Operations Manager Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $91,212 (2026)

Operations Manager Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median operations manager salary of $91,212, which is $1,037 below the Tennessee state average of $92,249. Compared to the national median of $103,650, 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 $91,212 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $103,650 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for operations managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for operations managers in Chattanooga spans from $51,040 at the 10th percentile to $162,800 at the 90th percentile — a $111,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,560, while senior operations managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $154,000. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Operations Manager Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level operations manager earns around $54,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$54,560

$-7,440 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$93,280

$-12,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$154,000

$-21,000 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$51,040	$51,620	$58,000
25th Percentile	$66,880	$67,640	$76,000
Median (50th)	$91,212	$92,249	$103,650
75th Percentile	$123,200	$124,600	$140,000
90th Percentile	$162,800	$164,650	$185,000

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$51,040

25th Percentile

$66,880

Median (50th)

$91,212

75th Percentile

$123,200

90th Percentile

$162,800

How to Become a Operations Manager in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

Operations ManagementProcess ImprovementBudgetingLeadershipSix SigmaData Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, operations manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Operations Manager Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Operations Manager make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

The median operations manager salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $91,212 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $103,650. Salaries range from $51,040 (10th percentile) to $162,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Operations Manager make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $91,212, a operations manager in Chattanooga earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Chattanooga's median operations manager salary of $91,212 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $92,249. 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 operations manager salary of $91,212 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most operations manager positions in Chattanooga require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Operations Management, Process Improvement, Budgeting, Leadership. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Operations Manager Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee