Overview Salaries

Salaries in Chattanooga, TN

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Chattanooga, TN?

The average salary in Chattanooga, TN is $55,726 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Chattanooga, TN, showing an average salary of $55,726 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Chattanooga, TN, showing an average salary of $4,644 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Chattanooga, TN, showing an average salary of $1,072 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Chattanooga, TN, showing an average salary of $27 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers in Chattanooga, TN can expect to find competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at approximately $55,726, offering a solid foundation for many career paths. Salaries range from around $22,000 to $189,400 annually, providing opportunities for both entry-level positions and more specialized roles.

The distribution of salaries reflects a diverse job market. Some of the higher-paying sectors include finance and insurance, professional services, and healthcare. Lower-paying sectors include retail trade and hospitality. This mix allows job seekers to find positions that match their skills and career goals. With a balanced job market, Chattanooga, TN remains an attractive location for those seeking employment.

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What are the best paying jobs in Chattanooga, TN?

Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers many top-paying job opportunities. Physicians earn the highest average salary at nearly $301,000. General Dentists also do well, making around $264,000 per year. Hospitalists, Pharmacists, and Nurse Practitioners round out the top five highest-paying jobs. Each of these roles pays over $200,000 annually. These positions attract professionals because of their excellent compensation packages. Chattanooga provides a strong job market for skilled workers in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chattanooga, TN, highlighting Physician with the highest at $301,408 and Outside Sales Representative with the lowest at $98,393.

  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $301,408
    Doctors in Chattanooga provide medical care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They treat patients for a variety of health conditions.
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  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $264,850
    Dentists focus on oral health. They clean teeth, perform exams, and treat dental issues. Many work in private practices or dental clinics in the area.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  3. Hospitalist
    Average Salary: $228,070
    Hospitalists manage patient care in hospitals. They coordinate with other doctors and nurses. They ensure patients receive proper care during their stay.
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  4. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $126,583
    Pharmacists prepare and dispense medications. They work in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. They ensure patients get the right medication at the right dosage.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  5. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $126,480
    Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They diagnose and treat illnesses. Many work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
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  6. Paramedic
    Average Salary: $125,998
    Paramedics respond to medical emergencies. They provide immediate care at accident scenes. They work for EMS services, hospitals, and fire departments.
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  7. Mechanical Engineer
    Average Salary: $116,043
    Mechanical engineers design and develop machines. They work in manufacturing and research. They create systems that move, power, and control objects.
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  8. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $105,199
    Software engineers design and develop software. They work in tech companies. They create programs that run on computers and mobile devices.
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  9. Electrical Engineer
    Average Salary: $103,367
    Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems. They work in manufacturing and tech firms. They create systems that power and control devices.
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  10. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $98,393
    Sales reps sell products to businesses. They work for various companies. They meet with clients to understand their needs and offer solutions.
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What are the best paying jobs in Chattanooga, TN without a degree?

Chattanooga offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Sales inspectors lead the list with an average salary of $84,867. Float operators and floating operators also provide good pay, with salaries around $70,822 and $68,425, respectively. Other top-paying positions include concrete finishers, irrigation technicians, and arborist climbers. These jobs offer stable earnings and are accessible without a degree. Candidates can gain skills through on-the-job training or short courses. Such roles provide excellent opportunities for those seeking good pay without a lengthy educational path.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chattanooga, TN without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $84,867 and Restaurant Manager with the lowest at $43,449.

  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $84,867
    Monitor sales to ensure compliance with regulations. Work in a team environment with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Companies like Chick-fil-A and Hamilton County offer opportunities.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  2. Float Operator
    Average Salary: $70,822
    Operate a float to smooth concrete surfaces. Attention to detail is crucial. Local companies look for individuals who can work independently and as part of a team.
    Find Float Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  3. Floating Operator
    Average Salary: $68,425
    Use a float to level concrete for smooth finishes. Work on construction sites with a focus on quality. Chattanooga area offers many opportunities with growth potential.
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  4. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $53,054
    Apply and finish concrete to structures. Use tools to ensure proper finish. Job roles are available with local builders and contractors.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  5. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $50,336
    Design and maintain irrigation systems. Work outdoors and focus on sustainability. Local landscaping firms and nurseries offer roles.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  6. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $49,627
    Climb trees to trim branches and maintain tree health. Requires physical fitness and attention to safety. Many local tree services look for qualified climbers.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  7. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $48,925
    Collect data through surveys and interviews. Work in various settings to gather information. Local businesses and research firms offer these roles.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  8. Loader
    Average Salary: $46,839
    Load and unload materials from vehicles and equipment. Attention to safety and accuracy is essential. Chattanooga area offers many job opportunities in warehouses and distribution centers.
    Find Loader jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  9. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $44,567
    Oversee kitchen staff and operations. Ensure smooth kitchen flow and quality of food. Local restaurants look for individuals who can handle pressure and lead a team.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  10. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $43,449
    Manage restaurant staff and operations. Focus on customer satisfaction and profitability. Opportunities are available with many local eateries and chains.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Chattanooga, TN

Which companies offer the top salaries in Chattanooga, TN?

Chattanooga, TN, offers a range of opportunities for job seekers seeking well-paying employers. Companies like The Cigna Group and Sargent & Lundy lead in offering higher salaries, with The Cigna Group topping the list. This presents a promising chance for professionals to explore rewarding career options in the area. Individuals looking to maximize their earning potential may find attractive salaries at companies like Unum and Leaf Home. While these firms offer competitive pay, they still fall short of The Cigna Group and Sargent & Lundy's average salaries. Positions at these companies still provide an excellent platform for financial stability and growth.
Graph displaying company salaries in Chattanooga, TN, highlighting The Cigna Group with the highest at $129,205 and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee with the lowest at $72,005.

  1. The Cigna Group
    Average Salary: $129,205
    The Cigna Group offers a wide range of health services. They focus on providing insurance and related services to individuals and businesses.


  2. Sargent & Lundy
    Average Salary: $111,677
    Sargent & Lundy is a global engineering firm. They work on projects related to power plants and energy infrastructure.


  3. Unum
    Average Salary: $109,130
    Unum provides group benefits to employers and their employees. Their services help people protect their income and manage their health.


  4. Leaf Home
    Average Salary: $104,324
    Leaf Home offers services for medical and non-medical home care. They focus on providing quality care to people in the comfort of their homes.


  5. MENTAL HEALTH
    Average Salary: $86,879
    This company provides mental health services. They aim to support individuals with various mental health challenges through therapy and counseling.


  6. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $86,537
    CommonSpirit Health is a health organization offering a range of medical services. They focus on patient care and community health.


  7. Southern Industries
    Average Salary: $81,526
    Southern Industries is involved in manufacturing and engineering. They provide various products and services to multiple industries.


  8. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $81,513
    Amazon is a global e-commerce giant. They offer a wide range of products and services, from shopping to cloud computing.


  9. Amedisys
    Average Salary: $77,855
    Amedisys provides home health, hospice, and personal care services. They focus on helping patients recover and manage their health at home.


  10. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
    Average Salary: $72,005
    BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee offers health insurance and related services. They provide various health plans to individuals and businesses.

How does the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN compare to the national average?

Chattanooga, TN, offers a cost of living index that stands at 93 when compared to the nationwide average of 100. This means living expenses in Chattanooga are generally 7% below the national average. The lower cost in housing and miscellaneous expenses contributes to this overall savings, making Chattanooga an attractive option for those seeking more affordable living without sacrificing quality of life. The data reveals that Chattanooga's cost of living remains competitive. With housing at 87% of the national index, groceries at 95%, and utilities at the national average of 100%, job seekers and families can find reasonable living costs. This balance between affordability and cost-effective amenities positions Chattanooga as a favorable location for individuals looking to reduce their living expenses.
Cost of living comparison graph for Chattanooga, TN vs. Nationwide: housing 13% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 0% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 10% lower, miscellaneous 7% lower.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, presents an attractive cost of living for prospective residents, with various indices comparing favorably to the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs in Chattanooga are notably lower, standing at 87. This means that housing expenses are 13% below the national average, offering significant savings for those considering a move. Additionally, groceries are priced at 95, which is only 5% above average, providing a slight advantage in everyday spending.


Utilities in Chattanooga match the national average, pegged at 100. This indicates that costs for essentials like electricity, gas, water, and trash services are in line with the rest of the country. Chattanooga's transportation costs are slightly below the national average, at 92, making it 8% more affordable. Healthcare costs, though slightly above average at 90, suggest that medical expenses remain relatively manageable. Miscellaneous costs, at 93, also reflect minimal deviation from the nationwide average, ensuring overall affordability. These metrics highlight Chattanooga's balanced cost of living, appealing to job seekers and families alike.

There are 3,648 job openings in Chattanooga, TN, today!

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Chattanooga, TN
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