Accountant Salary in Kingsport, TN: $77,922 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Kingsport, TN earns a median $77,922/year (≈ $37.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Kingsport's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 86.4), that paycheck buys what $90,138 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kingsport, Tennessee, accountants can expect a median annual salary of $77,922 in 2026, markedly lower than the national median of $85,864, highlighting the differences between local and national markets. Salaries in the area range significantly, from $51,213 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $125,205 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026. This disparity hints at a structural divide within the accounting profession in Kingsport, as the presence of Big 4 firms typically leads to higher starting salaries for fresh graduates, while accountants working in regional or local CPA firms and corporate entities often see different pay scales. The job market in Kingsport reflects a blend of public accounting and industry positions, with local practices influencing overall compensation trends.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,213 | $24.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,864 | $29.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,922 | $37.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,040 | $48.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,205 | $60.19 |
Median Salary Position
9.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kingsport
In Kingsport, TN, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,992 (2026 est.). At $77,922, the local median is 9.25% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kingsport: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kingsport Accountant Pay Compares
Kingsport median: $77,922/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kingsport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $76,021 | +2.50% more |
| National Average | $85,864 | -9.25% less |
Accountants in Kingsport, TN earn a median of $77,922 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.25% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 2.50% above the Tennessee state average of $76,021.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kingsport has a cost of living 13.55% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kingsport, TN has a cost-of-living index of 86.447 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $77,922 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $90,138 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.68% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,260
2025 BLS Actual
$75,940
2026 Current Est.
$77,922
2019–2027 Growth
+28.4%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Kingsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,922 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,956 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kingsport metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 22.0% from $62,260 (2019) to $75,940 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,956 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,696 (28.42%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsport 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) | $51,213 – $61,864 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,864 – $77,922 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,922 – $101,040 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,040 – $125,205 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Kingsport
A total of 780 accountants are currently employed in Kingsport, contributing to a competitive job environment where pay can vary based on experience, specialization, and the type of employer. With a cost-of-living index of 86.447, accountants in the region enjoy a relatively lower living cost compared to many areas, which can enhance their purchasing power despite the lower salaries. Among various employers, Big 4 firms tend to offer more lucrative packages, while corporate accounting roles may provide competitive salaries coupled with benefits like bonuses and overtime during busy seasons. The range in salaries illustrates how factors such as a CPA license, the prestige associated with larger firms, and the added stress of peak seasons can significantly impact earnings. To maximize their salary potential, accounting professionals in Kingsport should consider pursuing specializations, obtaining their CPA, or exploring opportunities in higher-paying segments of the market such as tax and forensic accounting.
More salary data for Kingsport, 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 $75,940 for accountantsin the Kingsport 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