In our recent North America public accounting salary guide, we analysed 400+ placements across 24 US states, DC and Ontario, breaking salary trends down by state, job level and CPA firm size.
This regional follow-up focuses on the South, using placement data from the last three years to explore how salaries vary across Florida, Texas, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Compared to other regions, the South arguably shows the widest mix of salary dynamics. Some markets are seeing aggressive growth at Manager and Partner level, while others remain highly competitive on flexibility and long-term progression.
Before diving into the data, it’s worth noting that the figures featured throughout this report are based on average salaries from Distinct’s public accounting placements over the last three years. They should be viewed as indicative market trends rather than definitive salary benchmarks, as compensation can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, specialisation, firm size and local market conditions.
Public accounting salary trends in the South
- Florida behaves like multiple markets
The gap between Miami and the rest of Florida highlights how localized compensation has become. Manager and Partner salaries vary significantly depending on market and firm structure.
- Secondary Southern markets continue to rise
South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee continue to compete strongly at Manager and Partner level, reinforcing a wider national trend around increasingly competitive secondary markets.
- Texas salaries diverge significantly by market
Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio all show very different salary progression patterns, highlighting how localised compensation has become.
- Manager remains the key earnings jump
As seen across the wider North America report, the move from Senior to Manager is where salary acceleration becomes far more noticeable across Southern markets.
Florida: one state, very different markets
Florida’s data reinforces one of the clearest themes from the wider North America report: public accounting salary trends can vary dramatically even within the same state.
In Miami metro, Boutique Associate salaries average $81,957, compared to $71,957 across the rest of Florida. Manager compensation also trends significantly higher in Miami, with Top 200 averaging $133,840.
At Senior level however the market appears much tighter overall, with salaries clustering largely between the low-$80,000s and mid-$90,000s depending on firm type.
Partner compensation is also relatively consistent across Florida on the surface. Boutique Partner salaries in Miami average $171,684, while Top 200 and Mid-size firms across the rest of the state average $188,351 and $185,018 respectively. However, Partner-level compensation should be viewed with particular caution. While the averages appear relatively close, individual packages can vary significantly. As a result, please keep in mind that the range of Partner earnings is much wider than our headline averages suggest.
Texas: very different progression curves by market
Texas remains one of the most varied public accounting markets in the wider North America dataset, with salary progression looking very different depending on region.
Austin shows some of the clearest salary acceleration in the South. Boutique salaries rise from $74,790 at Associate level to $90,550 at Senior and $130,413 at Manager level.
Dallas-Fort Worth appears steadier by comparison, with Boutique salaries averaging $80,463 at Associate, $95,582 at Senior and $117,063 at Manager level.
Alex Alcock, Director and Texas recruiter, commented: “Dallas-Fort Worth remains a very stable market overall. Salary growth tends to feel much more measured and consistent here compared to some of the sharper jumps we’re seeing elsewhere in Texas.”
Elsewhere in the state, Houston and San Antonio reinforce the diversity of the Texas market. Boutique Associate salaries in Houston average $73,790, while Manager compensation in San Antonio reaches $120,896, demonstrating how earning potential can vary significantly between cities and career stages.
Laura Serena Rose, Texas recruiter, added: “What stands out across Texas is how aggressively firms compete once candidates reach experienced levels. The market changes very quickly from Senior through to Manager and Partner.”
Maryland and Virginia: quietly competitive
Maryland and Virginia continue to perform strongly across multiple levels and firm sizes.
Maryland Top 200 Manager salaries average $137,436, while Boutique Manager compensation reaches $129,103. Virginia also remains highly competitive, with Boutique Manager salaries averaging $132,545 and Mid-size Partner compensation reaching $161,324.
Interestingly, both markets reinforce another wider trend from the national dataset: Boutique and Mid-size firms continue to compete strongly against larger firms on compensation.
North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee continue to rise
One of the clearest themes from the wider North America report was the growing competitiveness of secondary markets, and the Carolinas and Tennessee reinforce that trend. It is worth noting, however, that our dataset for these states is relatively limited compared with some larger markets, reflecting fewer overall placements and a greater concentration of senior-level hires. As a result, the figures should be viewed as indicative of broader market trends rather than definitive salary benchmarks.
North Carolina records Boutique Partner compensation of $204,024, alongside Top 200 Manager salaries of $119,321. South Carolina Mid-size Manager salaries rise to an impressive $157,797, while Tennessee Top 200 Manager compensation averages $126,734.
While the sample sizes are smaller, the data still points towards an increasingly competitive market for experienced public accounting professionals. These are no longer markets competing solely on lower costs of living; they are increasingly competing on compensation as well.
Current public accounting job opportunities:
Smaller Southern markets still hold their own
Delaware records Manager salaries averaging $115,176, while Oklahoma Associate salaries average $70,360 both within Boutique firms.
Although smaller in scale, these markets continue to offer competitive opportunities – particularly for professionals prioritizing progression, exposure and long-term balance.
Current public accounting job opportunities:
The South reflects many of the wider trends from our North America salary guide – but often in a more exaggerated way.
Senior-level compensation is accelerating quickly in markets like Texas, the Carolinas and Maryland, while states like Florida continue to show how localized salary dynamics can become even within the same region.
While this dataset highlights broader market trends, salary benchmarking is rarely one-size-fits-all. Factors such as firm size, specialisation, local demand and individual experience can all have a significant impact on compensation.
If you’re hiring, reviewing your salary expectations or considering your next move, speak with one of Distinct’s specialist public accounting recruiters. Our consultants work within specific markets and can provide tailored insight based on the realities of your state and career level. Get in touch today.
