HVAC Technician Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $45,223 (2026)

HVAC Technician Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median hvac technician salary of $45,223, which is $514 below the Tennessee state average of $45,737. Compared to the national median of $51,390, 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 $45,223 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,390 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for hvac technicians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for hvac technicians in Chattanooga spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $72,688 at the 90th percentile — a $43,472 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior hvac technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,640. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

HVAC Technician Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level hvac technician earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,160

$-3,840 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$45,760

$-6,240 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$68,640

$-9,360 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$29,216	$29,548	$33,200
25th Percentile	$35,904	$36,312	$40,800
Median (50th)	$45,223	$45,737	$51,390
75th Percentile	$58,784	$59,452	$66,800
90th Percentile	$72,688	$73,514	$82,600

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$29,216

25th Percentile

$35,904

Median (50th)

$45,223

75th Percentile

$58,784

90th Percentile

$72,688

How to Become a HVAC Technician in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

HVAC SystemsRefrigerationElectrical BasicsTroubleshootingEPA CertificationCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, hvac technician 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: HVAC Technician Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a HVAC Technician make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

The median hvac technician salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $45,223 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $72,688 (90th percentile).

How much does a HVAC Technician make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $45,223, a hvac technician in Chattanooga earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Chattanooga's median hvac technician salary of $45,223 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $45,737. 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 hvac technician salary of $45,223 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most hvac technician positions in Chattanooga require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include HVAC Systems, Refrigeration, Electrical Basics, Troubleshooting. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

HVAC Technician Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee