Machinist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $43,006 (2026)

Machinist Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median machinist salary of $43,006, which is $488 below the Tennessee state average of $43,494. Compared to the national median of $48,870, 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 $43,006 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $48,870 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for machinists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for machinists in Chattanooga spans from $28,160 at the 10th percentile to $65,120 at the 90th percentile — a $36,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,920, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,360. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Machinist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level machinist earns around $29,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$29,920

$-4,080 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$44,000

$-6,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$63,360

$-8,640 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$28,160	$28,480	$32,000
25th Percentile	$34,320	$34,710	$39,000
Median (50th)	$43,006	$43,494	$48,870
75th Percentile	$53,680	$54,290	$61,000
90th Percentile	$65,120	$65,860	$74,000

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$28,160

25th Percentile

$34,320

Median (50th)

$43,006

75th Percentile

$53,680

90th Percentile

$65,120

How to Become a Machinist in Chattanooga

Education

Most machinist positions require a high school diploma. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook

Nationally, machinist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Chattanooga

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

The median machinist salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $43,006 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $28,160 (10th percentile) to $65,120 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $43,006, a machinist in Chattanooga earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Chattanooga's median machinist salary of $43,006 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $43,494. 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 machinist salary of $43,006 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most machinist positions in Chattanooga require a high school diploma. Key skills include CNC Programming, Blueprint Reading, Precision Measurement, Metalworking. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Machinist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee