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What is the average salary in Chattanooga, TN?

The average salary in Chattanooga, TN is $55,661 per year.

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.

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What are the best paying jobs in Chattanooga, TN?

Chattanooga, TN, offers many high-paying job opportunities. Physicians lead the way with an average salary of nearly $300,000. General dentists also earn well, with an average salary of around $258,000. Pharmacists and nurse practitioners enjoy salaries over $100,000. Other top-paying roles in Chattanooga include paramedics, mechanical engineers, and software engineers. Paramedics can earn about $115,000, while mechanical and software engineers make close to $112,000 and $107,000, respectively. These jobs provide strong earning potential and a chance to contribute to the community.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chattanooga, TN, highlighting Physician with the highest at $299,837 and School Psychologist with the lowest at $98,349.
  1. 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.
    Find Physician jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  2. 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.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  3. 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.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  4. 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.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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.
    Find Electrical Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  9. 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.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  10. 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.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in Chattanooga, TN

What are the best paying jobs in Chattanooga, TN without a degree?

Chattanooga, TN offers several high-paying jobs that do not need a degree. Sales Inspectors lead the list with an average salary of $85,682. Other well-paying roles include Float Operators, making about $68,505, and Floating Operators, earning around $68,069. These jobs provide excellent pay while not requiring a college degree. Canvassers, Concrete Finishers, Applicators, Arborist Climbers, Irrigation Technicians, Loaders, and Kitchen Managers are also good options. These careers offer competitive salaries while allowing job seekers to dive into work without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chattanooga, TN without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $85,682 and Kitchen Manager with the lowest at $44,094.
  1. 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.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  2. Float Operator
    Average Salary: $68,505
    Operating machines to smooth concrete. Working on construction sites. A hands-on role with steady demand.
    Find Float Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  3. Floating Operator
    Average Salary: $68,069
    Finishing concrete surfaces to ensure a smooth appearance. Collaborating with construction crews. A vital role in infrastructure projects.
    Find Floating Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  4. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $54,010
    Collecting data by interviewing people. Working with research firms and organizations. An engaging role with direct community interaction.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  5. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $52,449
    Smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. Working closely with construction teams. A steady role with good earning potential.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  6. 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.
    Find Applicator jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  7. 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.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  8. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $49,229
    Installing and maintaining irrigation systems. Working for landscaping and agricultural firms. A technical role with steady demand.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  9. Loader
    Average Salary: $46,839
    Loading and unloading materials. Working in warehouses and manufacturing plants. A physically active role with good earning potential.
    Find Loader jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  10. 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.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Chattanooga, TN

Which companies offer the top salaries in Chattanooga, TN?

Chattanooga, TN, offers diverse opportunities for job seekers, with several companies providing competitive salaries. The Cigna Group leads in offering the highest average salary at approximately $129,189. This makes it a top choice for professionals seeking rewarding compensation. Other notable companies include Sargent & Lundy and Unum, each offering average salaries exceeding $100,000. These companies provide stable and attractive job prospects for those looking to advance their careers in Chattanooga.
Graph displaying company salaries in Chattanooga, TN, highlighting The Cigna Group with the highest at $129,189 and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee with the lowest at $71,389.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. Unum
    Average Salary: $107,406
    Unum provides insurance and financial protection products. They support employees with benefits like health and life insurance.


  4. 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.


  5. MENTAL HEALTH
    Average Salary: $86,879
    MENTAL HEALTH offers mental health services. They provide therapy and counseling for individuals and families.


  6. 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.


  7. Southern Industries
    Average Salary: $83,516
    Southern Industries manufactures and distributes construction materials. They are a well-established company in the construction industry.


  8. Amedisys
    Average Salary: $77,884
    Amedisys provides home health care services. They deliver care in patients' homes, focusing on quality and patient comfort.


  9. 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.


  10. 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 lower cost of living compared to the nationwide average. This city's overall cost of living index stands at 92, which is 8% below the national benchmark of 100. Specifically, housing costs in Chattanooga are 15% below the average, while other categories like groceries, utilities, and transportation are close to the national figures. This balance makes Chattanooga an attractive option for cost-conscious job seekers.
Cost of living comparison graph for Chattanooga, TN vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

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.

There are 2,826 job openings in Chattanooga, TN, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Chattanooga, TN

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City
Overview
Chattanooga, TN
2,826 Job Openings