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Materials Engineer Salary in Chattanooga, TN

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

Median Salary
$116,270
per year in Chattanooga
Entry Level
$70,720
Starting salary
Senior Level
$159,422
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$70,720$116,270$159,422
Monthly$5,893$9,689$13,285
Biweekly$2,720$4,472$6,132
Weekly$1,360$2,236$3,066
Hourly$34$56$77

Chattanooga vs National Average

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

Chattanooga Salary
$116,270
COL Index: 102
National Average
$108,690
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$7,580
Higher 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 Materials Engineer

Overview

Develop and test new materials for industrial applications.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or Engineering

Key Skills

Materials ScienceTesting & AnalysisProcess DevelopmentProblem Solving

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Materials Engineer Salary

See Materials Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$137,650
+18%
Los Angeles, CA
$119,580
+3%
Chicago, IL
$97,760
-16%
Houston, TX
$147,080
+26%
Phoenix, AZ
$109,390
-6%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Materials Engineer Salary in Chattanooga, TN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a materials engineer in Chattanooga, TN is $116,270 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 materials engineer professionals in Chattanooga can expect to earn around $70,720 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level materials engineers earning approximately $159,422 per year. This represents a 125% 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 $108,690, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a materials engineer's salary in Chattanooga typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 14.4% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Materials Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% 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.