SalaryNode

Average Bartenders Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA

Bartenders in Chattanooga, TN-GA earn an average annual salary of $30,730. This figure is notably below the national average of $39,890, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the overall economic landscape of the region, play a significant role in compensation levels for this profession.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,730 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,410.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 980 bartenders, Chattanooga presents a moderately sized employment pool for this role. The location quotient of 0.75 indicates that the concentration of bartenders in Chattanooga is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,730

The average Bartenders in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-23.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.8

Weekly

$591

Monthly

$2,561

Bartenders Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA

Experience is a key driver of salary progression for bartenders. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of mixology, customer service, and bar management can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career ladder, rewarding expertise and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$15,970$7.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,048$11.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$23,180$11.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,413$18.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$48,410$23.3

Detailed Bartenders Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,730

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,730

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $30,730 in Chattanooga aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of a bartender's salary in Chattanooga is comparable to that of a bartender earning the national average in a location with a national average cost of living.

Job Market Context

980

Total Jobs

3.636

Per 1K Jobs

0.75

Location Quotient

Below Average

Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.75x the national average concentration of Bartenders jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A location quotient of 0.75 for bartenders in Chattanooga signifies that the profession is slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady presence of bartending jobs, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals without intense competition from a disproportionately large number of peers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Bartenders

CitySalaryDist.
Cleveland, TN Bartenders Salary$30,770 0%23 mi
Dalton, GA Bartenders Salary$27,760 10%26 mi
Rome, GA Bartenders Salary$29,440 4%55 mi
Huntsville, AL Bartenders Salary$27,820 9%83 mi
Gadsden, AL Bartenders Salary$22,830 26%85 mi

Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA

Hiring Bartenderss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bartenders make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?

The median annual salary for a Bartenders in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $30,730. This typically ranges from $15,970 for entry-level positions to $48,410 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 23.0% lower than the national median of $39,890.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Bartenderss?

No, but the cost of living is average.The average bartender salary in Chattanooga is below the national average. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has average purchasing power.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Bartenders?

The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($30,770) and Dalton, GA.

How does Chattanooga's bartender salary compare to the national average?

Bartenders in Chattanooga earn an average of $30,730 annually, which is lower than the national average of $39,890.

What is the Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA?

Chattanooga, TN-GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

How many Bartenders work in Chattanooga, TN-GA?

There are approximately 980 Bartenders employed in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.75 mean for Bartenders in Chattanooga?

A location quotient of 0.75 indicates that the concentration of bartenders in Chattanooga is 25% lower than the national average, suggesting a slightly less prevalent but stable job market for this role.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 980 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 3.636 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.