Average Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in Chattanooga, TN-GA earn an average annual salary of $47,140. This figure is notably below the national average of $52,680, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation levels for this skilled trade. The specific economic landscape of Chattanooga plays a significant role in shaping these pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,730.
- Outlook: The job market for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in Chattanooga, TN-GA presents a concentrated demand, indicated by a robust Location Quotient of 2.3, more than double the national average. Despite a relatively small total local workforce of 210, this high concentration suggests that these professionals are a vital component of the local industrial and construction sectors, pointing to a stable job environment for those in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-10.5%below the national average.
$22.7
$907
$3,928
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Chattanooga's Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic recovery and increased demand for skilled trades. Inflationary pressures and the ongoing need for infrastructure development likely contribute to salary growth, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the cost of living and the value of specialized skills.
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Career progression for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on expertise, leadership, and advanced fabrication techniques within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,540 | $18.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,355 | $17 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,530 | $22.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $58,925 | $28.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $56,730 | $27.3 |
Detailed Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,140 for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in Chattanooga, TN-GA aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making Chattanooga a financially neutral location from a cost-of-living perspective for these professionals.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
0.795
Per 1K Jobs
2.3
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 2.3x the national concentration of Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.3, Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters are significantly more concentrated in Chattanooga, TN-GA than the national average. This indicates a strong regional specialization and potentially higher demand relative to the available workforce, suggesting that skilled individuals in this field may find a competitive job market with ample opportunities for employment and career advancement.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $47,140. This typically ranges from $38,540 for entry-level positions to $56,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 10.5% lower than the national median of $52,680.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters is below the national average. However, the high concentration of these jobs suggests strong local demand.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does Chattanooga's Cost of Living compare nationally?
Chattanooga, TN-GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general expenses for housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation are comparable to the U.S. average.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.3 mean for this job?
A Location Quotient of 2.3 signifies that Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters are more than twice as concentrated in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area compared to the national average. This suggests a specialized industry presence and potentially higher demand for these roles locally.
How many Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters are there in Chattanooga?
There are approximately 210 Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters employed in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area, representing about 0.795 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Is the job market for this role growing in Chattanooga?
While specific growth rates aren't provided, the high Location Quotient suggests a robust and concentrated demand for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters, indicating a stable or potentially growing job market for this specialized trade in Chattanooga.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 0.795 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA