Accountant Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $78,681 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Chattanooga, TN earns a median $78,681/year (≈ $37.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Chattanooga's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $86,024 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chattanooga, Tennessee, the projected accountant salary for 2026 is estimated at $78,681 annually, which is about 8.37% lower than the national median of $85,864. Accountants in this area can expect to earn between $51,531 at the lower end (10th percentile) and $128,314 at the high end (90th percentile), according to the latest estimates powered by 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026. Those who have achieved a CPA license likely see a significant increase in their earnings potential, creating a tangible distinction between entry-level and senior positions. Moreover, the job market for accountants in Chattanooga remains robust, with approximately 1,940 professionals currently employed, indicating a healthy demand for qualified talent across various sectors.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,531 | $24.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,844 | $30.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,681 | $37.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,445 | $48.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,314 | $61.69 |
Median Salary Position
8.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, TN, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,783 (2026 est.). At $78,681, the local median is 8.37% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chattanooga: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chattanooga Accountant Pay Compares
Chattanooga median: $78,681/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chattanooga Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $76,021 | +3.50% more |
| National Average | $85,864 | -8.37% less |
Accountants in Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $78,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.37% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 3.50% above the Tennessee state average of $76,021.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chattanooga has a cost of living 8.54% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chattanooga, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.464 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $78,681 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $86,024 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.33% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,530
2025 BLS Actual
$76,680
2026 Current Est.
$78,681
2019–2027 Growth
+33.4%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,680 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,681 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,735 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chattanooga metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 26.7% from $60,530 (2019) to $76,680 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,735 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,205 (33.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chattanooga 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $51,531 – $63,844 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,844 – $78,681 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,681 – $100,445 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,445 – $128,314 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Chattanooga
The local cost of living index in Chattanooga, at 91.464, suggests that take-home pay stretches further here than in many other cities, providing accountants an advantage in terms of purchasing power. Among the highest-paying employers are the Big 4 public accounting firms, which generally offer more competitive salaries compared to regional CPA firms and corporate accounting departments. The disparity in salaries can often be attributed to factors such as the prestige of the firm, the CPA license premium, and specialization in areas like tax or forensic accounting, which command higher rates. To maximize compensation in this local market, aspiring accountants should consider obtaining their CPA license promptly, leveraging opportunities at prestigious firms, and evaluating transitions from public accounting to industry roles, where compensation packages may include bonuses and profit-sharing structures. Understanding and navigating these dynamics can significantly enhance earning potential in Chattanooga, TN.
More salary data for Chattanooga, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $76,680 for accountantsin the Chattanooga metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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