Accountant Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $37.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Memphis, TN runs $37.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,969 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,381 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, Tennessee, the accountant hourly pay stands at a median of $37.97, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $41.28. This difference could affect accounting professionals seeking part-time opportunities. For instance, accountants working three days a week would take home a consistent paycheck while benefiting from flexible schedules, often working in settings such as corporate finance offices, IRS field cubicles, or even remote work during tax season. The hourly rate for accountants in Memphis varies significantly; entry-level positions start at $24.46, while those approaching the top of the pay scale can earn as much as $60.59 per hour. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.46 | $195.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.01 | $248.07 |
| Median (P50) | $37.97 | $303.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.96 | $375.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.59 | $484.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $37.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.97/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $78,969 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,559. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,518.63 | $6,581 | $78,969 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $911.18 | $3,948 | $47,381 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $607.45 | $2,632 | $31,587 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Memphis) | $37.97 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Bookkeeping / Accounting Clerk (National Avg) | $22.93 |
| Auditor (National Avg) | $39.88 |
| Tax Examiner / Collector (National Avg) | $29.61 |
Accountants in Memphis, TN earn a median of $78,969 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.03% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 3.90% above the Tennessee state average of $76,004.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.97/hr = $47,381/year (purchasing power: $51,401).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,969/year (purchasing power: $85,669).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Memphis grew 20.8% from $30.64/hr (2019) to $37.00/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.96/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem accountants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Accountant in Memphis
Exploring part-time earning potential for an accountant in Memphis reveals distinct differences compared to full-time professionals. A part-time accountant working just 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $47,706 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart but still competitive given the flexibility. Per diem accountants, particularly those with specialized skills, can charge significantly more, with rates typically ranging from $50 to $95 per hour, while Big 4 alumni can bill between $80 and $130 per hour during peak busy seasons. Additionally, forensic accounting experts can command $300 to $600 per hour, particularly in litigation settings. The variability in hourly rates is evident across employer types. While Big 4 firms may offer a structured pay scale, smaller CPA practices and government roles frequently provide lower hourly rates yet may include benefits like health insurance. When negotiating, accountants in Memphis should consider the total compensation package, striking a balance between higher hourly rates and the financial security that comes with benefits.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for accountants in Memphis in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for accountants in Memphis. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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