Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chattanooga, TN-GA

Median annual salary $37,160 -4.6% vs national
Median hourly $17.87
10th percentile $30,590
90th percentile $45,620
Employed locally 8,030
National median $38,940

Compare Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand salary & buying power

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    In Chattanooga, TN-GA, laborers and freight, stock, and material movers who work by hand earn a median annual salary of $37,160, which translates to approximately $17.87 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $38,940 annually. When compared to the local area's median household income of $68,666, it becomes evident that these workers earn significantly less than the average household in the region. The typical worker’s earnings position them well below the median household level, highlighting a potential gap between occupational wages and broader economic standards within this locality.

    The salary range for entry-level to experienced laborers and material movers varies notably in Chattanooga. At the 10th percentile, workers earn about $30,590 annually, whereas those at the 25th percentile make approximately $34,170 per year. More experienced workers who fall into the 75th percentile earn around $37,830 annually, with top earners at the 90th percentile reaching up to $45,620. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to several factors, including experience level, skill set, and job responsibilities. Entry-level positions typically offer lower wages due to minimal experience and training, whereas seasoned workers benefit from higher pay as a result of accumulated skills, efficiency, and possibly more complex or hazardous duties. These differences underscore the importance of career advancement and skill development in this field for achieving better financial outcomes.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $30,590
    25th
    $34,170
    50th (median)
    $37,160
    75th
    $37,830
    90th
    $45,620

    Chattanooga economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $68,666 2023 • Census ACS
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand salary vs area income 54% Median Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand salary is 46% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand make per hour in Chattanooga?

    The median hourly wage for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $17.87, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.76 or more per hour.

    Is Chattanooga above or below average for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand salaries?

    The median Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 4.6% below the national median of $38,940. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in Chattanooga?

    Entry-level Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand (10th percentile) earn around $30,590 per year in Chattanooga, TN-GA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $34,170.