Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Food Scientists and Technologists: Entry-Level vs Senior Salary in Tennessee (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How does Food Scientists and Technologists salary grow from entry-level to senior in Tennessee? State salary progression based on 2025 BLS data.

63% career growth potential

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 • Tennessee salary data • Updated 2026-05-19

Entry-Level (P10)
$64,660
$5,388/mo
Mid-Career (Median)
$81,760
$6,813/mo
Senior (P90)
$105,670
$8,806/mo

Tennessee vs National Average

Entry-Level (P10)
$64,660
National: $54,179
+19.3%
Mid-Career (Median)
$81,760
National: $87,249
-6.3%
Senior (P90)
$105,670
National: $135,342
-21.9%

Salary Progression: Entry-Level to Senior

The salary range for Food Scientists and Technologists in Tennessee spans from $64,660 at entry-level to $105,670 at senior level — a difference of $41,010 per year.

P10
$64K
P25
$69K
Median
$81K
P75
$95K
P90
$105K

Career Growth Premium: +63%

Senior Food Scientists and Technologistss in Tennessee earn $41,010 more per year than entry-level professionals.

Annual Difference
+$41,010
Monthly Difference
+$3,418
Hourly Difference
+$19.72
Growth Multiple
1.6x

Detailed Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

Complete percentile breakdown showing how Food Scientists and Technologists salary increases with experience in Tennessee, from entry-level (10th percentile) to senior (90th percentile).

Experience Level Percentile Annual Salary Monthly Hourly
Entry-Level P10 $64,660 $5,388 $31.09
Early Career P25 $69,150 $5,762 $33.25
Mid-Career Median $81,760 $6,813 $39.31
Experienced P75 $95,210 $7,934 $45.77
Senior / Expert P90 $105,670 $8,806 $50.80
Key Insight

Food Scientists and Technologists in Tennessee has a moderate salary progression with a 63% growth from entry-level ($64,660) to senior ($105,670). While the growth potential is steady, professionals looking to maximize earnings may benefit from specialization, advanced certifications, or gaining experience in higher-paying states. The gap between median ($81,760) and P90 ($105,670) shows there is still room for meaningful growth beyond mid-career.

How Tennessee Compares to Other States

Where does Tennessee rank for Food Scientists and Technologists senior-level salaries? Compare Tennessee's P90 pay to other top-paying states.

1
$183,260
Entry: $68K
+166%
2
$167,470
Entry: $64K
+160%
3
$166,670
Entry: $63K
+162%
4
$165,790
Entry: $49K
+238%
5
$163,900
Entry: $41K
+298%
6
$162,740
Entry: $56K
+188%
7
$161,640
Entry: $66K
+144%
8
$160,700
Entry: $66K
+143%
9
$154,540
Entry: $57K
+169%
10
$152,600
Entry: $61K
+149%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry-level salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists?

Entry-level Food Scientists and Technologistss (10th percentile) earn approximately $64,660 per year, or $5,388 per month. Early-career professionals (25th percentile) earn around $69,150. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data across all U.S. states.

How much does a senior Food Scientists and Technologists make?

Senior Food Scientists and Technologistss (90th percentile) earn approximately $105,670 per year. Experienced professionals (75th percentile) earn around $95,210. This represents a career premium of 63% over entry-level pay.

What is the salary growth potential for a Food Scientists and Technologists?

The career salary growth potential for Food Scientists and Technologistss is 63%. Entry-level professionals start at $64,660, while senior-level can earn up to $105,670 — a difference of $41,010 per year.

Which state pays the highest salary for senior Food Scientists and Technologistss?

The highest-paying state for senior Food Scientists and Technologistss is Tennessee, where 90th-percentile salaries reach $105,670 per year. See the full state-by-state comparison above.

How are entry-level and senior Food Scientists and Technologists salaries determined?

We use BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) 2025 data. The 10th percentile (P10) approximates entry-level pay — the salary that 90% of workers earn more than. The 90th percentile (P90) approximates senior/expert-level pay — only 10% of workers earn above this threshold. National averages are computed across all reporting U.S. states.

Ready to Advance Your Food Scientists and Technologists Career?

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Related Salary Pages

Top Cities in Tennessee

Explore cost of living, median household income, and demographics for Tennessee's largest cities.

Top Colleges in Tennessee

Compare tuition, admissions, and graduate outcomes at Tennessee's leading institutions.

Food Scientists and Technologists Career Progression in Other States

See how Food Scientists and Technologists pay grows from entry-level to senior across the top-paying states.

All Food Scientists and Technologists & Tennessee Resources

Drill deeper into Food Scientists and Technologists pay, hiring, and education data for Tennessee.

About This Data

Salary percentile data for Tennessee from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. P10 approximates entry-level compensation; P90 approximates senior/expert-level compensation. State averages differ from national averages due to regional variations in cost of living, demand, and workforce composition. Actual salaries vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and specific location within Tennessee.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Join career-minded Americans who use data to make smarter decisions. Privacy Policy