Accountant in Chattanooga, TN

The Salary Picture: Where Chattanooga Stands

As a local who's watched the accounting scene evolve here for over a decade, I can tell you Chattanooga offers a solid, if not spectacular, salary landscape for accountants. The key is understanding where you fit into the local market. The median salary for an Accountant in Chattanooga is $84,220/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.49. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, but the gap narrows significantly when you factor in Chattanooga's low cost of living.

The local market is competitive but manageable. There are approximately 374 accountant jobs in the metro area at any given time, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This growth is slower than the national average, which means you need a strategic approach to career advancement. It's not a boomtown for accountants, but it's a stable, sustainable market for professionals who know the terrain.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salaries by experience level in the Chattanooga area. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry surveys, calibrated against the provided median data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Local Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$52,000 - $65,000	Local CPA firms (e.g., Hinton, Burdette & Wood), regional banks, small businesses
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$70,000 - $90,000	BlueCross BlueShield of TN, TVA, large regional manufacturers (e.g., Komatsu)
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$90,000 - $120,000	Unum, McKee Foods, major local hospitals (Erlanger, CHI Memorial)
Expert/Managerial (15+ yrs)	$120,000 - $160,000+	Corporate HQs (e.g., BlueCross), partnership at a top local CPA firm

Compared to other Tennessee cities, Chattanooga sits in the middle. Nashville's finance sector drives salaries higher (median ~$92,000), but the cost of living is much steeper. Knoxville's market is similar to Chattanooga's, with comparable salaries and costs. Memphis offers slightly lower salaries but has a lower cost of living. For the "value for money" ratio—salary after housing costs—Chattanooga often comes out ahead for mid-career professionals.

Insider Tip: Don't fixate on the base salary alone. Many Chattanooga employers, especially in healthcare and insurance, offer exceptional benefits packages (low-premium health insurance, strong 401(k) matches) that can add $10k-$15k in total compensation value.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to what matters: Can you live comfortably on an accountant's salary in Chattanooga? The short answer is yes, with smart budgeting. With an average 1BR rent of $1,085/month and a Cost of Living Index of 92.8 (100 is the U.S. average), your money goes further here.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for an accountant earning the median salary of $84,220/year. This assumes a single filer with standard deductions (federal, FICA, and Tennessee's 0% state income tax).

Category	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,018	Based on $84,220/year
Taxes (Est. 22% Effective)	-$1,544	Federal & FICA (7.65%). TN has no state income tax.
Net Monthly Pay	$5,474	Your take-home pay.
Housing (1BR Apt)	-$1,085	Citywide average. Can range from $900 to $1,500+ depending on area.
Utilities	-$200	Electricity, water, internet. (Chattanooga has EPB's famed gig internet for ~$70).
Transportation	-$350	Car payment, insurance, gas. Public transit (CARTA) is limited; a car is essential.
Groceries & Household	-$400	Trader Joe's, Publix, local farmers' markets.
Health Insurance	-$150	Employer-sponsored plans average this cost for individuals.
Discretionary & Savings	-$2,889	This leaves a substantial cushion for dining out, hobbies, travel, and retirement.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Chattanooga is around $285,000. With a $2,889 monthly surplus, a 20% down payment ($57,000) could be saved in about 2 years. A 30-year mortgage at 7% on a $228,000 loan would be ~$1,518/month, which is very manageable on this budget. Neighborhoods like East Brainerd or Hixson offer more home for your money.

Insider Tip: Many local employers have partnerships with banks for favorable mortgage rates for employees. Always ask about this during your job offer negotiation.

Where the Jobs Are: Chattanooga's Major Employers

Chattanooga's accounting job market is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, and the public sector. The "374 jobs" figure is dynamic, with openings appearing as people retire or companies expand.

1. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee: The state's largest health insurer has its corporate headquarters in Chattanooga. They hire a significant number of accountants, from staff accountants to controllers and tax specialists. The campus is in the East Brainerd area. Hiring is steady, with a focus on candidates with healthcare industry knowledge.
2. Erlanger Health System: As the region's largest hospital and Level 1 trauma center, Erlanger has a large, complex accounting department. They need accountants for patient billing, revenue cycle, and financial reporting. The main campus is near downtown and the Northshore. Look for roles in their finance and revenue cycle management teams.
3. Unum: This major disability insurance provider has a large operation in Chattanooga. They hire accountants for financial reporting, audit, and internal controls. The office is in the Northshore area. Unum is known for strong professional development and is a great place to build a career.
4. TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority): A federal corporation with a massive local footprint. TVA hires accountants for everything from plant accounting at their power facilities (like Browns Ferry) to corporate finance at their Downtown Chattanooga headquarters. These jobs offer federal-level benefits and job stability.
5. Komatsu Mining Corp. (formerly Joy Global): A major manufacturer with a significant presence in the East Ridge area. They need cost accountants, plant controllers, and financial analysts. This is a great path for those interested in manufacturing accounting.
6. McKee Foods Corporation (Home of Little Debbie): Headquartered in nearby Collegedale (a 20-minute drive), this family-owned giant is a major employer in the region. They have internal audit, cost accounting, and corporate finance roles. The culture is very stable and long-term focused.
7. Local CPA Firms: For public accounting, firms like Hinton, Burdette & Wood and Lattimore, Black, Morgan & Cain (LBMC) have strong Chattanooga practices. These are the best starting points for recent grads to get broad experience and pursue their CPA license. They handle a wide range of local businesses, from startups to established manufacturers.

Hiring Trend: There's a growing demand for accountants with data analytics skills (Excel, Power BI, SQL) and knowledge of ERP systems like SAP and Oracle. The push toward automation in accounting means roles are shifting from data entry to analysis and advisory.

Getting Licensed in TN

To advance beyond a staff accountant role in Tennessee, you'll need your CPA license. The requirements are set by the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy (a division of the TN Dept. of Commerce & Insurance).

Key Requirements:

• Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor's degree and 30 hours of upper-level accounting courses.
• Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
• Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
• Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Timeline & Costs:

• To Get Started: If you already have 150 credit hours, you can apply for the exam immediately. If you need more credits, it may take 6-12 months to complete them (through a local program like UTC's MBA or a dedicated accounting master's).
• Exam Process: The entire process, from application to passing all four parts, typically takes 12-18 months for dedicated candidates. Each exam section costs $350, totaling **$1,400 in exam fees**.
• Application & License Fees: The initial application to the TN Board is $175, and the annual license renewal is $100.
• Total Estimated Cost (excluding education): ~$1,675 for exams and initial licensing.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, especially the larger corporations and CPA firms, offer tuition reimbursement for the extra credits needed for the 150-hour rule and may cover some exam fees. This is a key benefit to ask about.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Chattanooga dramatically affects your lifestyle and commute. Here are top picks for accountants, balancing access to major employers, lifestyle, and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Northshore / Riverview	Trendy, walkable, near the Tennessee River. Close to Unum and Erlanger. 10-15 min to downtown.	$1,200 - $1,600	Young professionals who want a vibrant, social scene with a short commute.
East Brainerd / Gunbarrel	Suburban, family-friendly, excellent schools. Hub for BlueCross and other corporate offices. 15-20 min to downtown.	$1,050 - $1,400	Those seeking space, convenience to major employers, and top-rated schools.
Hixson / North Chattanooga	Mix of suburban and commercial. Close to the Northshore and Highway 27 for easy access. 15 min to downtown.	$950 - $1,300	Value-seekers who want a quiet neighborhood with easy access to shopping and nature.
Downtown / Southside	Urban, walkable, artsy. Walking distance to TVA and many law/accounting firms. 5-10 min to other areas.	$1,300 - $1,800+	Those who want a true urban lifestyle and don't mind a higher rent for it.
East Ridge / Brainerd	Older, established areas with a mix of single-family homes and apartments. Close to Komatsu and the airport.	$850 - $1,200	Budget-conscious renters who don't mind a longer commute to the core downtown.

Insider Tip: Traffic is generally mild, but the I-24/I-27 interchange near downtown can be a bottleneck during rush hour. If you work downtown, living north of the river (Northshore) or east (East Brainerd) provides a reverse commute that's often smoother.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of 4%, advancement in Chattanooga requires proactivity. The path isn't about jumping between companies frequently; it's about adding value and specializing.

• Specialty Premiums: Certain specializations command higher pay. Tax accountants (especially with corporate or international experience) can earn 15-20% above the median. Internal auditors at large companies like BlueCross or Unum also see a premium. Cost/Plant accountants in the manufacturing sector (Komatsu, McKee) are always in demand and can progress to Plant Controller roles.
• Advancement Paths: The typical local path is:
  1. Staff Accountant (2-3 years) at a CPA firm or corporate shop.
  2. Senior Accountant (3-5 years) with CPA license.
  3. Accounting Manager or Controller (5-10 years), often at a mid-sized company.
  4. Director of Finance or VP of Finance (10+ years), typically at a large local corporate HQ (e.g., BlueCross, Unum).
• 10-Year Outlook: The market will remain stable but competitive. Automation will reduce demand for traditional bookkeeping roles but increase demand for accountants who can interpret data and provide strategic insights. Chattanooga's growing tech and startup scene (think "Gig City") may create new opportunities for accountants in fintech or tech company finance departments.

Insider Tip: Join the Chattanooga chapter of the Tennessee Society of CPAs (TSCPA). It's the single best networking resource, offering CPE credits, job boards, and connections to local hiring managers.

The Verdict: Is Chattanooga Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $84,220 median salary goes much further than in Nashville or Atlanta.	Slower Job Growth: The 4% projection means fewer opportunities than in booming metro areas.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Strong in healthcare, insurance, and manufacturing for job security.	Limited Public Accounting Scene: Fewer Big 4 or national firm offices compared to larger cities.
No State Income Tax: A immediate 5-7% boost to your take-home pay.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; you'll need a reliable vehicle.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Unmatched access to hiking, climbing, and the river, which is a huge quality-of-life perk.	Specialization Can Be Limited: For very niche accounting fields, you may need to look to Nashville or Atlanta.
Manageable Scale: Easy to network and build a reputation without getting lost in a massive corporate crowd.	Growth is Self-Driven: You must be proactive about certifications and networking to advance.

Final Recommendation:
Chattanooga is an ideal choice for accountants who value quality of life and financial stability over chasing the highest possible salary. It's perfect for mid-career professionals (5-10 years of experience) looking to buy a home, start a family, and enjoy a vibrant community without the stress of a high-cost city. It's also a great launchpad for recent graduates to get solid experience and their CPA license without massive student debt pressure.

If you're highly ambitious and want to specialize in a very niche area or work for a global firm's headquarters, you might find the ceiling lower here. But for most accountants, the combination of a median salary of $84,220, zero state income tax, and a cost of living index of 92.8 makes Chattanooga a financially and personally rewarding place to build a career.

FAQs

1. Is it necessary to have my CPA license to get an accounting job in Chattanooga?
No, but it's highly recommended for career advancement. You can get a good staff accountant role without it, especially in industry or government. However, to move into senior, manager, or controller roles—and to command a salary significantly above the median—most employers will require or strongly prefer a CPA.

2. How does the job market for accountants look in the next few years?
With a 10-year job growth of 4%, the market is stable but not explosive. The best opportunities will be for those who can bridge the gap between traditional accounting and data analysis. Accountants skilled in ERP systems, data visualization (Power BI/Tableau), and process improvement will be most in demand.

3. What's the biggest challenge for accountants moving to Chattanooga?
For many, it's the transition to a smaller, more networked business community. While this is a pro for many, it means your professional reputation spreads quickly. It also requires you to be more intentional about networking, as there are fewer large, anonymous corporate ladders to climb. The TSCPA and local business groups become essential.

4. Can I work remotely for a company outside of Chattanooga?
Yes, and it's increasingly common. Chattanooga's gigabit internet infrastructure makes it an ideal location for remote work. Some local accountants work for firms in Nashville, Atlanta, or even nationally, while enjoying Chattanooga's lower cost of living. This can be a way to access higher salaries while maintaining a Chattanooga lifestyle.

5. What's the best way to find an accounting job in Chattanooga?
Start with the big employers' career pages (BlueCross, Unum, Erlanger). Use LinkedIn and set location filters. Network through the TSCPA and the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce. For public accounting, contact local firms directly. Many positions are filled through referrals before they're widely advertised, so building local connections is key.