TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026No state income tax

Software Engineer Salary
in Chattanooga, TN

Design, develop, and maintain software systems. One of the highest-demand roles in the US labor market. Median salary in Chattanooga: $114K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$114K
per year
Take-home: $80K

Salary range in Chattanooga

Entry level (25th)$84,000
Median (50th)$114,000
Senior (75th)$145,000
Top earner (90th)$185,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Key facts for Chattanooga

Median salary
$114K
annual
Take-home pay
$80K
after fed/state tax
COL index
88
100 = US avg
State income tax
None
Texas advantage!
Avg 1BR rent
$1,200
per month
YoY growth
+4.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Chattanooga Software Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $138K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Chattanooga

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Software Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$95K$107K$120K$132K$144K201920212023202520272029
2026
$119K
projected
2027
$125K
projected
2028
$131K
projected
2029
$138K
projected
2030
$144K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$119,000+$5,000
2028 projected$125,000+$11,000
2029 projected$131,000+$17,000
2030 projected$138,000+$24,000

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Software Engineer Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Software Engineer salary in Chattanooga, TN is $114,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Chattanooga–TN metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Software Engineer in Chattanooga

Entry-level Software Engineers in Chattanooga with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $84,000 and $114,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $114,000 to $145,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $145,000 to $185,000 or more.

Cost of living in Chattanooga for Software Engineers

Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 12% further in Chattanooga than the national average. Crucially, Tennessee has no state income tax β€” giving Chattanooga-based Software Engineers an immediate 3–5% take-home pay advantage over workers in states like California (9.3%) or New York (6.85%).

Education requirements for Software Engineer

Bachelor's in CS or related. This role is 72% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Chattanooga-based professionals.

Software Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Chattanooga (current)$114K88
Nashville$137K102
Memphis$114K82
Knoxville$114K85
Clarksville$107K82