Chattanooga vs Nashville: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,416 | $62,062▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.04 | $29.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,925 | $48,693▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,318 | $54,105▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,253 | $75,109▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,835 | $80,703▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,020 | 8,400▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chattanooga.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Nashville is $1,646 (2.72%). Nashville's median is -3.92% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $29,910,Nashville spans $32,010. Nashville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chattanooga ($66,054 effective) pays 2.54% more than Nashville ($64,421 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,054)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,062/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,703)
- ✓Larger job market (8,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Chattanooga grew -2.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$61,180 (2019) → $59,830 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$52,380 (2019) → $61,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Chattanooga or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Nashville as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Chattanooga vs Nashville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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 Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov