Accountant salary in Nashville, TN
Median pay, Nashville metro
$78,080/year
about $37.54 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $65,300 – $97,420
Half of accountants in the Nashville metro area earn more than $78,080 a year and half earn less. That's 7% lower than the national median of $83,680, and ranks #29 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $53,650 | $25.79 |
| 25th | $65,300 | $31.39 |
| Median (50th) | $78,080 | $37.54 |
| 75th | $97,420 | $46.84 |
| 90th (top earners) | $125,740 | $60.45 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a accountant job in the Nashville metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $65,300 ($31.39/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $65,300 to $97,420 ($31.39 to $46.84/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $97,420 ($46.84/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- A CPA license usually raises pay noticeably, and some employers support the exam with time off or fees.
- Busy season can mean long hours from January to April. Ask how overtime is handled for salaried roles.
- Public accounting and corporate (industry) roles often pay differently for similar titles.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Nashville metro. Occupation: Accountants and Auditors (SOC 13-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.