What is the average salary in Chattanooga, TN?
Chattanooga, TN, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary here stands at approximately $55,721. This makes Chattanooga a competitive place to find employment. People in this area can expect to find jobs in several sectors, each with its own average earnings.
Some of the top-paying industries in Chattanooga include:
- Management: 31.49% of the workforce, with an average salary of $65,773
- Professional and business services: 24.39%, $36,591
- Education, health, and social services: 13.08%, $51,182
- Manufacturing: 9.48%, $80,364
- Retail: 5.87%, $94,955
These figures show that diverse career paths can lead to good incomes in Chattanooga.
What are the best paying jobs in Chattanooga, TN?

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Physician
Average Salary: $307,389
Physicians in Chattanooga care for patients in clinics and hospitals. They diagnose illnesses, provide treatment, and ensure patients receive proper care. Well-known healthcare providers in Chattanooga include CHI Memorial Hospital and Erlanger Health System.
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Hospitalist
Average Salary: $230,961
Hospitalists manage patient care in hospitals. They work closely with specialists to ensure patients receive the best care. Opportunities exist with major hospitals like Parkridge Health System and CHI Memorial Hospital.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $127,088
Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients on medication use. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. Local options include CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens.
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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $126,352
Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They can diagnose and treat common illnesses. They work in clinics and hospitals like CHI Memorial Hospital and Erlanger Health System.
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Paramedic
Average Salary: $125,151
Paramedics respond to emergencies and provide medical care. They work for ambulance services and fire departments. Chattanooga Fire Rescue and local EMS services offer positions.
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Mechanical Engineer
Average Salary: $117,802
Mechanical Engineers design and develop mechanical systems. They work on projects for various industries. Companies like UTC and various manufacturing firms in Chattanooga seek mechanical engineers.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $104,778
Software Engineers develop software applications and systems. They work for tech companies and local businesses. Chattanooga-based companies like Fiserv and Global Logix Systems are hiring.
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Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $103,992
Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems. They work on projects for energy providers and tech companies. Local firms like Siemens and local electrical contracting companies offer positions.
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Outside Sales Representative
Average Salary: $99,877
Sales Representatives promote products and services to businesses. They work for various companies and need strong communication skills. Chattanooga has opportunities with firms like AT&T and local businesses.
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School Psychologist
Average Salary: $97,716
School Psychologists support students' mental health. They work in schools and need strong communication skills. Chattanooga City Schools and Hamilton County Schools seek qualified candidates.
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What are the best paying jobs in Chattanooga, TN without a degree?

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Sales Inspector
Average Salary: $84,867
This role requires inspecting sales and service functions. It often involves assessing compliance with regulations. Companies like Amazon and Walmart need skilled inspectors.
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Float Operator
Average Salary: $73,338
Operating a float smoothens and levels the concrete. This job requires attention to detail. Companies like RC Cola Bottling and Chattanooga Bottling need skilled operators.
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Floating Operator
Average Salary: $68,425
This role is similar to that of a float operator. It involves making sure the concrete surface is smooth. Local construction firms often require this skill.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $52,217
These professionals install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems. Knowledge of different systems is essential. Companies like Lowe’s and Home Depot offer jobs for irrigation technicians.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $49,748
This role involves pouring, spreading, and smoothing concrete. It requires physical strength and attention to detail. Construction sites in the city frequently need finishers.
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Arborist Climber
Average Salary: $49,627
This job involves climbing trees to trim branches or remove dead wood. It requires a good sense of balance and height safety skills. Local landscaping companies often look for climbers.
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Loader
Average Salary: $46,839
Loaders operate machines to move materials. It involves precision and careful handling. Companies like Coca-Cola Consolidated and local warehouses need loaders.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $45,464
Kitchen managers oversee daily kitchen operations. They need strong leadership skills. Restaurants like Chick-fil-A and local diners often hire managers.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $43,716
This role involves overseeing the restaurant's operations. It requires good communication and people skills. Local eateries often need skilled managers.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $42,853
Canvassers gather information from residents. It involves good communication skills. Political campaigns and research firms often hire canvassers.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Chattanooga, TN?

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The Cigna Group
Average Salary: $130,467
The Cigna Group is a global health service company. They offer health insurance, pharmacy, and other services.
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Sargent & Lundy
Average Salary: $111,901
Sargent & Lundy is a design and engineering firm. They focus on power plants and nuclear energy.
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Unum
Average Salary: $110,466
Unum is a provider of group benefits. They offer life, disability, and other insurance services.
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Leaf Home
Average Salary: $105,318
Leaf Home offers smart home technology. They provide energy-efficient solutions for homeowners.
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MENTAL HEALTH
Average Salary: $86,879
MENTAL HEALTH offers mental health services. They focus on counseling and therapy for individuals.
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CommonSpirit Health
Average Salary: $85,967
CommonSpirit Health runs hospitals and clinics. They provide medical care to communities.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $82,457
Amazon.com is an online retailer. They sell a wide range of products and services.
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Southern Industries
Average Salary: $81,595
Southern Industries manufactures products. They focus on aerospace and defense.
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Amedisys
Average Salary: $79,424
Amedisys provides home health services. They offer care for patients in their own homes.
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BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Average Salary: $72,120
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a health insurer. They offer health insurance plans to individuals and businesses.
How does the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN compare to the national average?

Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers a cost of living that is notably below the nationwide average. The city's housing index stands at 87, which is 13% lower than the national average of 100. This suggests that renters and homeowners alike may find housing expenses more affordable in Chattanooga compared to many other areas across the country. Lower housing costs can be particularly attractive for those looking to save money or invest in other areas of living expenses.
Additionally, the groceries index in Chattanooga is 94, indicating it is 6% lower than the national average. Lower grocery costs can contribute significantly to overall savings, making it easier for residents to manage their budgets. Utilities in Chattanooga are priced at 95, just 5% below the national average, providing a small advantage for those seeking to manage energy costs. Transportation costs also lean lower at 90, which is 10% under the national average. This suggests that getting around Chattanooga might be more budget-friendly compared to the national average. Healthcare costs are slightly above the national average at 98, reflecting a minor increase, but overall, the cost of living in Chattanooga remains competitively attractive.



