Physicist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee
The median physicist salary in Chattanooga, TN is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.
Physicist Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)
Chattanooga offers a median physicist salary of $134,138, which is $1,525 below the Tennessee state average of $135,663. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $134,138 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for physicists in Chattanooga spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $209,440 at the 90th percentile — a $140,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,600. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Physicist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience
In Chattanooga, an entry-level physicist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN
| Percentile | Chattanooga |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,040 |
| Median (50th) | $134,138 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $209,440 |
Physicist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Chattanooga
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Chattanooga
Browse open physicist positions in Chattanooga, TN: