Fundraiser Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $56,461 (2026)

Fundraiser Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median fundraiser salary of $56,461, which is $641 below the Tennessee state average of $57,102. Compared to the national median of $64,160, 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 $56,461 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,160 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for fundraisers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for fundraisers in Chattanooga spans from $31,680 at the 10th percentile to $101,200 at the 90th percentile — a $69,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,440, while senior fundraisers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $95,040. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Fundraiser Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level fundraiser earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$33,440

$-4,560 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$58,080

$-7,920 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$95,040

$-12,960 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$31,680	$32,040	$36,000
25th Percentile	$40,480	$40,940	$46,000
Median (50th)	$56,461	$57,102	$64,160
75th Percentile	$77,440	$78,320	$88,000
90th Percentile	$101,200	$102,350	$115,000

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$31,680

25th Percentile

$40,480

Median (50th)

$56,461

75th Percentile

$77,440

90th Percentile

$101,200

How to Become a Fundraiser in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

FundraisingGrant WritingEvent PlanningDonor RelationsCRMCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, fundraiser employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fundraiser Salary in Chattanooga

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

The median fundraiser salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $56,461 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $64,160. Salaries range from $31,680 (10th percentile) to $101,200 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $56,461, a fundraiser in Chattanooga earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Chattanooga's median fundraiser salary of $56,461 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $57,102. 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 fundraiser salary of $56,461 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most fundraiser positions in Chattanooga require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Fundraising, Grant Writing, Event Planning, Donor Relations. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.

Fundraiser Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee