Average Machinists Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Machinists in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area earn an average annual salary of $53,180. This figure is slightly below the national average of $57,000, a common occurrence in regions with a balanced cost of living. Local economic factors and industry demand within Chattanooga play a significant role in shaping this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $67,470.
- Outlook: The Chattanooga, TN-GA region supports a robust workforce of 660 Machinists. With a Location Quotient of 1.26, indicating a concentration 26% higher than the national average, there is a clear and sustained demand for skilled machinists in this area, suggesting a stable job market.
Salary Overview
The average Machinists in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-6.7%below the national average.
$25.6
$1,023
$4,432
Machinists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Machinists in Chattanooga have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing demand for precision manufacturing and the need to retain skilled labor in a competitive market.
Machinists Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
The career path for Machinists typically involves significant salary progression based on experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior Machinists with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The widening gap between percentile earnings clearly signifies opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,630 | $18.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $39,885 | $19.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $50,730 | $24.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $66,475 | $32 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $67,470 | $32.4 |
Detailed Machinists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $53,180 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (exactly matching the national average), Machinists in Chattanooga experience a purchasing power that aligns with the national standard. This means that the nominal salary translates directly to the expected cost of goods and services in the region.
Job Market Context
660
Total Jobs
2.433
Per 1K Jobs
1.26
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.26, Chattanooga, TN-GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Machinists roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.26 for Machinists in Chattanooga, TN-GA signifies a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where employers may actively seek out experienced talent, while also indicating a strong presence of the industry within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Machinists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Machinists Salary | $46,090↓ 13% | 23 mi |
| Dalton, GA Machinists Salary | $44,210↓ 17% | 26 mi |
| Rome, GA Machinists Salary | $70,590↑ 33% | 55 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Machinists Salary | $62,560↑ 18% | 83 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Machinists Salary | $51,130↓ 4% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Machinistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Machinists make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Machinists in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $53,180. This typically ranges from $37,630 for entry-level positions to $67,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 6.7% lower than the national median of $57,000.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Machinists?
Yes, it offers competitive opportunities.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the strong concentration of machinists (LQ 1.26) and a cost of living on par with the national average indicate a stable and potentially rewarding market for skilled professionals.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Machinists?
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 ($46,090) and Dalton, GA.
How does the Chattanooga Machinist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Machinists in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $53,180, which is approximately $3,820 less than the national average of $57,000.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Machinists in Chattanooga?
A Location Quotient of 1.26 means that Machinists are 26% more concentrated in Chattanooga than the national average, indicating a higher demand and a more established presence of the profession in the area.
How does the cost of living in Chattanooga affect Machinist salaries?
Chattanooga's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $53,180 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair compensation relative to expenses.
What is the total number of Machinists employed in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
There are approximately 660 Machinists employed in the Chattanooga, TN-GA region, contributing to a significant local workforce in this trade.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 2.433 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Machinists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA