Brentwood vs Chattanooga: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Brentwood, TN and Chattanooga, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brentwood, TN | Chattanooga, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,196 | $128,360▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.18 | $61.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,140 | $84,081▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,952 | $98,892▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,481 | $148,323▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,005 | $169,240▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Chattanooga, TN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brentwood.
The salary gap between Brentwood and Chattanooga is $28,164 (28.11%). Chattanooga's median is +2.66% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brentwood spans $80,865,Chattanooga spans $85,159. Chattanooga has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chattanooga ($140,339 effective) pays 28.58% more than Brentwood ($109,146 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brentwood if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,360/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,240)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,339)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Brentwood grew 7.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.3% growth in Chattanooga over the same period.
Brentwood, TN
$90,322 (2024) → $96,668 (2025)
Chattanooga, TN
$102,070 (2019) → $123,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brentwood, TN
Chattanooga, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Brentwood or Chattanooga?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brentwood and Chattanooga?
Should I relocate from Brentwood to Chattanooga as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Brentwood vs Chattanooga?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov