Salaries in Chattanooga, TN

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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What is the average salary in Chattanooga, TN?

The average salary in Chattanooga, TN is $53,776 per year.

Chattanooga, TN offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in Chattanooga is $53,776. This figure provides a good overview of the earning potential in the area. Salaries can vary widely depending on the industry and job role.


Here are some average salaries for different sectors in Chattanooga:

  • Construction: $36,390
  • Manufacturing: $23,910
  • Retail: $12,780
  • Healthcare: $9,950
  • Education: $5,280
  • Information Technology: $2,960
  • Finance: $1,570
  • Arts and Entertainment: $950
  • Government: $590
  • Other: $420
  • Not Reported: $190
These figures show the diversity in earning potential across different job sectors in Chattanooga.

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What are the best paying jobs in Chattanooga, TN?

Chattanooga, TN, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. Physicians, including general dentists and pharmacists, lead the way with top salaries. Other well-compensated roles include nurse practitioners, controllers, and engineers. Job seekers will find that positions like software engineers, behavior analysts, and technical project leads also provide strong earning potential. Construction managers also enjoy competitive pay. These roles are attractive for those seeking both rewarding work and financial stability.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chattanooga, TN, highlighting Physician with the highest at $275,581 and Pharmacist with the lowest at $125,498.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $275,581
    Physicians work in hospitals and clinics, providing care to patients. They diagnose and treat illnesses. Chattanooga has many healthcare facilities, including Erlanger Health System and Parkridge Health System.
    Find Physician jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $240,022
    Dentists focus on oral health. They perform cleanings, fillings, and other procedures. Chattanooga has several dental practices, such as Chattanooga Dental Group and Smiles of Chattanooga.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $125,498
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients on medications. They work in pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. Chattanooga offers many opportunities for pharmacists to serve their community.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Chattanooga, TN

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, Float Operators, and Canvassers lead the list with competitive salaries. These roles provide a great opportunity for those seeking well-paying jobs without the need for higher education. Sales Inspectors earn an average of $85,584 annually, while Float Operators make around $67,816 per year. Canvassers also enjoy a solid income, averaging $55,500 annually. These positions demand skills in sales, operations, and customer interaction, making them accessible to many job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chattanooga, TN without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $85,584 and Kitchen Manager with the lowest at $38,188.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $85,584
    Sales Inspectors work with local businesses to ensure compliance with sales regulations. They often collaborate with companies like Walmart and Kroger. This role involves regular inspections and reporting.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  2. Float Operator
    Average Salary: $67,816
    Float Operators manage concrete finishing equipment. They work for construction firms like Brasfield & Gorrie. This job requires attention to detail and physical stamina to ensure smooth surfaces.
    Find Float Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  3. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $55,500
    Canvassers gather information and promote products or services. They often work for local businesses and political campaigns. This role involves direct interaction with the community and requires good communication skills.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  4. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $52,310
    Concrete Finishers prepare and finish concrete surfaces. They work for construction companies like Skanska. This job requires manual labor and attention to detail to ensure quality finishes.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  5. Applicator
    Average Salary: $49,550
    Applicators apply coatings and sealants to various surfaces. They work for companies like Sherwin-Williams. This role involves precision and the use of specialized equipment to ensure even application.
    Find Applicator jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  6. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $48,381
    Arborist Climbers trim and maintain tree health. They work for tree service companies like Arbor Care. This job requires physical fitness and the ability to work at heights.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  7. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $47,783
    Irrigation Technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They work for landscape companies like TruGreen. This role involves understanding water systems and ensuring efficient water use.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  8. Loader
    Average Salary: $45,042
    Loaders operate machinery to move materials. They work for logistics companies like FedEx. This job requires manual labor and attention to safety protocols.
    Find Loader jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  9. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $42,477
    Restaurant Managers oversee daily operations. They work for local eateries like Cafe 1928. This role involves managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and handling finances.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Chattanooga, TN


  10. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $38,188
    Kitchen Managers supervise food preparation. They work for restaurants like The Southern Table. This job requires strong organizational skills and the ability to lead a kitchen team.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Chattanooga, TN

Which companies offer the top salaries in Chattanooga, TN?

Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. Companies like The Cigna Group and CyberCoders lead the way, offering some of the highest salaries in the area. These top-paying companies provide attractive compensation packages, making Chattanooga an attractive place for job seekers looking for good pay. The Cigna Group tops the list with an average salary of $127,293. CyberCoders follows closely with an average salary of $103,480. Other notable companies include Renewal by Andersen, Sargent & Lundy, and Unum, all offering salaries above $100,000. These companies provide a range of benefits and opportunities for career growth, making them excellent choices for those seeking well-paying jobs in Chattanooga.
Graph displaying company salaries in Chattanooga, TN, highlighting The Cigna Group with the highest at $127,293 and Encompass Health with the lowest at $72,667.
  1. The Cigna Group
    Average Salary: $127,293
    The Cigna Group is a global health service company. It offers health insurance, pharmacy, and other services. Employees often enjoy benefits like health coverage and retirement plans.


  2. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $103,480
    CyberCoders is a tech staffing firm. It connects tech talent with companies. They focus on tech roles like software development and IT.


  3. Renewal by Andersen
    Average Salary: $103,043
    Renewal by Andersen is a home improvement company. It specializes in window and door replacement. They offer competitive pay and benefits.


  4. Sargent & Lundy
    Average Salary: $101,405
    Sargent & Lundy is an engineering and construction firm. It works on power plants and other infrastructure projects. They value skilled workers and offer good salaries.


  5. Unum
    Average Salary: $101,088
    Unum is an insurance company. It provides life, disability, and other insurance services. They offer a stable work environment and good pay.


  6. MENTAL HEALTH
    Average Salary: $86,879
    Mental Health services provide care for individuals with mental health issues. They offer therapy and support. Pay can vary based on experience and role.


  7. Mesa Associates, Inc.
    Average Salary: $76,594
    Mesa Associates, Inc. is a staffing firm. It places workers in various industries. They offer competitive pay and benefits for their staff.


  8. Tankstar
    Average Salary: $75,756
    Tankstar is a company that provides tank cleaning services. They work in the oil and gas industry. They offer good pay for their skilled workers.


  9. Quality Correctional Healthcare
    Average Salary: $73,984
    Quality Correctional Healthcare provides medical services in correctional facilities. They focus on patient care and safety. Pay is competitive for healthcare roles.


  10. Encompass Health
    Average Salary: $72,667
    Encompass Health offers rehabilitation services. They work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. They provide good pay and benefits for healthcare workers.

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

Chattanooga, TN, offers a cost of living that is slightly below the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Chattanooga stands at 93, which is 7% lower than the national average of 100. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for those looking to reduce their living expenses while maintaining a good quality of life. The lower housing costs, in particular, contribute significantly to this lower index, making it easier for residents to manage their budgets.
Cost of living comparison graph for Chattanooga, TN vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 2% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 0% 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 92, which is 8% below the national average of 100. This lower cost makes Chattanooga an attractive option for those looking to manage their expenses more effectively. Housing costs in Chattanooga are particularly favorable, with an index of 85, which is 15% lower than the national average. This means that housing expenses in Chattanooga are significantly cheaper compared to the rest of the country.


In addition to housing, other areas such as groceries, utilities, and transportation also show a slight decrease from the national average. Groceries have an index of 98, which is 2% below the average, while utilities are at 95, which is 5% lower. Transportation costs are 10% below the national average, with an index of 90. Healthcare and miscellaneous costs are close to the national average, with indices of 92 and 100, respectively. This balanced distribution of costs makes Chattanooga a practical choice for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing too many conveniences.

There are 4,796 job openings in Chattanooga, TN, today!

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City
Overview
Chattanooga, TN
4,796 Job Openings