Chattanooga vs Knoxville: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist 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 | $101,558▲ | $98,474 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.82▲ | $47.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,011▲ | $66,445 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,538▲ | $77,818 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,843▲ | $104,007 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,495▲ | $127,245 |
| Total Employed | 520 | 590▲ |
Verdict
Chattanooga, TN offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Knoxville is $3,084 (3.13%). Chattanooga's median is -3.54% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $53,484,Knoxville spans $60,800. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chattanooga ($111,036 effective) pays 4.38% more than Knoxville ($106,379 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 ($101,558/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,495)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,036)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Chattanooga grew 8.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.9% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$91,410 (2019) → $99,120 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$83,660 (2019) → $96,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Chattanooga or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Knoxville as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Chattanooga vs Knoxville?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov