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Automotive Engineer Salary in Chattanooga, TN

How much does a automotive engineer make in Chattanooga? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Chattanooga's cost of living.

Median Salary
$103,670
per year in Chattanooga
Entry Level
$62,830
Starting salary
Senior Level
$142,415
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how automotive engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Chattanooga.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$62,830$103,670$142,415
Monthly$5,236$8,639$11,868
Biweekly$2,417$3,987$5,478
Weekly$1,208$1,994$2,739
Hourly$30$50$68

Chattanooga vs National Average

How Chattanooga's automotive engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Chattanooga Salary
$103,670
COL Index: 102
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$8,730
Lower in Chattanooga

Cost of Living in Chattanooga

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$52,234
per year
Population
181,099
residents
Rent % of Income
32.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Chattanooga have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Automotive Engineer

Overview

Design and develop vehicles and automotive systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automotive or Mechanical Engineering

Key Skills

Vehicle DesignCADPowertrain SystemsPerformance Testing

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Automotive Engineer Salary

See Automotive Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$111,270
+7%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
+10%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
-3%
Houston, TX
$126,870
+22%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
-1%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Automotive Engineer Salary in Chattanooga, TN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a automotive engineer in Chattanooga, TN is $103,670 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chattanooga's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level automotive engineer professionals in Chattanooga can expect to earn around $62,830 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level automotive engineers earning approximately $142,415 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Chattanooga's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chattanooga are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,400, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a automotive engineer's salary in Chattanooga typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 16.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Automotive Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Chattanooga, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.