Average Accountant Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax
Accountants in Tennessee earn an average of $72,368 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +9.4% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$72,368
per year
Hourly Rate
$34.80
per hour
vs National
-9.4%
$79,880 national
Salary Range
$47,729
to $102,197
About Accountant Careers in Tennessee
Accountants are financial professionals who examine, analyze, and interpret financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. They prepare financial statements, tax returns, and help organizations make sound business decisions based on financial data. Accountants play a crucial role in maintaining the financial health of businesses, government agencies, and individuals.
In Tennessee, accountants earn an average of $72,368 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $47,729 for entry-level roles to $102,197 for the most experienced professionals — +9.4% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by cpa certification typically increases salary by 10-15%, industry specialization (healthcare, tech, finance) affects pay, and the specific metro area within Tennessee.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$72,368
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$77,815
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Accountant's salary of $72,368 has the purchasing power of $77,815 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Accountant Salary by City in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $76,500 | $36.78/hr | $49,941 | $108,999 | 1,082 |
| Memphis, TN | $68,236 | $32.81/hr | $45,516 | $95,394 | 1,178 |
Modeled estimates derived from the 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS national median and regional cost factors. Sorted by estimated median salary (highest first).
Tennessee vs National Average
Accountant Salary Comparison
Employment in Tennessee
There are approximately 2,260 Accountants employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Accountant Salary Range in Tennessee
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$47,729
Starting salary for new Accountants
Median (50th Percentile)
$72,368
Mid-career Accountant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$102,197
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Tennessee
Accountant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Accountant salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Tennessee Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Accountant salary in Tennessee?
The average Accountant salary in Tennessee is $72,368 per year ($34.80/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 9.4% below the national average of $79,880.
What is the highest paying city for Accountants in Tennessee?
Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Accountants in Tennessee, with a median salary of $76,500 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $68,236.
What is the salary range for Accountants in Tennessee?
Accountant salaries in Tennessee range from $47,729 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $102,197 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $72,368 per year.
About This Data
The national median for this occupation comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The metro and state figures on this page are modeled estimates: we adjust that national median using regional wage differentials and cost-of-living indexes, then average the metros within Tennessee. They are not direct BLS metro observations and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers.