Charleston vs Conway: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Charleston, SC and Conway, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Conway, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,421▲ | $75,055 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.15▲ | $36.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,450▲ | $54,582 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,086▲ | $62,242 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,186▲ | $95,481 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,238▲ | $116,335 |
| Total Employed | 2,600▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Conway.
The salary gap between Charleston and Conway is $6,366 (8.48%). Charleston's median is -5.17% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $86,788,Conway spans $61,753. Charleston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Conway ($82,027 effective) pays 1.71% more than Charleston ($80,645 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,421/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,238)
- ✓Larger job market (2,600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Conway if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,027)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Charleston grew 34.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Conway over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$58,800 (2019) → $79,350 (2025)
Conway, SC
$60,785 (2024) → $73,146 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Conway, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays accountants more: Charleston or Conway?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Conway?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Conway as a accountant?
What do entry-level accountants earn in Charleston vs Conway?
Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov