Business & Finance Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Accountant Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median accountant salary in Chattanooga, TN is $70,294 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$70,294
vs State Avg
$-799
vs National
$-9,586
Cost of Living
88%

Accountant Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median accountant salary of $70,294, which is $799 below the Tennessee state average of $71,093. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Chattanooga's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $70,294 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for accountants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for accountants in Chattanooga spans from $44,352 at the 10th percentile to $116,864 at the 90th percentile — a $72,512 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Accountant Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level accountant earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $44,352
25th Percentile $55,176
Median (50th) $70,294
75th Percentile $90,112
90th Percentile $116,864

Accountant Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$79,880
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$73,490
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$70,294
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$68,697
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Accountant in Chattanooga

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open accountant positions in Chattanooga, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Accountant make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median accountant salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $70,294 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $44,352 (10th percentile) to $116,864 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,294, a accountant in Chattanooga earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for accountant pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median accountant salary of $70,294 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $71,093. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $70,294 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Chattanooga? ▼
Most accountant positions in Chattanooga require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.