Chattanooga vs Knoxville: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $125,637▲ | $111,565 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.40▲ | $53.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,834▲ | $94,682 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,143▲ | $103,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,095▲ | $129,346 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,464 | $146,373▲ |
| Total Employed | 180 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Chattanooga and Knoxville are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Knoxville is $14,072 (12.61%). Chattanooga's median is -10.51% 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,Knoxville spans $51,691. Knoxville 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, Chattanooga ($137,362 effective) pays 13.97% more than Knoxville ($120,521 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 ($125,637/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,362)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,373)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓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 4.9% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$111,520 (2019) → $121,600 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$102,930 (2019) → $107,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Chattanooga or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Knoxville as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Chattanooga vs Knoxville?
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