Broadcast Journalist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $45,760 (2026)

Broadcast Journalist Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $45,760, which is $520 below the Tennessee state average of $46,280. Compared to the national median of $52,000, 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 $45,760 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for broadcast journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Chattanooga spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $88,000 at the 90th percentile — a $61,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,040, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $29,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$29,040

$-3,960 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$47,520

$-6,480 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$83,600

$-11,400 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$26,400	$26,700	$30,000
25th Percentile	$33,440	$33,820	$38,000
Median (50th)	$45,760	$46,280	$52,000
75th Percentile	$65,120	$65,860	$74,000
90th Percentile	$88,000	$89,000	$100,000

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$26,400

25th Percentile

$33,440

Median (50th)

$45,760

75th Percentile

$65,120

90th Percentile

$88,000

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

On-Air PresentationInterviewingScript WritingVideo EditingResearchTeleprompter

Job Outlook

Nationally, broadcast journalist employment is projected to grow -4% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

The median broadcast journalist salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $45,760 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $88,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $45,760, a broadcast journalist in Chattanooga earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼

Chattanooga's median broadcast journalist salary of $45,760 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $46,280. 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 broadcast journalist salary of $45,760 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Chattanooga? ▼

Most broadcast journalist positions in Chattanooga require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include On-Air Presentation, Interviewing, Script Writing, Video Editing. The job market is projected to grow -4% nationally over the next decade.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee