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Federal Government Employee Salary in Chattanooga, TN — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Chattanooga's cost of living (index: 92). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Federal Government Employee Salary in Chattanooga — Key Numbers

$89,240
Median Salary
$58,880
25th Percentile
$124,200
75th Percentile
$161,000
90th Percentile
National median (Federal Government Employee)$97,000
vs. National median-8.0%
Chattanooga median household income$57,800
vs. City household income+54.4%

Cost of Living in Chattanooga

Cost of Living Index
92(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,100/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio14.8%
Annual rent cost$13,200
Median Home Price$270,000
Home Price / Salary3.0×
20% Down Payment$54,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.0 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Chattanooga

3.3%
Unemployment Rate
580,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
37
Median Age

Chattanooga has a metro population of 580,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.3% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Financial Calculators for Chattanooga

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Take-Home Pay Calculator
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Cost of Living — Chattanooga
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Rent vs. Buy in Chattanooga
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Budget Planner
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Federal Government Employee Salary in Tennessee
Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Chattanooga

Physician$210,956Chief Executive Officer$193,200Dentist$161,469IT Manager$155,949Marketing Manager$145,010Lawyer$134,099

Federal Government Employee Salary — Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN$108,640Memphis, TN$81,480Knoxville, TN$90,210Clarksville, TN$86,330

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Federal Government Employee make in Chattanooga, TN?

The estimated median salary for a Federal Government Employee in Chattanooga is $89,240 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $97,000 adjusted by Chattanooga's cost of living index (92). The typical salary range runs from $58,880 (25th percentile) to $124,200 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $161,000.

Is Chattanooga affordable for a Federal Government Employee?

On a $89,240 annual salary, a Federal Government Employee in Chattanooga would spend approximately 14.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,100/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Chattanooga relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $270,000 is 3.0× the annual salary.

How does a Federal Government Employee's salary compare to Chattanooga's overall income?

Chattanooga's median household income is $57,800. A Federal Government Employee earning the city-adjusted median of $89,240 earns 54.4% more than the typical Chattanooga household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Federal Government Employee — NationalFederal Government Employee in TennesseeAll Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.