Plumber Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $52,694 (2026)

Plumber Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median plumber salary of $52,694, which is $599 below the Tennessee state average of $53,293. Compared to the national median of $59,880, 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 $52,694 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $59,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for plumbers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for plumbers in Chattanooga spans from $32,032 at the 10th percentile to $87,296 at the 90th percentile — a $55,264 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,920, while senior plumbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,960. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Plumber Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level plumber earns around $29,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 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)

$52,800

$-7,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$80,960

$-11,040 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$32,032	$32,396	$36,400
25th Percentile	$40,304	$40,762	$45,800
Median (50th)	$52,694	$53,293	$59,880
75th Percentile	$68,816	$69,598	$78,200
90th Percentile	$87,296	$88,288	$99,200

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$32,032

25th Percentile

$40,304

Median (50th)

$52,694

75th Percentile

$68,816

90th Percentile

$87,296

How to Become a Plumber in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

Pipe FittingBlueprint ReadingPlumbing CodeTroubleshootingSoldering/WeldingCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, plumber employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Plumber Salary in Chattanooga

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

The median plumber salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $52,694 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $59,880. Salaries range from $32,032 (10th percentile) to $87,296 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $52,694, a plumber in Chattanooga earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Chattanooga's median plumber salary of $52,694 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $53,293. 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 plumber salary of $52,694 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most plumber positions in Chattanooga require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Pipe Fitting, Blueprint Reading, Plumbing Code, Troubleshooting. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.

Plumber Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee