Psychologist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $76,797 (2026)

Psychologist Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median psychologist salary of $76,797, which is $853 below the Tennessee state average of $77,650. Compared to the national median of $85,330, 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 $76,797 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $87,269 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for psychologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for psychologists in Chattanooga spans from $43,200 at the 10th percentile to $139,500 at the 90th percentile — a $96,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,800, while senior psychologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,500. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Psychologist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level psychologist earns around $46,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$46,800

$-5,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$79,200

$-8,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$130,500

$-14,500 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$43,200	$43,680	$48,000
25th Percentile	$57,600	$58,240	$64,000
Median (50th)	$76,797	$77,650	$85,330
75th Percentile	$103,500	$104,650	$115,000
90th Percentile	$139,500	$141,050	$155,000

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$43,200

25th Percentile

$57,600

Median (50th)

$76,797

75th Percentile

$103,500

90th Percentile

$139,500

How to Become a Psychologist in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

PsychotherapyPsychological AssessmentCBT/DBTResearch MethodsClinical DocumentationEthics

Job Outlook

Nationally, psychologist 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: Psychologist Salary in Chattanooga

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

The median psychologist salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $76,797 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $139,500 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $76,797, a psychologist in Chattanooga earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Chattanooga's median psychologist salary of $76,797 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $77,650. 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 psychologist salary of $76,797 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most psychologist positions in Chattanooga require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Psychotherapy, Psychological Assessment, CBT/DBT, Research Methods. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Psychologist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee