Average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area earn an average annual salary of $58,970. This figure is notably below the national average of $69,920, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, may influence compensation levels in this region. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the salary differential warrants closer examination.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $83,330.
- Outlook: The local job market for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Chattanooga, TN-GA, comprises approximately 660 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.83, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of nearly 2.5 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for these skilled trades within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-15.7%below the national average.
$28.4
$1,134
$4,914
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Chattanooga, TN-GA, have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and infrastructure projects typically drive demand for these essential services, leading to incremental increases in compensation as the cost of living and the value of skilled labor evolve.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Career progression for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While the provided average salary represents the overall median, experienced professionals and those with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential at various stages of a plumber's career, from apprentice to master.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,970 | $17.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $44,228 | $21.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $55,660 | $26.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $73,713 | $35.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $83,330 | $40.1 |
Detailed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,970 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Chattanooga, TN-GA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing for residents. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average for the profession, the stable cost of living suggests that the take-home pay should cover essential expenses adequately.
Job Market Context
660
Total Jobs
2.457
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.83x the national average concentration of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 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 0.83 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Chattanooga, TN-GA, indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market is not saturated with these professionals. Employers may find a moderate level of competition for talent, and skilled individuals could have a reasonable opportunity to find employment without facing an overwhelming number of applicants.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $57,470↓ 3% | 23 mi |
| Dalton, GA Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $52,140↓ 12% | 26 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $55,390↓ 6% | 83 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $46,300↓ 21% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $58,970. This typically ranges from $36,970 for entry-level positions to $83,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 15.7% lower than the national median of $69,920.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $58,970 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the disparity.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
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 ($57,470) and Dalton, GA.
How does the Chattanooga salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $58,970, which is approximately $10,950 less than the national average of $69,920.
What is the Cost of Living in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100, which is exactly the same as the national average.
How many Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters are there in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
There are approximately 660 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters employed in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area.
Is the job market for plumbers in Chattanooga competitive?
With a Location Quotient of 0.83, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
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 2.457 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA