Chattanooga vs Knoxville: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,863▲ | $59,883 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.51▲ | $28.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,836▲ | $38,826 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,284▲ | $48,405 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,000▲ | $73,771 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,650▲ | $81,216 |
| Total Employed | 1,760 | 2,170▲ |
Verdict
Chattanooga, TN offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Knoxville is $13,980 (23.35%). Chattanooga's median is +14.46% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $48,814,Knoxville spans $42,390. Chattanooga has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chattanooga ($80,756 effective) pays 24.84% more than Knoxville ($64,690 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,863/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,650)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,756)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Chattanooga grew 33.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.5% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$54,270 (2019) → $72,330 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$40,860 (2019) → $58,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov