Accountant Salary in Knoxville, TN (2026)
Accountants and auditors prepare financial records, ensure accuracy, and assess financial operations for businesses and individuals.
Median Annual Salary
$79,890
in Knoxville · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$81,743
adjusted for local cost of living
Accountants in Knoxville
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Knoxville, TN is $79,890 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $6,658/month or $38/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($94,180), Knoxville pays 15% less than the typical city.
Knoxville has a cost of living index of 97.7 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $79,890 in Knoxville is equivalent to $81,743 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Knoxville metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Accountants by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark, NJ | $121,970 |
| 2 | New York, NY | $121,970 |
| 3 | Jersey City, NJ | $121,970 |
| 4 | Berkeley, CA | $119,870 |
| 5 | San Francisco, CA | $119,870 |
| 6 | Oakland, CA | $119,870 |
| 7 | Washington, DC | $108,670 |
| 8 | Arlington, VA | $108,670 |
| 9 | Alexandria, VA | $108,670 |
| 10 | Tacoma, WA | $106,100 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Knoxville
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $119,990 |
| Registered Nurse | $81,910 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,920 |
| Electrician | $52,830 |
Full cost of living profile for Knoxville
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Knoxville.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Accountant salary in Knoxville?
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Knoxville, TN is $79,890 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Knoxville Accountant pay compare nationally?
Knoxville Accountant pay ($79,890) is 15% below the median across surveyed cities ($94,180).
Does cost of living affect Accountant salaries in Knoxville?
Yes. Knoxville has a cost of living index of 97.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $79,890 salary in Knoxville has the purchasing power of approximately $81,743 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology