Average Salary in Chattanooga, TN
Across the 411 professional occupations we track, the median salary in Chattanooga is $93,000/year. Chattanooga, Tennessee offers career opportunities with no state income tax. All figures are Chattanooga-specific, adjusted for local cost of living and updated quarterly from BLS and H-1B disclosures.
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Working in Chattanooga, Tennessee: Salary Guide (2026)
Chattanooga is home to the ChattanoogaβTN metropolitan area with a population of 181,099. The city has a cost of living index of 88 (US average = 100), meaning salaries go approximately 12% further here than in an average US city.
One of the most significant financial advantages of working in Chattanooga is Tennessee's complete absence of a state income tax. Workers here keep 5β9% more of their earnings compared to peers in California (9.3% state tax), New York (6.85%), or Illinois (4.95%).
Top-paying industries in Chattanooga
Chattanooga's economy spans multiple high-wage sectors. The city's diverse employer base creates strong demand across technology, healthcare, finance, and professional services.
Chattanooga salary FAQ
What is the average salary in Chattanooga, TN?
Pay in Chattanooga varies widely by occupation. Across the 411 professional roles we track, the median salary is about $93,000 per year β adjusted for Chattanooga's cost of living (index 88, where 100 is the US average) and Tennessee's lack of a state income tax. Use the tables above to see the median for a specific job title.
Which jobs pay the most in Chattanooga?
Among the roles we track, Oral Surgeon is the highest-paying in Chattanooga at a median of $388,000 per year. Technology, healthcare, and finance roles generally top the list.
Does Chattanooga have a state income tax?
No β Tennessee has no state income tax, so workers in Chattanooga keep more of their paycheck than peers in high-tax states like California (up to 13.3%) or New York.
How far does a salary go in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga's cost of living index is 88 (US average = 100), so a dollar stretches about 12% further here than in an average US city. A $93,000 salary here has roughly the buying power of $105,682 in an average-cost city.