Public Service Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median emt/paramedic salary in Chattanooga, TN is $34,258 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$34,258
vs State Avg
$-390
vs National
$-4,672
Cost of Living
88%

EMT/Paramedic Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $34,258, which is $390 below the Tennessee state average of $34,648. Compared to the national median of $38,930, 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 $34,258 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,930 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for emt/paramedics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Chattanooga spans from $22,880 at the 10th percentile to $54,560 at the 90th percentile — a $31,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,640, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $51,040. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $24,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $22,880
25th Percentile $27,280
Median (50th) $34,258
75th Percentile $44,000
90th Percentile $54,560

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$38,930
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$35,816
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$34,258
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$33,480
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

Emergency MedicineCPR/ALSPatient AssessmentTrauma CareCommunicationDriving

Job Outlook

Nationally, emt/paramedic 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 EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Chattanooga, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $34,258 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $22,880 (10th percentile) to $54,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,258, a emt/paramedic in Chattanooga earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median emt/paramedic salary of $34,258 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $34,648. 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 emt/paramedic salary of $34,258 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Chattanooga? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Chattanooga require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Emergency Medicine, CPR/ALS, Patient Assessment, Trauma Care. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.