Knoxville vs Murfreesboro: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Knoxville, TN and Murfreesboro, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Murfreesboro, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,347 | $78,698▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.19 | $37.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,787 | $52,832▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,347▲ | $62,719 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,434 | $100,733▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,960▲ | $121,982 |
| Total Employed | 3,240▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Knoxville and Murfreesboro are closely matched on overall accountant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Murfreesboro is $1,351 (1.75%). Murfreesboro's median is -8.35% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $77,173,Murfreesboro spans $69,150. Knoxville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Murfreesboro ($85,728 effective) pays 2.60% more than Knoxville ($83,556 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,960)
- ✓Larger job market (3,240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Murfreesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,698/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,728)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Knoxville grew 18.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Murfreesboro over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$63,700 (2019) → $75,380 (2025)
Murfreesboro, TN
$67,396 (2024) → $76,696 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Murfreesboro, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays accountants more: Knoxville or Murfreesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Murfreesboro?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov