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Bookkeeper Salaries in Tennessee — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a bookkeeper make in Tennessee? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $46,540/yr ($22.37/hr), with around 40,360 people working in this field statewide.

Bookkeeper salaries in Tennessee are below the national average by approximately $2,201. Tennessee has no earned income tax.

Tennessee's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for bookkeepers.

Tennessee Bookkeeper Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Tennessee after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Tennessee has no earned income tax.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$46,540
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$40,466

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Tennessee has no earned income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Tennessee Bookkeeper Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Tennessee median of $46,540.

Your annual salary ($)

Bookkeeper Salary by Experience — Tennessee

Entry Level (0–2 years)$28,900/yr · $13.89/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Tennessee.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$41,420/yr · $19.91/hr
Established professional working independently in Tennessee. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$51,659/yr · $24.84/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Tennessee.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$67,000+/yr · $32.21/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Tennessee.
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Bookkeeper Salary Trend in Tennessee — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Bookkeeper salaries in Tennessee have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Tennessee's business and financial services.

2021
$40,862
2022
$43,235
+5.8%
2023
$45,236
+4.6%
2024
$45,981
+1.6%
2026
$46,540
+1.2%

Bookkeeper Salary by City — Tennessee

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Nashville$51,650$24.83+11.0%14,126
Memphis$49,350$23.73+6.0%11,300
Knoxville$47,950$23.05+3.0%7,264
Chattanooga$44,700$21.49-4.0%3,632
Clarksville$42,350$20.36-9.0%2,421
Murfreesboro$40,500$19.47-13.0%1,614

Tip: Nashville offers the highest bookkeeper salaries in Tennessee at $51,650/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Tennessee vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Tennessee compares favourably for bookkeepers.

Tennessee — No state income tax$46,540 gross~$40,466 take-home
Kentucky — 4.0%$45,260 gross-2.8% vs TN
Virginia — 5.75%$48,680 gross+4.6% vs TN
North Carolina — 4.5%$46,640 gross+0.2% vs TN

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Tennessee has no earned income tax.

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Bookkeeper Job Outlook in Tennessee

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
40,360Currently employed
4,036+New jobs projected

Employment for bookkeepers in Tennessee is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Tennessee job market. Tennessee's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for bookkeepers.

How to Earn More as a Bookkeeper in Tennessee

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bookkeeper in Tennessee typically adds $38,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the AIPB Certification (voluntary) can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Nashville pays bookkeepers $51,650/yr — +11.0% above the Tennessee average. Simply relocating within Tennessee can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Bookkeepers who specialise in business and financial services typically command premium rates in Tennessee. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Kentucky pays bookkeepers $45,260/yr — -2.8% vs Tennessee.

Find Bookkeeper Jobs in Tennessee

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average bookkeeper salary in Tennessee?
The average bookkeeper salary in Tennessee is $46,540 per year, or $22.37 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $28,900 while experienced professionals earn $67,000 or more.
What city in Tennessee pays bookkeepers the most?
Nashville pays bookkeepers the most in Tennessee at an average of $51,650 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is bookkeeper pay in Tennessee above or below the US average?
Tennessee bookkeeper salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $2,201. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
How much do bookkeepers actually take home after taxes in Tennessee?
A bookkeeper earning the Tennessee average of $46,540 takes home approximately $40,466 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Is bookkeeper a good career in Tennessee?
Yes. Bookkeeper is a strong career choice in Tennessee with steady demand projected over the next decade. Tennessee's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for bookkeepers.
What's the licensing process for bookkeepers in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, bookkeepers are licensed through the AIPB Certification (voluntary). Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the AIPB Certification (voluntary) for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.