Chattanooga vs Knoxville: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor 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 | $56,665 | $58,645▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.25 | $28.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,524 | $44,644▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,304 | $50,634▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,367▲ | $66,386 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,378▲ | $79,378 |
| Total Employed | 600 | 790▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chattanooga.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Knoxville is $1,980 (3.49%). Knoxville's median is -8.84% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $50,854,Knoxville spans $34,734. 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, Knoxville ($63,353 effective) pays 2.26% more than Chattanooga ($61,953 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,378)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,645/year)
- ✓Larger job market (790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,353)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Chattanooga grew 10.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$50,270 (2019) → $55,527 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$49,180 (2019) → $57,467 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Chattanooga or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Knoxville as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Chattanooga vs Knoxville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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 Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov