Business & Finance Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Accountant Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median accountant salary in Nashville, TN is $79,880 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$79,880
vs State Avg
+$8,787
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Accountant Pay in Nashville: What to Expect (2026)

Nashville offers a median accountant salary of $79,880, which is $8,787 above the Tennessee state average of $71,093. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for accountants in Nashville spans from $50,400 at the 10th percentile to $132,800 at the 90th percentile — a $82,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,000, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,000. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Accountant Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level accountant earns around $52,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $50,400
25th Percentile $62,700
Median (50th) $79,880
75th Percentile $102,400
90th Percentile $132,800

Accountant Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Murfreesboro, TN
$73,490
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$70,294
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$70,294
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$68,697
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Accountant in Nashville

Education

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

Find Accountant Jobs in Nashville

Browse open accountant positions in Nashville, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Nashville

How much does a Accountant make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median accountant salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $79,880 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $50,400 (10th percentile) to $132,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,880, a accountant in Nashville earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for accountant pay? ▼
Nashville's median accountant salary of $79,880 is 12.4% above the Tennessee state average of $71,093. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $79,880 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Nashville? ▼
Most accountant positions in Nashville 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.