Nurse Practitioner Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $120,499 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse practitioner in Chattanooga, TN earns a median $120,499/year (≈ $57.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Once you factor in Chattanooga's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $131,745 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the nurse practitioner salary in Chattanooga is projected to reach a median annual amount of $120,499, which places the city below the national median of $136,864. Within this market, salaries for nurse practitioners—split across specialties like PMHNP, AGACNP, and FNP—reflect variations based on demand and scope of practice. The salary range extends from $99,809 at the 10th percentile to $136,968 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the different compensation levels that arise from factors such as specialty focus and experience. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and illustrates how the local job market structure impacts earning potential for nurse practitioners in Chattanooga, TN.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,809 | $47.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,729 | $51.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,499 | $57.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $132,054 | $63.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136,968 | $65.85 |
Median Salary Position
11.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, TN, the nurse practitioner salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,159 (2026 est.). At $120,499, the local median is 11.96% below the national median of $136,864.
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At 40 hours/week in Chattanooga: You'd be above the median
How Chattanooga Nurse Practitioner Pay Compares
Chattanooga median: $120,499/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chattanooga Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $116,311 | +3.60% more |
| National Average | $136,864 | -11.96% less |
Nurse Practitioners in Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $120,499 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.96% lower than the national median of $136,864 and 3.60% above the Tennessee state average of $116,311.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chattanooga has a cost of living 8.54% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chattanooga, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.464 (below the national average of 100). A nurse practitioner earning $120,499 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,745 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.33% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,790
2025 BLS Actual
$116,480
2026 Current Est.
$120,499
2019–2027 Growth
+22.5%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,490 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,480 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,499 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,656 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chattanooga metropolitan area, the median nurse practitioner salary grew 14.4% from $101,790 (2019) to $116,480 (2025). At a 3.45% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,656 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,866 (22.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chattanooga metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $99,809 – $106,729 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,729 – $120,499 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,499 – $132,054 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $132,054 – $136,968 |
NP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse practitioner compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Practitioner Job Market in Chattanooga
With around 1,000 nurse practitioners currently employed in the Chattanooga region, job opportunities appear solid for those pursuing a career in this field. The local cost-of-living index of 91.464 indicates a lower than average financial commitment compared to other areas, enhancing take-home purchasing power for healthcare professionals. Notably, employers such as hospital outpatient clinics and specialty practices are likely to offer competitive salaries, whereas roles in retail clinics or urgent care may present lower pay scales. The spread between high and low salaries can be attributed to various factors, including the patient population focus, state regulations on full-practice authority, and additional income from productivity bonuses or telehealth work. For new graduates or those transitioning to the area, networking with local healthcare providers and considering telehealth roles that allow flexibility can be effective strategies for maximizing compensation in Chattanooga's evolving healthcare market.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $116,480 for nurse practitionersin the Chattanooga metropolitan area. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov