Overview Salaries

Salaries in Chattanooga, TN

Updated on Aug 12, 2025
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What is the average salary in Chattanooga, TN?

The average salary in Chattanooga, TN is $55,282 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Chattanooga, TN, showing an average salary of $55,282 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Chattanooga, TN, showing an average salary of $4,607 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Chattanooga, TN, showing an average salary of $1,063 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.

Chattanooga, TN offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in Chattanooga is $55,282. This figure provides a good overview of the earning potential in the area. Many job seekers find this average to be a helpful benchmark when considering job offers.


The salary distribution in Chattanooga shows a mix of lower and higher-paying jobs. The most common salaries fall between $39,091 and $71,273. These figures represent the bulk of the job market. Higher salaries, above $103,455, are less common but still available. This distribution suggests that while there are good opportunities for earning, the highest salaries are often found in specialized or senior roles.

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What are the best paying jobs in Chattanooga, TN?

Chattanooga, TN, offers a variety of high-paying jobs for skilled professionals. General Dentists lead the way with an average salary of $246,097. Pharmacists and Nurse Practitioners also enjoy strong earnings, with average salaries of $125,370 and $124,129, respectively. These roles provide excellent opportunities for those with the right qualifications and experience. Other top-paying jobs in Chattanooga include Controller, Mechanical Engineer, and Software Engineer. Controllers earn an average of $106,437, while Mechanical and Software Engineers make $103,110 and $102,653, respectively. Behavioral Analysts, Electrical Engineers, and Technical Project Leads also offer competitive salaries, ranging from $96,121 to $94,418. Construction Managers round out the list with an average salary of $93,335. These positions provide attractive compensation packages for professionals in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chattanooga, TN, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $246,097 and Construction Manager with the lowest at $93,335.

  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $246,097
    This role involves diagnosing and treating dental issues. It requires working in clinics and hospitals. Chattanooga offers many dental practices and hospitals.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  2. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $125,370
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients on medications. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. Chattanooga has several pharmacies and healthcare facilities.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  3. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $124,129
    Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They work in clinics and hospitals. Chattanooga offers many healthcare facilities.
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  4. Controller
    Average Salary: $106,437
    Controllers manage financial reporting and budgeting. They work in corporate offices. Chattanooga has many businesses needing financial oversight.
    Find Controller jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  5. Mechanical Engineer
    Average Salary: $103,110
    Mechanical engineers design and develop mechanical systems. They work in manufacturing companies. Chattanooga has many industries needing engineering expertise.
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  6. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $102,653
    Software engineers develop and test software applications. They work in tech companies. Chattanooga has a growing tech sector.
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  7. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $96,121
    Behavior analysts assess and improve behavioral health. They work in clinics and schools. Chattanooga offers many opportunities in healthcare and education.
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  8. Electrical Engineer
    Average Salary: $94,726
    Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems. They work in various industries. Chattanooga has many companies needing electrical engineering skills.
    Find Electrical Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  9. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $94,418
    Technical project leads manage tech projects. They work in tech companies. Chattanooga has many businesses needing project management.
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  10. Construction Manager
    Average Salary: $93,335
    Construction managers oversee building projects. They work in construction firms. Chattanooga has many construction projects needing management.
    Find Construction Manager jobs in Chattanooga, TN

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

Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Sales Inspectors lead the list with an average salary of $87,386. Float Operators and Canvassers also provide good earnings, with average salaries of $67,740 and $58,204, respectively. Other well-paying roles include Applicator, Concrete Finisher, Arborist Climber, and Irrigation Technician. These positions offer average salaries ranging from $51,767 to $47,783. Additionally, roles such as Loader, Restaurant Manager, and Kitchen Manager provide solid income opportunities, with average salaries between $47,114 and $40,833. These jobs offer a chance to earn a good living without needing a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chattanooga, TN without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $87,386 and Kitchen Manager with the lowest at $40,833.

  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $87,386
    This role involves inspecting and evaluating sales practices. Companies like local retail stores and service providers need this skill. They ensure sales teams follow guidelines and improve customer service.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  2. Float Operator
    Average Salary: $67,740
    Float operators work on construction sites. They use heavy machinery to smooth concrete surfaces. Local construction firms and infrastructure projects need this skill. It is a hands-on job with good earning potential.
    Find Float Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  3. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $58,204
    Canvassers visit homes and businesses to gather information. They often work for political campaigns or market research firms. This job involves talking to people and collecting data. It is a good way to earn money while gaining experience.
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  4. Applicator
    Average Salary: $51,767
    Applicators work in various industries, applying coatings or treatments. They use specialized equipment to ensure even application. Companies in manufacturing and agriculture need this skill. It is a detail-oriented job with steady demand.
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  5. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $51,715
    Concrete finishers work on construction sites, shaping and smoothing concrete. They use tools to ensure the surface is even and smooth. Local construction firms and infrastructure projects need this skill. It is a hands-on job with good earning potential.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  6. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $48,561
    Arborist climbers work in tree care, climbing trees to prune and maintain them. They use specialized equipment to reach high branches. Local landscaping companies and parks need this skill. It is a physically demanding job with good pay.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  7. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $47,783
    Irrigation technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They ensure plants and crops get the right amount of water. Local farms and landscaping companies need this skill. It is a technical job with steady demand.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  8. Loader
    Average Salary: $47,114
    Loaders work in warehouses and distribution centers, loading and unloading goods. They use forklifts and other equipment to move items. Local retail stores and shipping companies need this skill. It is a physically demanding job with good earning potential.
    Find Loader jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  9. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $42,652
    Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They manage staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Local eateries and cafes need this skill. It is a leadership role with good pay and opportunities for growth.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  10. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $40,833
    Kitchen managers oversee kitchen staff and operations. They ensure food is prepared safely and on time. Local restaurants and cafes need this skill. It is a demanding job with good earning potential and opportunities for advancement.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Chattanooga, TN

Which companies offer the top salaries in Chattanooga, TN?

Chattanooga, TN, offers a range of companies with competitive salaries. The Cigna Group leads with an average salary of $127,832, followed closely by Sargent & Lundy at $106,352. These companies provide attractive compensation packages, making them top choices for job seekers in the area. Other notable employers include Unum, Leaf Home, and CommonSpirit Health, all offering average salaries above $73,000. Mesa Associates, Inc., Tankstar, Quality Correctional Healthcare, and Amedisys also provide solid compensation, with average salaries ranging from $75,000 to $86,000. These companies present excellent opportunities for professionals seeking rewarding career paths in Chattanooga.
Graph displaying company salaries in Chattanooga, TN, highlighting The Cigna Group with the highest at $127,832 and Amedisys with the lowest at $73,463.

  1. The Cigna Group
    Average Salary: $127,832
    The Cigna Group offers health services. They provide health insurance, pharmacy, and other services. They have a strong reputation and offer competitive salaries.


  2. Sargent & Lundy
    Average Salary: $106,352
    Sargent & Lundy works in engineering, architecture, and consulting. They focus on energy projects. They offer good salaries and benefits.


  3. Unum
    Average Salary: $103,935
    Unum provides insurance and financial protection services. They help people with life, health, and disability insurance. They offer stable jobs with good pay.


  4. Leaf Home
    Average Salary: $92,339
    Leaf Home offers home improvement services. They focus on roofing, windows, and insulation. They provide good salaries and opportunities for growth.


  5. MENTAL HEALTH
    Average Salary: $86,879
    MENTAL HEALTH provides mental health services. They offer therapy, counseling, and support. They value their employees and offer fair pay.


  6. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $83,682
    CommonSpirit Health runs hospitals and clinics. They focus on patient care and health services. They offer good salaries and benefits.


  7. Mesa Associates, Inc.
    Average Salary: $76,563
    Mesa Associates, Inc. works in construction and engineering. They build roads, bridges, and buildings. They offer stable jobs with good pay.


  8. Tankstar
    Average Salary: $75,256
    Tankstar makes industrial tanks and containers. They focus on manufacturing and engineering. They provide good salaries and benefits.


  9. Quality Correctional Healthcare
    Average Salary: $73,907
    Quality Correctional Healthcare offers healthcare in correctional facilities. They provide medical and mental health services. They offer fair pay and benefits.


  10. Amedisys
    Average Salary: $73,463
    Amedisys provides home health, hospice, and palliative care. They focus on patient care and support. They offer good salaries and benefits.

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

Chattanooga, TN, offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average. The average cost of living index in Chattanooga stands at 90, which is 10% below the national benchmark of 100. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle without compromising on quality. Specifically, Chattanooga's housing index at 82 shows a significant 18% reduction compared to the national average. Other categories like groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also remain below the national average, though by smaller margins. This overall trend highlights Chattanooga as a cost-effective place to live.
Cost of living comparison graph for Chattanooga, TN vs. Nationwide: housing 18% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 4% lower, transportation 12% lower, healthcare 6% lower, miscellaneous 10% lower.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average. The city's overall cost of living index stands at 89, which is 11% below the national average of 100. This lower cost makes it an attractive option for many job seekers looking to maximize their purchasing power. Housing, in particular, is 18% cheaper in Chattanooga, with an index of 82, providing significant savings for residents.


In addition to housing, Chattanooga's groceries, utilities, and healthcare costs are also slightly below the national average. Groceries have an index of 95, which is 5% less than the national average. Utilities are at 96, just 4% below the average, and healthcare costs are at 94, which is 6% lower. These savings can add up, making Chattanooga a financially prudent choice for those relocating.

There are 4,058 job openings in Chattanooga, TN, today!

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Chattanooga, TN
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