Entry-Level Accountant Salary in Memphis, TN: $50,874 (2026)
Quick Answer:New accountants entering the Memphis, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,874 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 13-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Memphis's local price level (BEA RPP 92.2 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,190 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,969) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, the starting salary for entry-level accountants is projected to be $50,874 in 2026, a figure that reflects the broader economic conditions of the area. With a median annual salary of $78,969, the gap for new graduates in their first roles can appear daunting. However, many aspiring accountants should view their trajectory positively; as they move towards the 25th percentile, they may earn around $64,501 within a few years. Given its reasonable cost of living index of 92.179, Memphis presents an appealing market for new grads looking to begin their careers in this profession. With the annual growth rate for salaries projected at 2.61%, there is a potential for salary increases that can help early-career accountants close the gap toward the city median over the first few years.
Career Earnings Timeline in Memphis
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
Entry-level accountants in Memphis, TN typically start between $50,874 and $64,501 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $75,162 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,969 — 8.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average accounting program cost in Tennessee of $48,000 represents just 94.35% of the starting accountant pay ($50,874/year) in Memphis. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AACSB-accredited undergraduate accounting programs at public and private universities. CPA candidates typically complete an additional 30 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree to reach the 150-hour requirement.
CPA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Memphis
- 1Research the Memphis market: entry-level accountant pay ranges from $50,874 to $64,501, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the accounting field — employers in TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Memphis, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Memphis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Memphis's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Accountant Compensation Range
The accountant wage spread in Memphis is $75,162 ( 147.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,874, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,036.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,060
2025 BLS Actual
$49,580
2026 Current Est.
$50,874
2019–2027 Growth
+27.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,950 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,874 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,202 | Projected |
Entry-level accountant compensation (10th percentile) in Memphis, TN grew 20.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,060 in 2019 to $49,580 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,202. New graduates entering the Memphis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your accounting Career in Memphis
When considering employment opportunities, major firms play a significant role in hiring new graduates within Memphis. The Big 4 accounting firms actively recruit through campus pipelines for entry-level staff associate positions, while regional firms could present a quicker pathway to partnership, albeit with smaller bonuses. Corporate accounting departments typically favor candidates who have gained experience and may require several years at public firms before advancing to roles like senior accountant or manager. Pursuing relevant certifications such as the CPA license, which involves passing the Uniform CPA Exam and fulfilling state requirements, can significantly enhance starting pay in Tennessee. For new accountants, strategies during their initial years should focus on gaining diverse experience, especially during the intense tax season from January to April, which often involves demanding hours and invaluable insights into the public accounting landscape. Transitioning to industry roles could be beneficial after a few years, though it’s important to recognize that salaries in the industry may offer more immediate cash but lack the prestige associated with public firm partnerships.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new accounting graduates. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Memphis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov