Construction & Real Estate Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Architect Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median architect salary in Chattanooga, TN is $72,899 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$72,899
vs State Avg
$-829
vs National
$-9,941
Cost of Living
88%

Architect Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median architect salary of $72,899, which is $829 below the Tennessee state average of $73,728. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Chattanooga's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $72,899 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for architects seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for architects in Chattanooga spans from $44,000 at the 10th percentile to $130,240 at the 90th percentile — a $86,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,200. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Architect Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level architect earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $44,000
25th Percentile $56,320
Median (50th) $72,899
75th Percentile $98,560
90th Percentile $130,240

Architect Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$82,840
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$76,213
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$72,899
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$71,242
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Architect in Chattanooga

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open architect positions in Chattanooga, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Architect make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median architect salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $72,899 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $130,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,899, a architect in Chattanooga earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for architect pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median architect salary of $72,899 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $73,728. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $72,899 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Chattanooga? ▼
Most architect positions in Chattanooga require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD/Revit, Building Design, Building Codes, 3D Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.