Genetic Counselor Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $80,991 (2026)

Genetic Counselor Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median genetic counselor salary of $80,991, which is $900 below the Tennessee state average of $81,891. Compared to the national median of $89,990, 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 $80,991 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $92,035 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for genetic counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Chattanooga spans from $54,000 at the 10th percentile to $117,000 at the 90th percentile — a $63,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,800, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,500. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $55,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,800

$-6,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$81,900

$-9,100 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$112,500

$-12,500 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$54,000	$54,600	$60,000
25th Percentile	$66,600	$67,340	$74,000
Median (50th)	$80,991	$81,891	$89,990
75th Percentile	$97,200	$98,280	$108,000
90th Percentile	$117,000	$118,300	$130,000

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$54,000

25th Percentile

$66,600

Median (50th)

$80,991

75th Percentile

$97,200

90th Percentile

$117,000

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

GeneticsPatient CounselingPedigree AnalysisGenetic TestingCommunicationEthics

Job Outlook

Nationally, genetic counselor employment is projected to grow 26% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

The median genetic counselor salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $80,991 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $54,000 (10th percentile) to $117,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $80,991, a genetic counselor in Chattanooga earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Chattanooga's median genetic counselor salary of $80,991 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $81,891. 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 genetic counselor salary of $80,991 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most genetic counselor positions in Chattanooga require a master's degree. Key skills include Genetics, Patient Counseling, Pedigree Analysis, Genetic Testing. The job market is projected to grow 26% nationally over the next decade.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee