Data Scientist Salary in Tennessee (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Data Scientists in Tennessee, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Tennessee Median
$100,330
per year
Hourly Rate
$48.24
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-17% vs US median
US median $120,230
State Rank
#31 of 49
2,790 employed here

How much does a Data Scientist make in Tennessee?

Data Scientists in Tennessee take home a median of $100,330 annually — roughly $48.24 an hour — which runs 17% below the national median of $120,230.

Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $60,200 while the top 10% make $156,160 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $77,770 and $131,930 a year.

Data Scientist salary range in Tennessee

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$60,200$28.94
25th percentile (early career)$77,770$37.39
50th percentile (median)$100,330$48.24
75th percentile (experienced)$131,930$63.43
90th percentile (top earners)$156,160$75.08

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee ranks 31st out of 49 states and territories for Data Scientist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Washington$163,350
2California$141,590
3Maryland$136,370
4New Jersey$135,280
5Massachusetts$131,750

Working as a Data Scientist in Tennessee

Nationally, about 262,000 people work as Data Scientists in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Tennessee pay ($100,330) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Data Scientist make in Tennessee?
The median Data Scientist salary in Tennessee is $100,330 per year, or about $48.24 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $60,200 at the entry level to $156,160 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Data Scientists about 17% less than the national median of $120,230. Tennessee ranks 31st out of 49 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Data Scientists?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $100,330 a year. About 2,790 Data Scientists are employed in Tennessee. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Data Scientist salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.