CNC Machinist Jobs in Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga, Tennessee$47,250 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

CNC Machinist Salary in Chattanooga

Entry Level
$30,600
Median
$47,250
Senior Level
$67,275

CNC Machinist salaries in Chattanooga are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Chattanooga is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

CNC ProgrammingMachine OperationBlueprint ReadingQuality InspectionSetup

CNC Machinist Job Market in Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for CNC Machinist professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Chattanooga offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Technology and Manufacturing sectors create robust demand for CNC Machinist talent. The market for CNC Machinist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring CNC Machinists in Chattanooga

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring CNC Machinists in Chattanooga include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for CNC Machinists in Chattanooga

Living in Chattanooga as a CNC Machinist means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median CNC Machinist salary, rent would consume about 46% of gross income - above the recommended 30% threshold. Consider roommates or suburban options. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

90
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a CNC Machinist in Chattanooga

Chattanooga Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for CNC Machinists in Chattanooga: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among CNC Machinist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Tennessee

Tennessee has no state income tax. Compared to a state with 5% income tax, a CNC Machinist earning $47,250 would save approximately $2,363 annually. This makes Chattanooga attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for CNC Machinists

The job outlook for CNC Machinists in Chattanooga is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Chattanooga offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include CNC Programming, Machine Operation, Blueprint Reading, Quality Inspection.

Relocating to Chattanooga

Chattanooga's affordable cost of living means your CNC Machinist salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life. Tennessee has no state income tax, which can add thousands to your annual take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California or New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average CNC Machinist salary in Chattanooga, TN?

The average CNC Machinist salary in Chattanooga, TN is $47,250 per year. Entry-level CNC Machinists typically start around $30,600, while experienced professionals can earn $67,275 or more. The national average for CNC Machinist roles is $52,500.

How many CNC Machinist jobs are available in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a growing job market with steady opportunities for CNC Machinist professionals. Major employers hiring CNC Machinists include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Technology and Manufacturing sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Chattanooga a good city for CNC Machinists?

Chattanooga is an excellent choice for CNC Machinists. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for manufacturing professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for CNC Machinists in Chattanooga?

Top skills for CNC Machinists in Chattanooga include CNC Programming, Machine Operation, Blueprint Reading, Quality Inspection, Setup. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for CNC Machinists in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga's cost of living is near the national average (90% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Chattanooga is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for CNC Machinists in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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