Epidemiologist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $69,098 (2026)

Epidemiologist Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median epidemiologist salary of $69,098, which is $785 below the Tennessee state average of $69,883. Compared to the national median of $78,520, 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 $69,098 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for epidemiologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for epidemiologists in Chattanooga spans from $44,000 at the 10th percentile to $110,880 at the 90th percentile — a $66,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior epidemiologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Epidemiologist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level epidemiologist earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$45,760

$-6,240 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$70,400

$-9,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$105,600

$-14,400 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$44,000	$44,500	$50,000
25th Percentile	$54,560	$55,180	$62,000
Median (50th)	$69,098	$69,883	$78,520
75th Percentile	$88,880	$89,890	$101,000
90th Percentile	$110,880	$112,140	$126,000

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$44,000

25th Percentile

$54,560

Median (50th)

$69,098

75th Percentile

$88,880

90th Percentile

$110,880

How to Become a Epidemiologist in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

EpidemiologyBiostatisticsSAS/RDisease SurveillanceResearch MethodsPublic Health

Job Outlook

Nationally, epidemiologist employment is projected to grow 27% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Epidemiologist Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Epidemiologist make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

The median epidemiologist salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $69,098 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $78,520. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $110,880 (90th percentile).

How much does a Epidemiologist make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $69,098, a epidemiologist in Chattanooga earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for epidemiologist pay? ▼

Chattanooga's median epidemiologist salary of $69,098 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $69,883. 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 epidemiologist salary of $69,098 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a epidemiologist in Chattanooga? ▼

Most epidemiologist positions in Chattanooga require a master's degree. Key skills include Epidemiology, Biostatistics, SAS/R, Disease Surveillance. The job market is projected to grow 27% nationally over the next decade.

Epidemiologist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee