Chattanooga vs Nashville: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $125,637 | $133,334▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.40 | $64.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,834 | $108,476▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,143 | $114,809▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,095 | $138,242▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,464 | $155,786▲ |
| Total Employed | 180 | 750▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chattanooga.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Nashville is $7,697 (6.13%). Nashville's median is -5.03% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $42,630,Nashville spans $47,310. Nashville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($138,402 effective) pays 0.76% more than Chattanooga ($137,362 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,334/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($155,786)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,402)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Chattanooga grew 9.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.5% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$111,520 (2019) → $121,600 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$88,680 (2019) → $129,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Chattanooga or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Nashville as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Chattanooga vs Nashville?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov