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Painter Salary in Chattanooga, TN

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

Median Salary
$43,470
per year in Chattanooga
Entry Level
$22,571
Starting salary
Senior Level
$60,189
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$22,571$43,470$60,189
Monthly$1,881$3,623$5,016
Biweekly$868$1,672$2,315
Weekly$434$836$1,157
Hourly$11$21$29

Chattanooga vs National Average

How Chattanooga's painter salaries compare to national figures.

Chattanooga Salary
$43,470
COL Index: 102
National Average
$63,130
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$19,660
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 Painter

Overview

Paint structures and surfaces for protection and aesthetics.

Education

High school diploma; apprenticeship preferred

Key Skills

Painting TechniquesSurface PreparationSafetyColor Matching

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +10% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Painter Salary

See Painter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$58,450
+34%
Los Angeles, CA
$58,040
+34%
Chicago, IL
$63,140
+45%
Houston, TX
$44,980
+3%
Phoenix, AZ
$47,630
+10%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Painter Salary in Chattanooga, TN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a painter in Chattanooga, TN is $43,470 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 painter professionals in Chattanooga can expect to earn around $22,571 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level painters earning approximately $60,189 per year. This represents a 167% 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 $63,130, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a painter's salary in Chattanooga typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 38.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Painters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 10% 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.