Teacher (K-12) Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $54,287 (2026)

Teacher (K-12) Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $54,287, which is $617 below the Tennessee state average of $54,904. Compared to the national median of $61,690, 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 $54,287 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $61,690 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for teacher (k-12)s seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Chattanooga spans from $36,432 at the 10th percentile to $88,880 at the 90th percentile — a $52,448 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior teacher (k-12)s 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.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $36,960, 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)

$36,960

$-5,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$54,560

$-7,440 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$80,960

$-11,040 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$36,432	$36,846	$41,400
25th Percentile	$42,944	$43,432	$48,800
Median (50th)	$54,287	$54,904	$61,690
75th Percentile	$69,696	$70,488	$79,200
90th Percentile	$88,880	$89,890	$101,000

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$36,432

25th Percentile

$42,944

Median (50th)

$54,287

75th Percentile

$69,696

90th Percentile

$88,880

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Chattanooga

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $54,287 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $36,432 (10th percentile) to $88,880 (90th percentile).

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,287, a teacher (k-12) in Chattanooga earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼

Chattanooga's median teacher (k-12) salary of $54,287 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $54,904. 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 teacher (k-12) salary of $54,287 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a teacher (k-12) in Chattanooga? ▼

Most teacher (k-12) positions in Chattanooga require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Assessment, Differentiated Instruction. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee