Chattanooga vs Columbia: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Columbia, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Columbia, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,360▲ | $101,228 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.71▲ | $48.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,081▲ | $63,212 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,892▲ | $76,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,323▲ | $129,161 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,240▲ | $153,309 |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Chattanooga, TN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Columbia is $27,132 (26.80%). 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 Chattanooga spans $85,159,Columbia spans $90,097. Columbia 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 27.27% more than Columbia ($110,270 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Chattanooga grew 21.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.0% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$102,070 (2019) → $123,840 (2025)
Columbia, TN
$91,252 (2024) → $97,663 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Columbia, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Chattanooga or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Columbia?
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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