Chemical Engineer Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee
The median chemical engineer salary in Chattanooga, TN is $93,509 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.
Chemical Engineer Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)
Chattanooga offers a median chemical engineer salary of $93,509, which is $1,062 below the Tennessee state average of $94,571. Compared to the national median of $106,260, 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 $93,509 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $106,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for chemical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chemical engineers in Chattanooga spans from $59,840 at the 10th percentile to $151,360 at the 90th percentile — a $91,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,600, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,560. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chemical Engineer Salary in Chattanooga by Experience
In Chattanooga, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $61,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN
| Percentile | Chattanooga |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $59,840 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,920 |
| Median (50th) | $93,509 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $151,360 |
Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Tennessee Cities
How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Chattanooga
Education
Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Chattanooga
Browse open chemical engineer positions in Chattanooga, TN: