Healthcare Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Dietitian Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median dietitian salary in Chattanooga, TN is $59,805 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$59,805
vs State Avg
$-665
vs National
$-6,645
Cost of Living
88%

Dietitian Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median dietitian salary of $59,805, which is $665 below the Tennessee state average of $60,470. Compared to the national median of $66,450, 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 $59,805 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $67,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for dietitians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dietitians in Chattanooga spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $89,100 at the 90th percentile — a $51,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,500, while senior dietitians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,500. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dietitian Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level dietitian earns around $40,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,500
$-4,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,500
$-9,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $37,800
25th Percentile $47,700
Median (50th) $59,805
75th Percentile $74,700
90th Percentile $89,100

Dietitian Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$67,779
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$62,463
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$59,805
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$58,476
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Dietitian in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

Medical Nutrition TherapyMeal PlanningPatient CounselingFood ScienceClinical NutritionDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, dietitian employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dietitian Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open dietitian positions in Chattanooga, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Dietitian make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median dietitian salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $59,805 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $89,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dietitian make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,805, a dietitian in Chattanooga earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for dietitian pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median dietitian salary of $59,805 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $60,470. 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 dietitian salary of $59,805 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dietitian in Chattanooga? ▼
Most dietitian positions in Chattanooga require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Medical Nutrition Therapy, Meal Planning, Patient Counseling, Food Science. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.