Trades & Labor Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Welder Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median welder salary in Chattanooga, TN is $41,369 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$41,369
vs State Avg
$-470
vs National
$-5,641
Cost of Living
88%

Welder Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median welder salary of $41,369, which is $470 below the Tennessee state average of $41,839. Compared to the national median of $47,010, 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 $41,369 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $47,010 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for welders seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for welders in Chattanooga spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $62,304 at the 90th percentile — a $33,088 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,840. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Welder Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level welder earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,840
$-8,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $29,216
25th Percentile $34,144
Median (50th) $41,369
75th Percentile $51,216
90th Percentile $62,304

Welder Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$47,010
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$43,249
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$41,369
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$40,429
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Welder in Chattanooga

Education

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

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder 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.

Find Welder Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open welder positions in Chattanooga, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Welder make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median welder salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $41,369 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $62,304 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,369, a welder in Chattanooga earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for welder pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median welder salary of $41,369 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $41,839. 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 welder salary of $41,369 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Chattanooga? ▼
Most welder positions in Chattanooga require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.