Early Childhood Educator Salary in Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Updated 52 days ago · 17 observed active listings

The salary distribution for Early Childhood Educators in Chattanooga is notably wide, with a trimmed average of $33,555, but a full range spanning from $20,000 to $140,000. This significant gap between the bottom 10% and top 10% of earners indicates a varied landscape where experience, specialization, and institutional prestige play key roles in compensation. New hires can realistically expect to land around the 25th percentile at $20,000 or the 50th percentile at $40,000, influenced by the high demand for early childhood education amidst the presence of prominent local employers.

Salary Distribution

Key Insights

• The large salary range ($20,000–$140,000) suggests that while entry-level positions are low-paying, there are high-paying roles likely associated with specialized skills or administrative responsibilities within larger educational institutions.
• The concentration of active employers like the University of Tennessee and KinderCare reflects a stable demand for qualified Early Childhood Educators, which helps maintain competitive salaries, particularly for those with experience or advanced certifications.
• The data shows that the majority of positions (2784) are clustered at the $20,000 mark, highlighting a high volume of entry-level roles that can create downward pressure on salaries for less experienced educators.
• The difference between the 25th percentile ($20,000) and the 75th percentile ($40,000) indicates a significant gap in experience levels, suggesting that employers are willing to pay more for candidates with proven success or specialized skills, which are currently in short supply.
• Given the ongoing cost of living pressures and the need for affordable childcare solutions, employers may offer salaries at the lower end of the spectrum for new hires, which can affect overall salary expectations across the board.

Current Early Childhood Educator Jobs in Chattanooga

• Toddler Teacher - Pro Re Bona Early Learning
  Chambliss Center for Children · Ridgeside, Hamilton County
  $57,999 – $57,999
• Assistant Director
  KinderCare · East Ridge, Hamilton County
  $42,016 – $48,984
• CC Teacher
  Grace Baptist Academy · Harrison, Hamilton County
  $45,336 – $45,336
• Lead Teacher, Children's Center
  University of Tennessee · Chattanooga, Hamilton County
  $44,838 – $44,838
• SPED Paraprofessional - Cloud Springs Elementary
  Kelly Services · Rossville, Walker County
  $43,232 – $43,232
• Early Childhood Teacher - Red Bank
  Chambliss Center for Children · Red Bank, Hamilton County
  $37,440 – $39,520
• Early Childhood Teacher - Northshore
  Chambliss Center for Children · Red Bank, Hamilton County
  $37,440 – $39,520
• Early Childhood Teacher - "Tumblers"
  Chambliss Center for Children · Ridgeside, Hamilton County
  $37,440 – $39,520
• Preschool Teacher (3yr-5yr)
  Chattanooga Christian School · Lookout Mountain, Hamilton County
  $38,322 – $38,322
• Early Childhood - Teacher Goodwin Rd
  Kids Rock · Harrison, Hamilton County
  $27,040 – $37,440

Frequently Asked Questions

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