CPA Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

Updated 2026-04-05BLS 2024 data — be the first to add a local report

Salary Distribution

BLS 2024
$64,703/ year

Median CPA in Memphis, TN

$37,195
10th
$45,360
25th
$64,703
Median
$89,100
75th
$108,702
90th

Compensation Breakdown

BLS 2024
Base salary (median)
$64,703
Total compensation (est.)
$74,408
Bonus range
$2,800 – $13,200
Mean salary
$68,585

How This Compares

Memphis, TN median
$64,703
Tennessee median
$81,478-20.6%
National median
$79,880-19.0%

Cost of living in Memphis is 19% below the national average. Salary of $64,703 here is equivalent to $79,880 nationally.

Salary by Experience

0-2 years
$46,586-28.0%
3-5 years
$58,880-9.0%
6-10 years
$72,467+12.0%
10+ years
$89,290+38.0%

Salary by Company Size

Startup (< 100 employees)
$56,939-12.0%
Mid-size (100–5,000)
$64,703
Enterprise (5,000+)
$76,350+18.0%

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CPA Salaries in Nearby Cities

Nashville, TN$83,874/yr
Knoxville, TN$79,880/yr
Chattanooga, TN$79,880/yr
Clarksville, TN$79,880/yr

Related Jobs in Memphis

Accountant$64,703/yr
Actuary$97,200/yr

Quick Numbers

Hourly (40hr week)$31/hr
Monthly gross$5,392/mo
25th percentile$45,360/yr
75th percentile$89,100/yr

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Market Context

via FRED

Fed Funds Rate

Mar 2026

3.64%

Inflation (CPI)

year-over-year

2.4%+0.04

National Unemployment

Mar 2026

4.3%-0.10

Tennessee Unemployment

Dec 2025

3.6%

Avg Hourly Earnings

all private workers

$37.38+$0.09

10yr Treasury

Apr 2026

4.31%

Source: St. Louis Fed (FRED). Updated daily.

CPA Salaries by City

Compare all US cities →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average CPA salary in Memphis?

The median CPA salary in Memphis is $64,703 per year, with a range from $45,360 at the 25th percentile to $89,100 at the 75th percentile. Total compensation including bonuses typically runs higher — see the breakdown above for the full picture.

How does CPA pay in Memphis compare to the national average?

CPA salaries in Memphis are 19% below the national median of $79,880. After adjusting for Memphis's cost of living, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to roughly $79,880 nationally — which is the number that actually matters when comparing offers across cities.

What factors affect CPA salaries in Memphis?

In Memphis, the biggest drivers are years of experience, company size, and industry vertical. Entry-level CPA roles start around $37,195, while senior and staff-level positions at larger employers can reach $108,702 or above. Specialized skills and in-demand tools can also meaningfully shift where you land in the range.

Is Memphis a good place for CPA jobs?

Memphis offers a CPA median of $64,703, which is 19% below the US median of $79,880. Whether that makes it a good market depends on your personal cost-of-living equation — Memphis is 19% cheaper than the national average, so factor that into your math.

How do I negotiate a higher CPA salary?

Start with the data on this page: the 75th percentile for CPA in Memphis is $89,100, which is a defensible anchor for a negotiation. Come in with a specific number backed by real market data — not a range — and reference your experience tier. If you're above the median, ask for the 75th percentile. If you're already at the 75th, push for total comp improvements like equity or bonus instead.