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HR Manager Salary in Chattanooga, TN β€” 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.

HR Manager Salary in Chattanooga β€” Key Numbers

$125,442
Median Salary
$88,440
25th Percentile
$169,924
75th Percentile
$220,800
90th Percentile
National median (HR Manager)$136,350
vs. National median-8.0%
Chattanooga median household income$57,800
vs. City household income+117.0%

Cost of Living in Chattanooga

Cost of Living Index
92(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,100/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio10.5%
Annual rent cost$13,200
Median Home Price$270,000
Home Price / Salary2.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$54,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.2 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a HR Manager make in Chattanooga, TN?

The estimated median salary for a HR Manager in Chattanooga is $125,442 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $136,350 adjusted by Chattanooga's cost of living index (92). The typical salary range runs from $88,440 (25th percentile) to $169,924 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $220,800.

Is Chattanooga affordable for a HR Manager?

On a $125,442 annual salary, a HR Manager in Chattanooga would spend approximately 10.5% 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 2.2Γ— the annual salary.

How does a HR Manager's salary compare to Chattanooga's overall income?

Chattanooga's median household income is $57,800. A HR Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $125,442 earns 117.0% more than the typical Chattanooga household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.