Accountant Salary in Knoxville, TN: $70,294 (2026)

Accountant Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville 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, Knoxville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Knoxville'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 Knoxville an attractive option for accountants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for accountants in Knoxville 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 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Accountant Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, 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

Percentile	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$44,352	$44,856	$50,400
25th Percentile	$55,176	$55,803	$62,700
Median (50th)	$70,294	$71,093	$79,880
75th Percentile	$90,112	$91,136	$102,400
90th Percentile	$116,864	$118,192	$132,800

Percentile

Knoxville

10th Percentile

$44,352

25th Percentile

$55,176

Median (50th)

$70,294

75th Percentile

$90,112

90th Percentile

$116,864

How to Become a Accountant in Knoxville

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Knoxville 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 Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Accountant make in Knoxville, TN? ▼

The median accountant salary in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $70,294, a accountant in Knoxville earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for accountant pay? ▼

Knoxville'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 Knoxville, TN? ▼

Knoxville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $70,294 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Knoxville? ▼

Most accountant positions in Knoxville 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.

Accountant Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee