Business & Finance Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Economist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median economist salary in Chattanooga, TN is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$100,267
vs State Avg
$-1,140
vs National
$-13,673
Cost of Living
88%

Economist Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median economist salary of $100,267, which is $1,140 below the Tennessee state average of $101,407. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 $100,267 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Chattanooga spans from $54,560 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $119,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,800. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level economist earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,800
$-22,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $54,560
25th Percentile $72,160
Median (50th) $100,267
75th Percentile $136,400
90th Percentile $174,240

Economist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$113,940
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$104,825
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$100,267
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$97,988
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Economist in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open economist positions in Chattanooga, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Economist make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median economist salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $54,560 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,267, a economist in Chattanooga earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for economist pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median economist salary of $100,267 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $101,407. 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 economist salary of $100,267 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Chattanooga? ▼
Most economist positions in Chattanooga require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.