Elementary School Teacher Salary in Chattanooga, TN (2026)
Elementary school teachers instruct students in grades K–6 in public and private schools.
Median Annual Salary
$56,990
in Chattanooga · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$61,711
adjusted for local cost of living
Elementary School Teachers in Chattanooga
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Chattanooga, TN is $56,990 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $4,749/month or $27/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($73,980), Chattanooga pays 23% less than the typical city.
Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 92.3 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $56,990 in Chattanooga is equivalent to $61,711 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Chattanooga metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Elementary School Teachers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle, WA | $97,740 |
| 2 | Bellevue, WA | $97,740 |
| 3 | Tacoma, WA | $97,740 |
| 4 | Los Angeles, CA | $97,460 |
| 5 | Long Beach, CA | $97,460 |
| 6 | Anaheim, CA | $97,460 |
| 7 | Midland, TX | $97,360 |
| 8 | Berkeley, CA | $96,460 |
| 9 | San Francisco, CA | $96,460 |
| 10 | Oakland, CA | $96,460 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Chattanooga
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $110,710 |
| Registered Nurse | $80,740 |
| Electrician | $60,110 |
| Accountant | $79,160 |
Full cost of living profile for Chattanooga
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Chattanooga.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Elementary School Teacher salary in Chattanooga?
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Chattanooga, TN is $56,990 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Chattanooga Elementary School Teacher pay compare nationally?
Chattanooga Elementary School Teacher pay ($56,990) is 23% below the median across surveyed cities ($73,980).
Does cost of living affect Elementary School Teacher salaries in Chattanooga?
Yes. Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 92.3 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $56,990 salary in Chattanooga has the purchasing power of approximately $61,711 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology