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

Esthetician Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median esthetician salary in Chattanooga, TN is $33,616 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$33,616
vs State Avg
$-382
vs National
$-4,584
Cost of Living
88%

Esthetician Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median esthetician salary of $33,616, which is $382 below the Tennessee state average of $33,998. Compared to the national median of $38,200, 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 $33,616 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for estheticians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for estheticians in Chattanooga spans from $21,120 at the 10th percentile to $57,200 at the 90th percentile — a $36,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,880, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $54,560. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Esthetician Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level esthetician earns around $22,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $54,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,880
$-3,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,320
$-4,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$54,560
$-7,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $21,120
25th Percentile $26,400
Median (50th) $33,616
75th Percentile $45,760
90th Percentile $57,200

Esthetician Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$38,200
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$35,144
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$33,616
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$32,852
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Esthetician in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

SkincareFacial TreatmentsProduct KnowledgeClient ConsultationSanitationAnatomy

Job Outlook

Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Esthetician Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open esthetician positions in Chattanooga, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Esthetician Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Esthetician make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median esthetician salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $33,616 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $38,200. Salaries range from $21,120 (10th percentile) to $57,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Esthetician make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,616, a esthetician 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 esthetician pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median esthetician salary of $33,616 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $33,998. 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 esthetician salary of $33,616 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esthetician in Chattanooga? ▼
Most esthetician positions in Chattanooga require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Skincare, Facial Treatments, Product Knowledge, Client Consultation. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.