Science & Research Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Geologist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median geologist salary in Chattanooga, TN is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$73,638
vs State Avg
$-837
vs National
$-10,042
Cost of Living
88%

Geologist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level geologist earns around $47,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,520
$-6,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $44,880
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $73,638
75th Percentile $98,560
90th Percentile $130,240

Geologist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Geologist in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open geologist positions in Chattanooga, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Geologist make in Chattanooga, TN?
The median geologist salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $44,880 (10th percentile) to $130,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Chattanooga?
Based on the median annual salary of $73,638, a geologist in Chattanooga earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for geologist pay?
Chattanooga's median geologist salary of $73,638 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $74,475. 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 geologist salary of $73,638 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Chattanooga?
Most geologist positions in Chattanooga require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.