Personal Care & Fitness Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Cosmetologist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median cosmetologist salary in Chattanooga, TN is $30,870 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$30,870
vs State Avg
$-351
vs National
$-4,210
Cost of Living
88%

Cosmetologist Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median cosmetologist salary of $30,870, which is $351 below the Tennessee state average of $31,221. Compared to the national median of $35,080, 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 $30,870 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Chattanooga spans from $19,360 at the 10th percentile to $51,040 at the 90th percentile — a $31,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,120, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $48,400. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $21,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,120
$-2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$48,400
$-6,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $19,360
25th Percentile $23,760
Median (50th) $30,870
75th Percentile $40,480
90th Percentile $51,040

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$35,080
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$32,274
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$30,870
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$30,169
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Chattanooga

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist 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 Cosmetologist Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Chattanooga, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $30,870 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $19,360 (10th percentile) to $51,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,870, a cosmetologist in Chattanooga earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median cosmetologist salary of $30,870 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $31,221. 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 cosmetologist salary of $30,870 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Chattanooga? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Chattanooga require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.