Accountant Salary in Jackson, TN: $73,859 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Jackson, TN earns a median $73,859/year (≈ $35.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Jackson's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.5), that paycheck buys what $86,363 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In Jackson, Tennessee, accountants are projected to earn a median annual salary of $73,859 in 2026, offering a competitive pay scale relative to other regions. The salary spectrum ranges from $50,648 at the 10th percentile to $118,217 for those at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse range of opportunities based on experience, specialization, and certification status. These insights come from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. The job market for accounting professionals in Jackson is expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.61%, reflecting the ongoing demand for skilled accountants, particularly for those who hold a CPA license, which typically boosts earning potential and facilitates advancement from staff to senior positions.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,648 | $24.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,735 | $29.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,859 | $35.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,860 | $42.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,217 | $56.84 |
Median Salary Position
13.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
In Jackson, TN, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,569 (2026 est.). At $73,859, the local median is 13.98% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jackson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jackson Accountant Pay Compares
Jackson median: $73,859/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jackson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $76,065 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -13.98% less |
Accountants in Jackson, TN earn a median of $73,859 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.98% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 2.90% below the Tennessee state average of $76,065.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jackson has a cost of living 14.48% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jackson, TN has a cost-of-living index of 85.522 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $73,859 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $86,363 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,160
2025 BLS Actual
$71,980
2026 Current Est.
$73,859
2019–2027 Growth
+32.6%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,160 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,630 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,859 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,786 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jackson metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 25.9% from $57,160 (2019) to $71,980 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,786 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,626 (32.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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) | $50,648 – $60,735 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,735 – $73,859 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,859 – $88,860 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,860 – $118,217 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Jackson
With 520 accountants employed locally, Jackson’s job market has a solid foundation. The cost of living index stands at 85.522, below the national average, which signifies that take-home salaries can stretch further in this region compared to higher-cost areas. Among the various employers, the Big 4 public accounting firms often offer the highest salaries, albeit with increased demands during busy seasons. Mid-tier CPA firms and corporate accounting departments also provide competitive compensation. The notable disparity in pay often results from variances related to CPA licensure benefits, firm reputation, and the specialties accountants pursue. To maximize earnings, aspiring professionals in Jackson may want to focus on gaining CPA credentials, consider the impacts of industry vs. public accounting roles, and capitalize on busy-season opportunities for overtime and bonuses. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating the accountant pay landscape in Jackson, TN.
More salary data for Jackson, 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 $71,980 for accountantsin the Jackson 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