Salary Data
Accountant Salary in Nashville
$72,000
median salary, at the national average
According to Orbyt's 2026 salary analysis, the average Accountant salary in Nashville is $72,000. Salaries range from $55,000 (25th percentile) to $95,000 (75th percentile), adjusted for Nashville's cost of living.
Salary range
How Nashville compares
Nashville, TN
$72,000
Cost of living: at average
National Average
$72,000
Same as local rate
Accountant job market in Nashville
Nashville market overview
Nashville has diversified well beyond music into healthcare, finance, and technology. The city is home to HCA Healthcare and a growing corridor of health tech startups. Nashville's moderate cost of living, combined with Tennessee's lack of state income tax on wages, makes it increasingly popular for corporate relocations and remote workers.
What drives Accountant salaries
CPA licensure, industry specialization, and company size are the biggest factors. Public accounting at Big Four firms pays well at entry but demands long hours. Corporate accountants in tech and finance earn 10 to 20% more than those in other industries. Experience with complex areas like international tax, M&A, or revenue recognition commands premiums.
Beyond base salary
Total compensation
Bonuses of 5 to 15% are typical in corporate roles, rising to 15 to 25%+ in public accounting at manager level. Benefits include CPA exam reimbursement, busy season bonuses, and in public firms, a path to partnership with profit sharing. Tech companies add equity grants of $5,000 to $25,000.
Tax considerations in Nashville
Tennessee has no state income tax on wages or salaries. This gives Nashville workers a meaningful take home advantage over peers in states with 5 to 10% income tax rates.
Career progression
Staff accountants start at $52,000 to $68,000, advancing to senior accountant at $70,000 to $90,000 in two to three years. Accounting managers earn $90,000 to $120,000. Controllers reach $130,000 to $175,000, and CFOs at mid size companies earn $200,000 to $350,000. Public accounting partnership offers the highest ceiling.
Top industries in Nashville
Negotiating in Nashville
Use the healthcare industry concentration as leverage. Nashville healthcare employers are accustomed to national pay scales and will often match or beat coastal health sector offers.