Chattanooga vs Knoxville: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,784▲ | $127,896 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.84▲ | $61.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,058 | $106,056▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $109,402▲ | $108,125 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,660▲ | $141,282 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,014▲ | $179,758 |
| Total Employed | 190 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Chattanooga, TN offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Knoxville is $4,888 (3.82%). Chattanooga's median is -3.31% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $77,956,Knoxville spans $73,702. Chattanooga has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chattanooga ($145,176 effective) pays 5.08% more than Knoxville ($138,163 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 ($132,784/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,014)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,176)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Chattanooga grew 40.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 77.4% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$89,620 (2019) → $125,790 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$68,280 (2019) → $121,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Chattanooga or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Knoxville as a veterinarian?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov