What is the average salary in Chattanooga, TN?
Job seekers exploring opportunities in Chattanooga, TN, will find a range of salary levels across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at $55,661. This figure provides a good starting point for understanding the local job market.
Salaries vary based on industry and job type. The largest percentage, 35.23%, earns up to $22,000. Other common salary brackets include $38,182, $54,364, and $70,545. Higher-paying sectors offer salaries of $86,727 and above. Understanding these numbers helps job seekers set realistic expectations and aim for roles that match their career goals and financial needs.
What are the best paying jobs in Chattanooga, TN?

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Physician
Average Salary: $299,837
Doctors in Chattanooga diagnose and treat patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Notable employers include Erlanger Health System and Parkridge Health System.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $258,435
Dentists in Chattanooga care for patients' teeth and gums. They operate in dental offices. Key employers include Chattanooga Dental and Parkridge Dental Center.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $126,778
Pharmacists in Chattanooga dispense medications and advise patients. They work in pharmacies like Kroger and CVS. Notable employers are Kroger and CVS.
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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $125,460
Nurse practitioners in Chattanooga provide primary and specialty care. They work in hospitals and clinics. Key employers include Parkridge Medical Center and Erlanger Health System.
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Paramedic
Average Salary: $115,184
Paramedics in Chattanooga respond to emergencies. They work with local EMS providers. Major employers are Chattanooga Fire Department and local hospitals.
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Mechanical Engineer
Average Salary: $112,142
Mechanical engineers in Chattanooga design and develop machinery. They work in manufacturing companies. Key employers include UTC Aerospace and Siemens.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $107,337
Software engineers in Chattanooga create and maintain software. They work for tech firms. Major employers include Advantech Design and Chattanooga Software Solutions.
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Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $100,855
Electrical engineers in Chattanooga design electrical systems. They work for various industries. Notable employers include Siemens and UTC Aerospace.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $98,961
Behavior analysts in Chattanooga help people with behavioral challenges. They work in schools and clinics. Key employers include The Center for Discovery and Chattanooga State Community College.
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School Psychologist
Average Salary: $98,349
School psychologists in Chattanooga support students' mental health. They work in schools and districts. Major employers include Hamilton County Schools and Chattanooga City Schools.
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What are the best paying jobs in Chattanooga, TN without a degree?

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Sales Inspector
Average Salary: $85,682
Checking sales operations for compliance. Working with well-known companies, ensuring policies are followed. A stable role with the potential for growth.
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Float Operator
Average Salary: $68,505
Operating machines to smooth concrete. Working on construction sites. A hands-on role with steady demand.
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Floating Operator
Average Salary: $68,069
Finishing concrete surfaces to ensure a smooth appearance. Collaborating with construction crews. A vital role in infrastructure projects.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $54,010
Collecting data by interviewing people. Working with research firms and organizations. An engaging role with direct community interaction.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $52,449
Smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. Working closely with construction teams. A steady role with good earning potential.
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Applicator
Average Salary: $51,767
Applying coatings and sealants to various surfaces. Working with both commercial and residential clients. A detailed role with visible outcomes.
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Arborist Climber
Average Salary: $49,627
Climbing trees to trim and care for them. Working with landscaping companies. A physically demanding role with direct impact on the environment.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $49,229
Installing and maintaining irrigation systems. Working for landscaping and agricultural firms. A technical role with steady demand.
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Loader
Average Salary: $46,839
Loading and unloading materials. Working in warehouses and manufacturing plants. A physically active role with good earning potential.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $44,094
Overseeing kitchen operations. Working in restaurants and hotels. A leadership role with the opportunity to make a difference daily.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Chattanooga, TN?

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The Cigna Group
Average Salary: $129,189
The Cigna Group offers health insurance and related services. They are a top employer, known for excellent benefits and high salaries.
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Sargent & Lundy
Average Salary: $109,443
Sargent & Lundy is a leader in power generation. They focus on engineering, procurement, and construction. It is a great choice for those in technical fields.
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Unum
Average Salary: $107,406
Unum provides insurance and financial protection products. They support employees with benefits like health and life insurance.
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Leaf Home
Average Salary: $95,420
Leaf Home offers innovative home improvement solutions. They focus on energy-efficient products and are a growing company in the industry.
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MENTAL HEALTH
Average Salary: $86,879
MENTAL HEALTH offers mental health services. They provide therapy and counseling for individuals and families.
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CommonSpirit Health
Average Salary: $85,908
CommonSpirit Health is a health care company. They run hospitals and clinics across the country, providing essential care to communities.
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Southern Industries
Average Salary: $83,516
Southern Industries manufactures and distributes construction materials. They are a well-established company in the construction industry.
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Amedisys
Average Salary: $77,884
Amedisys provides home health care services. They deliver care in patients' homes, focusing on quality and patient comfort.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $74,093
Amazon is a global e-commerce giant. They offer a wide range of products and services, from online shopping to cloud computing.
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BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Average Salary: $71,389
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee offers health insurance plans. They provide coverage options to meet various needs and budgets.
How does the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN compare to the national average?

Chattanooga, TN, offers a cost of living that is slightly lower than the nationwide average. Specifically, the city's cost of living index stands at 93, which means it is 7% below the national average of 100. This difference becomes especially noticeable in housing costs, where Chattanooga’s index is 85, indicating a 15% reduction in housing expenses compared to the national average.
Moreover, other categories such as groceries and transportation reflect minimal variations, with indexes of 95 and 95, respectively. This suggests that residents can expect to spend almost the same as the national average in these areas. Utilities in Chattanooga are 10% below the national average with an index of 90, offering some savings for households. Healthcare costs align with the national average, providing a balanced outlook in this crucial area. Together, these factors paint a picture of Chattanooga as a city where residents can find affordable living expenses, particularly in housing and utilities, making it an attractive option for those looking to manage their budget effectively.



