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Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Tennessee

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in Tennessee?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$81,760
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.5% vs 2024
$84,820
Mean Salary
$81,760
Median Salary
$39.31
Hourly Rate
70 people work as Food Scientists and Technologists in Tennessee

Food Scientists and Technologists salary by percentile in Tennessee

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Food Scientists and Technologists salary in Tennessee — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in Tennessee.10thBottom 10% earn less than $64,660$64,66025th25% earn less than $69,150$69,150MedianHalf earn more than $81,760$81,76075th75% earn less than $95,210$95,21090thTop 10% earn more than $105,670$105,670

Food Scientists and Technologists in Tennessee earn a median salary of $81,760 per year ($6,813/month). This is 6.3% below the national average of $87,249. Tennessee ranks #27 out of 39 states for Food Scientists and Technologists pay. Approximately 70 people work in this occupation across Tennessee. Salaries increased by 2.5% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Food Scientists and Technologists

Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Writing
4.0
Speaking
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Food Production
4.23
Biology
4.17
Chemistry
4.09
Production and Processing
4.04
English Language
3.73
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (56.5% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Food Scientists and Technologists in Tennessee

Salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in Tennessee range from $64,660 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $105,670 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $69,150 and $95,210.

Median $81,760
P10: $64,660 P25: $69,150 P75: $95,210 P90: $105,670
10th
$64,660
25th
$69,150
Median
$81,760
75th
$95,210
90th
$105,670
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $64,660 $31.09 $5,388
25th Percentile $69,150 $33.25 $5,762
Median (50th) $81,760 $39.31 $6,813
75th Percentile $95,210 $45.77 $7,934
90th Percentile (Experienced) $105,670 $50.80 $8,805

Note: The mean (average) salary of $84,820 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#27
Tennessee ranks #27 of 39 states
$87,249
National avg. for Food Scientists and Technologists
-6.3%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Food Scientists and Technologists salary in Tennessee adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Food Scientists and Technologists take-home pay in Tennessee after taxes →

Explore Food Scientists and Technologists Data in Tennessee

Food Scientists and Technologists Salary by State

Compare Food Scientists and Technologists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Food Scientists and Technologists in Tennessee is $81,760 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $84,820.
What is the salary range for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Tennessee?
Salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in Tennessee range from $64,660 at the 10th percentile to $105,670 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $69,150 and $95,210.
What is the starting salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Tennessee?
Entry-level Food Scientists and Technologists positions in Tennessee typically start around $64,660 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $69,150 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Scientists and Technologists in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 70 people are employed as Food Scientists and Technologists in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Tennessee is approximately $39.31 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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