Legal Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Judge Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median judge salary in Chattanooga, TN is $130,266 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$130,266
vs State Avg
$-1,481
vs National
$-17,764
Cost of Living
88%

Judge Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median judge salary of $130,266, which is $1,481 below the Tennessee state average of $131,747. Compared to the national median of $148,030, 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 $130,266 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for judges in Chattanooga spans from $51,040 at the 10th percentile to $202,400 at the 90th percentile — a $151,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level judge earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$132,000
$-18,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$189,200
$-25,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $51,040
25th Percentile $79,200
Median (50th) $130,266
75th Percentile $171,600
90th Percentile $202,400

Judge Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$148,030
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$136,188
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$130,266
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$127,306
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Judge in Chattanooga

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open judge positions in Chattanooga, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Judge make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median judge salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $130,266 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $51,040 (10th percentile) to $202,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $130,266, a judge in Chattanooga earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for judge pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median judge salary of $130,266 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $131,747. 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 judge salary of $130,266 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Chattanooga? ▼
Most judge positions in Chattanooga require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Interpretation, Judicial Reasoning, Court Procedures, Impartiality. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.