Here is a comprehensive career guide for Financial Analysts considering Jackson, TN.

Career Guide: Financial Analyst in Jackson, TN

As a career analyst who has watched Jackson’s economy evolve from a manufacturing hub to a more diversified regional center, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to build a stable career here. This guide strips away the promotional fluff and gives you the data-driven reality of being a Financial Analyst in Jackson. We’ll cover everything from your actual take-home pay to which neighborhoods are worth your commute, using the most current local data available.

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

Financial Analysis in Jackson is a field of stability, not explosive wealth. The numbers tell a clear story: you’ll live comfortably, but you won’t be competing with Nashville or Memphis salaries. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Jackson is $95,237/year, with an hourly rate of $45.79/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $99,010/year, but the cost of living makes up for the difference.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Jackson metro area:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$70,000 - $85,000	Data entry, report generation, support for senior analysts
Mid-Level	3-6 years	$85,000 - $105,000	Building financial models, budgeting, variance analysis
Senior Analyst	7-10 years	$105,000 - $120,000	Strategic planning, mentoring juniors, complex forecasting
Expert / Manager	10+ years	$120,000+	Department leadership, executive presentations, M&A support

Insider Tip: In Jackson, "Senior Analyst" often means wearing multiple hats. You might be the de facto controller for a division or the primary point of contact for auditors. The salary ceiling is real, but the breadth of experience is valuable for your resume.

Compared to Other Tennessee Cities:
Jackson’s median salary ($95,237) is notably lower than Nashville’s (where analysts often see $105,000+), but it’s competitive with other mid-sized Tennessee cities like Clarksville and Chattanooga. The key differentiator is the Cost of Living Index of 87.3 (U.S. avg = 100). A $95,237 salary in Jackson stretches much further than the same amount in Nashville (index ~110).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. If you earn the median salary of $95,237/year, your monthly take-home after federal taxes, state taxes (TN has no personal income tax, which is a huge plus), and FICA will be approximately $5,800/month.

Now, let’s build a monthly budget for a single financial analyst in Jackson:

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Take-Home Pay	$5,800	Based on median salary, single filer, standard deductions
Rent (1BR Apt)	$866	The city-wide average. You can find decent 1BRs in older complexes for $750-$850.
Utilities	$150	Electricity, water, garbage. Higher in summer due to A/C.
Groceries	$300	One person, cooking at home. Jackson has good local markets like The Farmer's Market.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Insider Tip: You need a car. Public transit is limited. Factor in gas; commutes are short (avg. 20 mins).
Health Insurance	$150	Employer-sponsored plans vary; this is a typical employee contribution.
Entertainment/Dining	$300	Movies at the Old Hickory Theatres, local breweries (Cotton Junction), dining in downtown or by the TN River.
Savings/Investments	$1,534	The key to Jackson's value. With low living costs, you can save aggressively.
Miscellaneous	$200	Subscriptions, clothing, personal care.
Total Expenses	$3,966
Remaining Buffer	$1,834

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $1,834 monthly buffer, a financial analyst earning the median salary is in an excellent position to save for a down payment. The median home price in Jackson is around $180,000 - $220,000. A 20% down payment on a $200,000 home is $40,000, which could be saved in under two years with disciplined budgeting. A 30-year mortgage at 7% would be roughly $1,100/month (before taxes/insurance), which is very manageable on a $5,800 take-home pay.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

With only 136 jobs in the metro area, the market is tight. You need to know who the major players are. Financial Analysts here are not typically in investment banking; they are in corporate finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and the public sector.

1. Regional ONE Health (formerly Jackson-Madison County General System): The largest employer in the region. They have constant need for financial analysts to manage budgets for multiple hospitals, track reimbursements, and oversee capital expenditures. Hiring is steady, especially for analysts with healthcare finance experience.
2. West Tennessee Healthcare: Another major hospital system competing for talent. They often post analyst roles focused on cost accounting and departmental budgeting. It’s a stable, recession-resistant sector.
3. Dyersburg State Community College (Jackson Campus): Public sector jobs are a cornerstone here. The college needs analysts for grant management, budgeting, and financial reporting. These roles offer excellent benefits and work-life balance.
4. Old Dominion Freight Line: As a major transportation and logistics company with a significant presence in the area, ODFL requires analysts for route profitability, cost analysis, and fleet management. This is a great role for someone with a strong operational finance background.
5. The City of Jackson & Madison County Government: Local government always needs budget analysts, grant administrators, and finance officers. These jobs are posted on the City/County HR websites. They are competitive but offer great pensions.
6. Manufacturing & Agriculture Firms: Companies like Hubbell Lighting (manufacturer) or regional agricultural co-ops (e.g., Farmers Cooperative) often need internal financial analysts. These roles are less advertised but can be found through networking on LinkedIn with local plant managers.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is not explosive. Most hiring happens when an analyst retires or relocates. Networking is critical. Join the West Tennessee Society for Human Resource Management or the Mid-South Chapter of the Financial Planning Association. Many jobs are filled through referrals before they are ever posted publicly.

Getting Licensed in TN

Jackson is not a hub for Wall Street credentials like the CFA or CPA, but having them sets you apart. Tennessee does not have a specific "Financial Analyst" license. However, related licenses are important.

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): If you want to be in corporate accounting or auditing, the CPA is the gold standard. Requirements include 150 college credit hours and passing the Uniform CPA Exam. The Tennessee Board of Accountancy oversees licensure. Costs are exam fees (~$1,000) and review courses (e.g., Becker, Roger CPA - $1,500-$3,000). Timeline: 6-12 months of study after meeting educational requirements.
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): For investment analysis roles (rare in Jackson). It’s a self-study, three-level exam process. It’s rigorous and globally recognized but may be overkill for most local corporate finance roles. Costs are exam fees (~$1,200 per level) plus study materials.
• Securities Licenses (Series 7, 63): Required if you work for a broker-dealer or in wealth management. Local firms like Synovus Bank or regional investment advisors may sponsor these. There is no local testing center; you’d travel to Memphis or Nashville for the exam.

Insider Tip: For Jackson, investing in a CPA or a Master’s in Finance (MBA) from a local university like Union University is the most direct path to higher-level roles and a higher salary.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Jackson’s neighborhoods cater to different lifestyles. Commutes are short (15-20 minutes is typical), so you can prioritize lifestyle over proximity.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why a Financial Analyst Would Live Here
North Jackson / Old Hickory	Quiet, suburban, family-oriented. 10-15 mins to downtown offices.	$800 - $950	Safe, good schools, near shopping (The Old Hickory Mall). Perfect for a low-stress, home-focused life.
Downtown Jackson	Walkable, historic, with a growing food and arts scene. 5-min commute.	$750 - $1,100	For the young professional who wants to be near breweries (Cotton Junction Music Hall), restaurants, and events. Older buildings, some with charm, some with quirks.
South Jackson / Hwy 45 Bypass	Convenient, modern apartments, near major retailers. 10-min commute.	$700 - $900	Practical choice. Easy access to restaurants, gyms, and the highway. Ideal for someone who values convenience over neighborhood character.
The "East" (near Union University)	Collegiate, slightly more upscale, quiet. 10-15 mins to downtown.	$850 - $1,200	Near Union's campus, which has a nice atmosphere. Good for young professionals who want a quieter, more established neighborhood feel.

Personal Insight: If you want to buy a home in a few years, North Jackson offers the best value and space. If you’re renting and want to maximize your social life, Downtown is the place to be, though inventory is tighter.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Jackson’s career path is less about vertical jumps and more about horizontal expansion.

• Specialty Premiums: There is no significant "premium" for specialties in Jackson. However, expertise in healthcare finance (due to the hospital systems) or manufacturing cost accounting will make you more marketable. Certifications like the CPA can add a 10-15% premium to your base salary.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is:
  1. Financial Analyst → Senior Financial Analyst (5-7 years)
  2. Senior Financial Analyst → Finance Manager or Controller (8-12 years)
  3. Finance Manager → Director of Finance / CFO (15+ years, often at a local company or hospital system)
  • Insider Tip: To advance, you must move beyond spreadsheets. Develop presentation skills and learn the operational side of the business. The CFO of a local hospital likely started as an analyst and learned every department.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 10-year job growth of 9% for Financial Analysts in the region, the outlook is stable but not booming. Jackson won’t see the fintech or venture capital growth of Nashville. Your growth will come from taking on more responsibility within existing employers or moving between the few large firms in the area. Remote work from national companies is a growing, unspoken option for seasoned analysts here, offering a salary bridge to national averages while living in Jackson.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary ($95,237) goes very far. Homeownership is a realistic, near-term goal.	Limited Job Market: Only 136 jobs. Relocation flexibility is low; you may have to take a lateral move to change employers.
High Quality of Life: Short commutes, friendly community, access to nature and lakes (e.g., Chickasaw State Park, nearby Reelfoot Lake).	Lower Salary Ceiling: You likely won’t hit the high six-figure salaries common in major metros without working remotely for a national firm.
Stability: Major employers (healthcare, government, logistics) are recession-resistant.	Limited Networking Pool: Fewer professionals in your field can make it harder to find mentors or switch industries.
No State Income Tax: A significant financial advantage that boosts your effective take-home pay.	Slower Pace: If you thrive on constant innovation and deal flow, Jackson may feel too slow.

Final Recommendation: Jackson is an excellent choice for early to mid-career Financial Analysts who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and a balanced lifestyle over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s not the place to start a career in high finance, but it’s a fantastic place to build a solid, stress-free career and life. If you value community, short commutes, and the ability to save money, Jackson is a wise choice.

FAQs

Q: Is Jackson, TN growing?
A: The metro population is 68,262, and growth is modest but steady. The 10-year job growth for financial analysts is 9%, indicating stability, not a boom. The city is growing more in healthcare and logistics than in corporate finance.

Q: Do I need a car in Jackson?
A: Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is very limited. Jackson is a sprawling city with essential services spread out. Your daily life will be difficult without a personal vehicle.

Q: How competitive is the job market for Financial Analysts?
A: With only 136 jobs in the metro, it’s a tight, candidate-driven market. Employers can be selective. Having a CPA or relevant experience (healthcare, manufacturing) is a major advantage. Networking is more important than in larger cities.

Q: What’s the social scene like for young professionals?
A: It’s growing but small. The Downtown Jackson area is the hub, with several breweries, restaurants, and community events. Organizations like the Young Professionals of Jackson host mixers. It’s not Nashville or Memphis, but a tight-knit community exists if you seek it out.

Q: Is remote work common for Financial Analysts in Jackson?
A: It’s becoming more common, especially post-pandemic. Many analysts in Jackson work remotely for companies based in Memphis, Nashville, or even out-of-state. This is an emerging path to earning a higher salary while benefiting from Jackson’s low cost of living.