Physical Therapist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $87,948 (2026)

Physical Therapist Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median physical therapist salary of $87,948, which is $977 below the Tennessee state average of $88,925. Compared to the national median of $97,720, 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 $87,948 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $99,941 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for physical therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physical therapists in Chattanooga spans from $60,120 at the 10th percentile to $117,180 at the 90th percentile — a $57,060 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,200, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,200. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physical Therapist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $61,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$61,200

$-6,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$88,200

$-9,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$115,200

$-12,800 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$60,120	$60,788	$66,800
25th Percentile	$72,180	$72,982	$80,200
Median (50th)	$87,948	$88,925	$97,720
75th Percentile	$104,760	$105,924	$116,400
90th Percentile	$117,180	$118,482	$130,200

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$60,120

25th Percentile

$72,180

Median (50th)

$87,948

75th Percentile

$104,760

90th Percentile

$117,180

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

The median physical therapist salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $87,948 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $60,120 (10th percentile) to $117,180 (90th percentile).

How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $87,948, a physical therapist in Chattanooga earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Chattanooga's median physical therapist salary of $87,948 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $88,925. 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 physical therapist salary of $87,948 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most physical therapist positions in Chattanooga require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.

Physical Therapist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee