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What is the average salary in Chattanooga, TN?

The average salary in Chattanooga, TN is $56,656 per year.

Chattanooga, TN, offers a range of salary opportunities for job seekers. The average yearly salary stands at $56,656, making it a competitive market. The salaries vary across different industries, offering a mix of opportunities.

Many industries provide good earning potential. The highest earners make around $179,000, while the entry-level positions start at about $22,700. Most positions sit in the middle, with salaries ranging between $36,916 and $136,427. This range reflects the diverse job market and the potential for growth and advancement.

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What are the best paying jobs in Chattanooga, TN?

Chattanooga, TN, offers several top-paying jobs for professionals. Physicians lead the way with the highest average salary of $299,899. Other well-paid positions include general dentists, paramedics, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners. These roles provide good compensation and opportunities for growth. In addition to healthcare roles, Chattanooga offers high salaries in engineering and sales. Mechanical and software engineers, along with electrical engineers, enjoy competitive salaries. Sales and construction management roles also provide attractive earnings. These positions allow professionals to leverage their skills and experience for a rewarding career in Chattanooga.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chattanooga, TN, highlighting Physician with the highest at $299,899 and Construction Manager with the lowest at $97,645.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $299,899
    Doctors in Chattanooga work in a variety of settings, from private practices to large hospitals. The city's healthcare needs offer good opportunities for those with the right qualifications. Well-known institutions like Erlanger Health System provide a chance to make a difference.
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  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $269,853
    Dentists serve a crucial role in maintaining oral health. Chattanooga's residents rely on dental professionals for regular check-ups and treatments. Clinics like Chattanooga Dental offer a chance to build lasting relationships with patients.
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  3. Paramedic
    Average Salary: $126,920
    Paramedics provide critical care during emergencies. Chattanooga's EMS services need dedicated individuals ready to respond quickly. Working for the Chattanooga Fire Department means joining a team that values quick thinking and compassion.
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  4. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $126,404
    Pharmacists ensure that medications are safe and effective. Chattanooga's pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreens, rely on pharmacists to advise patients. It’s a role that combines science and customer service.
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  5. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $126,129
    Nurse Practitioners deliver advanced care and often serve as primary care providers. Chattanooga’s healthcare facilities need these skilled professionals. Working with Erlanger and other clinics means you can make a real impact on patient health.
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  6. Mechanical Engineer
    Average Salary: $120,828
    Mechanical Engineers design and develop machines and systems. Chattanooga's manufacturing sector relies on their expertise. Companies like UTC Aerospace Systems offer opportunities to innovate and improve technology.
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  7. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $105,102
    Software Engineers create and maintain software applications. Chattanooga's tech industry is growing, with firms like Synechron looking for talent. It’s a field that combines creativity and problem-solving.
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  8. Electrical Engineer
    Average Salary: $103,252
    Electrical Engineers design electrical systems and equipment. Chattanooga’s manufacturing and technology sectors need these professionals. Working with companies like Siemens means contributing to cutting-edge projects.
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  9. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $99,566
    Sales Representatives connect businesses with their products. Chattanooga’s diverse economy offers many opportunities. Selling for companies like Mohawk Industries means understanding customer needs and closing deals.
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  10. Construction Manager
    Average Salary: $97,645
    Construction Managers oversee building projects. Chattanooga’s growth needs skilled managers. Working with firms like AGC of Chattanooga means ensuring projects are completed on time and budget.
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What are the best paying jobs in Chattanooga, TN without a degree?

Chattanooga, TN, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Sales inspectors lead the list with an average salary of $85,758. Float operators and floating operators earn around $73,260 and $69,823, respectively. Other top-paying roles include irrigation technicians, earning about $52,388, and arborist climbers, with an average salary of $49,508. Loaders and restaurant managers also offer good pay, with salaries around $46,839 and $45,842. These jobs provide good opportunities for those without a degree to secure a stable income.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chattanooga, TN without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $85,758 and Canvasser with the lowest at $42,225.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $85,758
    These professionals inspect and evaluate sales operations. They work for companies like Chattanooga Energy Partners. Their work involves assessing the efficiency of sales processes.
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  2. Float Operator
    Average Salary: $73,260
    They operate heavy machinery to spread materials evenly. Working in Chattanooga, these operators serve companies such as Cohley's Food Store. This work ensures quality and consistency.
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  3. Floating Operator
    Average Salary: $69,823
    These operators control equipment that floats across surfaces to clean or apply materials. They work in Chattanooga for companies like The Chattanooga Bakery. This role requires attention to detail and precision.
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  4. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $52,388
    They set up and maintain irrigation systems for lawns and landscapes. Working for businesses like The Chattanooga Zoo, these technicians ensure proper water distribution. This job is essential for maintaining greenery.
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  5. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $49,508
    They climb trees to prune, remove, or inspect them. This job is vital for companies like the City of Chattanooga Parks and Recreation. Arborists help maintain urban tree health and safety.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  6. Loader
    Average Salary: $46,839
    Loaders handle the loading and unloading of goods. They work for companies like Chattanooga Logistics. This role requires physical strength and the ability to work in various environments.
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  7. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $45,842
    They oversee daily operations in restaurants. These managers work for local eateries like The Southern Café. This role involves coordinating staff and ensuring customer satisfaction.
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  8. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $45,787
    They prepare and finish concrete surfaces. Working for firms like The Chattanooga Builders, these finishers ensure the quality and durability of concrete projects. Attention to detail is key.
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  9. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $45,464
    Kitchen managers supervise kitchen staff and operations. They work for restaurants like The Original Pancake House. This role requires strong organizational skills and culinary knowledge.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  10. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $42,225
    They collect information from the public on surveys or opinions. Working for polling companies like SurveyMonkey, canvassers engage with the community to gather data. This job involves strong communication skills.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Chattanooga, TN

Which companies offer the top salaries in Chattanooga, TN?

Chattanooga, TN offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities with several top companies. The Cigna Group leads with an average salary of $130,777 per year, followed closely by Leaf Home with $114,693. Both companies provide excellent benefits and career advancement. Other notable companies in Chattanooga include Sargent & Lundy, Unum, and CommonSpirit Health. Sargent & Lundy pays an average salary of $112,771, Unum offers $111,450, and CommonSpirit Health provides $86,490 per year. These companies also provide competitive benefits packages, making them attractive options for job seekers.
Graph displaying company salaries in Chattanooga, TN, highlighting The Cigna Group with the highest at $130,777 and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee with the lowest at $72,129.
  1. The Cigna Group
    Average Salary: $130,777
    The Cigna Group is a global health service company. It offers health insurance, pharmacy care, and other medical services.


  2. Leaf Home
    Average Salary: $114,693
    Leaf Home focuses on home medical equipment and services. They provide respiratory equipment, oxygen therapy, and sleep apnea solutions.


  3. Sargent & Lundy
    Average Salary: $112,771
    Sargent & Lundy is an engineering and design firm. It specializes in power plant engineering and energy solutions.


  4. Unum
    Average Salary: $111,450
    Unum offers insurance and financial protection services. They help people manage risks related to health, life, and disability.


  5. MENTAL HEALTH
    Average Salary: $86,879
    This company provides mental health services. It focuses on therapy, counseling, and support for individuals.


  6. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $86,490
    CommonSpirit Health runs hospitals and care centers. They aim to provide high-quality healthcare services.


  7. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $82,426
    Amazon is a global e-commerce giant. It offers a wide range of products and services online.


  8. Southern Industries
    Average Salary: $81,542
    Southern Industries is a manufacturer. It makes industrial parts and products.


  9. Amedisys
    Average Salary: $81,426
    Amedisys provides home health and hospice care. They offer medical services in patients' homes.


  10. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
    Average Salary: $72,129
    BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee offers health insurance. They help people manage their healthcare needs.

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

Chattanooga, TN, offers a lower cost of living compared to the nationwide average of 100. Chattanooga's cost of living index stands at 91, reflecting an overall decrease in expenses. The lower housing costs, specifically at 83, contribute significantly to this index, while other categories like groceries and utilities remain close to the national average. This index indicates that residents can expect to spend less on living expenses in Chattanooga compared to other areas across the nation. Individuals looking for a more affordable lifestyle will find Chattanooga's living costs to be about 9% below the national average. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for those aiming to reduce their monthly spending.
Cost of living comparison graph for Chattanooga, TN vs. Nationwide: housing 17% lower, groceries 3% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 10% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, boasts a cost of living index that offers significant savings compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. According to recent data, Chattanooga's cost of living index stands at 89, making it a very attractive option for budget-conscious individuals. This means that, on average, living expenses in Chattanooga are about 11% lower than the national average. The housing index, at 83, shows that residents can expect to pay nearly 17% less for housing compared to the average American city.


The lower cost of living in Chattanooga extends beyond housing. For example, groceries are priced at 97, meaning they are slightly above the national average but still only 3% more expensive. Utilities and transportation also cost less, with indexes of 95 and 92, respectively. Healthcare, although not the cheapest, is still affordable with an index of 90. Miscellaneous expenses, at 88, indicate savings of about 12% in this category. Overall, Chattanooga provides a well-rounded, more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average.

There are 2,784 job openings in Chattanooga, TN, today!

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Chattanooga, TN
2,784 Job Openings