Average Accountants and Auditors Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Accountants and Auditors in Chattanooga, TN-GA earn an average annual salary of $79,160. This figure is notably below the national average of $94,430, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of doing business influence compensation in this region. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local economic landscape is key to interpreting this figure.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $79,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $119,890.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,940 Accountants and Auditors, Chattanooga presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.77 indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the demand might not be as intense as in larger metropolitan hubs. The presence of 7.187 jobs per 1,000 workers signifies a consistent, albeit moderate, level of employment for this role.
Salary Overview
The average Accountants and Auditors in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-16.2%below the national average.
$38.1
$1,522
$6,597
Accountants and Auditors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Chattanooga's Accountants and Auditors is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and increasing demand for specialized financial expertise typically drive upward adjustments in compensation for accounting and auditing roles across most markets.
Accountants and Auditors Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Salary progression for Accountants and Auditors in Chattanooga, TN-GA, is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, those with advanced certifications (like CPA), or those in specialized fields such as forensic accounting or international tax, command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles reflect the career advancement opportunities available within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $48,480 | $23.3 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $59,370 | $28.5 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $73,240 | $35.2 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $98,950 | $47.6 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $119,890 | $57.6 |
Detailed Accountants and Auditors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$79,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$79,160
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $79,160 in Chattanooga, TN-GA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national average, offering a balanced financial standing for professionals relocating to or residing in the area. Your earnings will likely afford you a lifestyle comparable to the national median.
Job Market Context
1,940
Total Jobs
7.187
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.77x the national average concentration of Accountants and Auditors jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.77 for Accountants and Auditors in Chattanooga, TN-GA, suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high compared to other regions. Professionals may find a good balance between available opportunities and the number of peers in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Accountants and Auditors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Accountants and Auditors Salary | $75,000↓ 5% | 23 mi |
| Dalton, GA Accountants and Auditors Salary | $81,130↑ 2% | 26 mi |
| Rome, GA Accountants and Auditors Salary | $78,050↓ 1% | 55 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Accountants and Auditors Salary | $85,400↑ 8% | 83 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Accountants and Auditors Salary | $67,730↓ 14% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Accountants and Auditorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Accountants and Auditors make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Accountants and Auditors in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $79,160. This typically ranges from $48,480 for entry-level positions to $119,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 16.2% lower than the national median of $94,430.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Accountants and Auditors?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $79,160 is below the national average of $94,430, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This means your earnings will have average purchasing power but are lower in nominal terms.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Accountants and Auditors?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($75,000) and Dalton, GA.
How does Chattanooga's cost of living compare to other cities for Accountants?
Chattanooga's cost of living index is 100, matching the national average. This means your salary of $79,160 will have the same purchasing power as the national average salary in terms of daily expenses.
What is the job market like for Accountants and Auditors in Chattanooga?
The job market is stable with a workforce of 1,940 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.77 indicates a slightly lower concentration than the national average, suggesting moderate competition and opportunity.
Does experience significantly impact an Accountant's salary in Chattanooga?
Yes, experience is a key factor. Entry-level positions will earn less, while senior Accountants and Auditors with specialized skills or certifications can command substantially higher salaries, reflecting career progression.
How does the Chattanooga salary compare to the national average for Accountants?
The average salary in Chattanooga ($79,160) is lower than the national average ($94,430). However, this is offset by a cost of living that is also at the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,940 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 7.187 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Accountants and Auditors Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- All Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Production Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Management Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Browse All Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Accountants and Auditors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA