Accountant Salary in Greenville, SC: $78,876 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Greenville, SC earns a median $78,876/year (≈ $37.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Greenville's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.3), that paycheck buys what $84,576 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the South Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, accountants in Greenville, South Carolina, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $78,876, placing local compensation below the national median of $85,864. The salary range for accountants in the area spans from $53,450 at the 10th percentile to $133,824 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse marketplace where experience, specialization, and employer type significantly impact earnings. This data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, illustrates the broader trends within the accounting profession as individuals transition from public accounting roles, often paving the way for substantial lifetime earnings in industry positions. With a steady growth rate of 2.61% expected over the next five years, the job market in Greenville appears stable, providing various avenues for career advancement and compensation growth.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,450 | $25.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,096 | $31.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,876 | $37.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,205 | $49.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,824 | $64.34 |
Median Salary Position
8.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Greenville
In Greenville, SC, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $80,374 (2026 est.). At $78,876, the local median is 8.14% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Greenville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Greenville Accountant Pay Compares
Greenville median: $78,876/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Greenville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $78,955 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -8.14% less |
Accountants in Greenville, SC earn a median of $78,876 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.14% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 0.10% below the South Carolina state average of $78,955.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Greenville has a cost of living 6.74% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Greenville, SC has a cost-of-living index of 93.26 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $78,876 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $84,576 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.23% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$63,160
2025 BLS Actual
$76,870
2026 Current Est.
$78,876
2019–2027 Growth
+28.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Greenville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,160 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,590 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,870 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,876 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,935 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Greenville metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 21.7% from $63,160 (2019) to $76,870 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,935 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,775 (28.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greenville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $53,450 – $65,096 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,096 – $78,876 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,876 – $103,205 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,205 – $133,824 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Greenville
Greenville's accounting sector employs approximately 2,890 professionals, creating a dynamic environment ripe with opportunity. The region boasts a cost of living index of 93.26, which indicates that salaries may stretch further here than in areas with a higher cost of living. Among employers, positions at Big 4 public accounting firms tend to command the highest salaries, often drawing talent away from regional CPA firms and smaller practices. The notable pay disparities in the local market are influenced by various factors, including the requirement of a CPA license, which can lead to a significant salary increase as one progresses from entry-level to senior roles. Additionally, specialized skills such as tax, forensic accounting, or valuation are highly valued and may result in premium pay. For those in Greenville looking to enhance their accountant pay, pursuing niche certifications, networking within industry circles, and considering varied employment types—including corporate accounts or government positions—can yield a more lucrative career path.
More salary data for Greenville, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do accountants make in Greenville, SC in 2026?
Is Greenville, SC a good place to work as a accountant?
Can accountants make $100K in Greenville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted accountant salary in Greenville?
How much does a accountant make per hour in Greenville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $76,870 for accountantsin the Greenville metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov