How Much Do Accountants Make in Tennessee?
Explore accountant salaries in Tennessee. Learn how experience, roles, and locations influence earning potential across the state.
Accountant salaries in Tennessee are a topic of interest for individuals considering a career in the field, those contemplating relocation, and employers seeking to attract talent. Understanding the compensation landscape provides valuable insights into earning potential across various experience levels and specialized roles. This information helps professionals make informed career decisions and allows businesses to structure competitive compensation packages.
Overall Salary Landscape
The average annual salary for an accountant in Tennessee is around $62,014, though figures vary. Typical pay ranges from approximately $30,859 to $98,477. Entry-level positions often start around $45,297 to $58,000 per year. For more experienced professionals, salaries can increase significantly, with senior accountants often earning well over $75,000 annually.
Key Factors Influencing Earnings
An accountant’s earning potential in Tennessee is shaped by several important variables, with experience being a primary driver of salary progression. Entry-level accountants, often with less than a year of experience, earn in the range of $45,297 to $58,000 annually. As professionals gain experience, such as three to five years in the field, their average earnings can increase to approximately $68,000 per year. Senior accountants, usually possessing three to six years of experience, may anticipate salaries between $55,000 and $75,000, while those with eight or more years of experience can reach over $100,000, particularly in specialized or leadership roles.
Higher education and professional certifications also directly influence earning capacity. Certifications like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) enhance marketability and compensation. A CPA qualification, for instance, is frequently a requirement or strong preference for senior accounting positions and can lead to higher salary ranges. The type of employer also plays a role, with salaries differing between public accounting firms, corporate accounting departments, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Larger companies tend to offer more competitive compensation packages compared to smaller entities.
Salary Differences by Role and Location
Accountant salaries in Tennessee vary based on specific job roles and geographic location. Staff accountants earn an average annual salary around $60,805, with entry-level staff accountants making approximately $58,201. Senior accountants command higher compensation, with median salaries around $78,390 statewide. Tax accountants see average salaries around $74,793, while auditors earn approximately $65,923 per year. Controllers, who hold more senior leadership positions, have significantly higher earning potentials, with average salaries ranging from $108,457 to over $236,000 annually.
Geographic location significantly impacts an accountant’s salary, with major metropolitan areas offering higher compensation than smaller cities or rural regions. Nashville, a prominent economic hub, shows average accountant salaries around $65,996 to $71,200. Entry-level accountants in Nashville might expect around $59,975, and senior accountants in the city can earn between $75,000 and $100,000. Memphis also presents competitive salaries, with accountants earning an average of $60,985 to $71,125. Accountants in major metropolitan areas like Knoxville earn 10-15% more than the statewide average, reflecting the higher cost of living and increased demand for skilled professionals.
Resources for Salary Information
Individuals seeking reliable salary data for accountants in Tennessee can utilize various reputable resources. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides comprehensive occupational outlooks, including median wage data for accountants and auditors nationally. Professional accounting organizations, such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and state CPA societies, publish salary guides or provide access to compensation surveys. These resources offer detailed insights into salary trends across different experience levels and specializations.
Several salary aggregation websites also offer data. Platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, Salary.com, and ZipRecruiter compile salary information from various sources, including employer reports and anonymous employee submissions. These websites allow users to filter data by location, experience, and specific job titles, providing a tailored view of potential earnings. Using these resources can help individuals understand salary expectations and prepare for career advancement or job negotiations.