Veterinarian Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $92,934 (2026)

Veterinarian Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median veterinarian salary of $92,934, which is $1,033 below the Tennessee state average of $93,967. Compared to the national median of $103,260, 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 $92,934 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $105,607 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for veterinarians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for veterinarians in Chattanooga spans from $58,680 at the 10th percentile to $156,780 at the 90th percentile — a $98,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,200, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $139,500. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinarian Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $61,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$61,200

$-6,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$94,500

$-10,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$139,500

$-15,500 vs national

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$58,680	$59,332	$65,200
25th Percentile	$72,360	$73,164	$80,400
Median (50th)	$92,934	$93,967	$103,260
75th Percentile	$120,960	$122,304	$134,400
90th Percentile	$156,780	$158,522	$174,200

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$58,680

25th Percentile

$72,360

Median (50th)

$92,934

75th Percentile

$120,960

90th Percentile

$156,780

How to Become a Veterinarian in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Chattanooga

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

The median veterinarian salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $92,934 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $58,680 (10th percentile) to $156,780 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $92,934, a veterinarian in Chattanooga earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Chattanooga's median veterinarian salary of $92,934 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $93,967. 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 veterinarian salary of $92,934 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most veterinarian positions in Chattanooga require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Diagnosis, Surgery, Pharmacology, Animal Handling. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.

Veterinarian Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee