Average Software Developers Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Software Developers in Chattanooga, TN-GA earn an average annual salary of $110,710. This figure is notably below the national average of $145,320, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a lower demand for specialized tech roles influence compensation in this region. The specific economic landscape and industry focus of Chattanooga contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $110,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $158,050.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,210 Software Developers, Chattanooga presents a modest but established presence in the tech sector. The Location Quotient of 0.42 suggests that the concentration of these professionals is less than half the national average, implying a less saturated market. While not a major tech hub, the steady presence of developers indicates ongoing opportunities and a foundational tech ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Software Developers in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-23.8%below the national average.
$53.2
$2,129
$9,226
Software Developers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Chattanooga's Software Developer salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that the tech industry nationwide has experienced salary growth. Factors such as increasing demand for digital solutions, advancements in technology, and inflation likely contributed to upward salary trends for Software Developers in most markets, including Chattanooga, over the last four years.
Software Developers Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Salary progression for Software Developers in Chattanooga, TN-GA typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior and lead developers can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, potentially exceeding $130,000 or more. These percentile gaps are crucial indicators of career advancement and the increasing value placed on expertise and leadership within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $61,610 | $29.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $83,033 | $39.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $101,820 | $49 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $138,388 | $66.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $158,050 | $76 |
Detailed Software Developers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$110,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$110,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Software Developer salary of $110,710 in Chattanooga, TN-GA aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Software Developer's salary in Chattanooga is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the rest of the country. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests a balanced lifestyle.
Job Market Context
1,210
Total Jobs
4.476
Per 1K Jobs
0.42
Location Quotient
At 0.42x, Chattanooga, TN-GA has a notably lower concentration of Software Developers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.42 for Software Developers in Chattanooga, TN-GA indicates that the profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent demand for these roles, the market is not oversaturated, and opportunities may be more specialized or tied to specific local industries. It implies a moderate level of competition for talent, with employers potentially seeking specific skill sets.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Developers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Software Developers Salary | $108,110↓ 2% | 23 mi |
| Dalton, GA Software Developers Salary | $103,180↓ 7% | 26 mi |
| Rome, GA Software Developers Salary | $107,810↓ 3% | 55 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Software Developers Salary | $123,930↑ 12% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Software Developerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Developers make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Software Developers in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $110,710. This typically ranges from $61,610 for entry-level positions to $158,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 23.8% lower than the national median of $145,320.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Software Developers?
No, not compared to the national average.While the average salary of $110,710 is substantial, it falls significantly below the national average of $145,320. However, the cost of living being at the national average offsets this difference somewhat, providing average purchasing power.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Software Developers?
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 ($108,110) and Dalton, GA.
How does Chattanooga's Software Developer salary compare to the national average?
Software Developers in Chattanooga, TN-GA earn an average of $110,710 annually, which is approximately 24% lower than the national average salary of $145,320.
What is the Cost of Living in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Chattanooga, TN-GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How many Software Developers are there in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The local workforce for Software Developers in Chattanooga, TN-GA consists of approximately 1,210 professionals.
Is the market for Software Developers in Chattanooga competitive?
With a Location Quotient of 0.42, the market for Software Developers in Chattanooga is less concentrated than the national average, suggesting moderate competition and potentially specialized demand rather than an oversaturated job pool.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,210 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 4.476 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Software Developers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA