.

2. How competitive is the job market in High Point?
Moderately competitive. With only 232