Psychiatrist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $230,067 (2026)

Psychiatrist Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median psychiatrist salary of $230,067, which is $2,556 below the Tennessee state average of $232,623. Compared to the national median of $255,630, 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 $230,067 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $261,440 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for psychiatrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for psychiatrists in Chattanooga spans from $108,000 at the 10th percentile to $360,000 at the 90th percentile — a $252,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $112,500, while senior psychiatrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $346,500. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Psychiatrist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level psychiatrist earns around $112,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $346,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$112,500

$-12,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$232,200

$-25,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$346,500

$-38,500 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$108,000	$109,200	$120,000
25th Percentile	$157,500	$159,250	$175,000
Median (50th)	$230,067	$232,623	$255,630
75th Percentile	$297,000	$300,300	$330,000
90th Percentile	$360,000	$364,000	$400,000

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$108,000

25th Percentile

$157,500

Median (50th)

$230,067

75th Percentile

$297,000

90th Percentile

$360,000

How to Become a Psychiatrist in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

PsychiatryPsychopharmacologyCBT/DBTDiagnosisPatient AssessmentDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, psychiatrist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychiatrist Salary in Chattanooga

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

The median psychiatrist salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $230,067 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $255,630. Salaries range from $108,000 (10th percentile) to $360,000 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $230,067, a psychiatrist in Chattanooga earns approximately $111 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Chattanooga's median psychiatrist salary of $230,067 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $232,623. 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 psychiatrist salary of $230,067 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most psychiatrist positions in Chattanooga require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Psychiatry, Psychopharmacology, CBT/DBT, Diagnosis. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.

Psychiatrist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee