Business & Finance Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Accountant Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median accountant salary in Memphis, TN is $68,697 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$68,697
vs State Avg
$-2,396
vs National
$-11,183
Cost of Living
86%

Accountant Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median accountant salary of $68,697, which is $2,396 below the Tennessee state average of $71,093. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $68,697 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for accountants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for accountants in Memphis spans from $43,344 at the 10th percentile to $114,208 at the 90th percentile — a $70,864 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,720, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,200. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Accountant Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level accountant earns around $44,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,720
$-7,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $43,344
25th Percentile $53,922
Median (50th) $68,697
75th Percentile $88,064
90th Percentile $114,208

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
Chattanooga, TN
$70,294
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Accountant in Memphis

Education

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

Find Accountant Jobs in Memphis

Browse open accountant positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Memphis

How much does a Accountant make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median accountant salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $68,697 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $43,344 (10th percentile) to $114,208 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,697, a accountant in Memphis earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for accountant pay? ▼
Memphis's median accountant salary of $68,697 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $71,093. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $68,697 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Memphis? ▼
Most accountant positions in Memphis 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.