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Physicists Salary in Tennessee

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Physicists make in Tennessee?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$165,010
Median Annual Salary
▼ -5.0% vs 2024
$171,070
Mean Salary
$165,010
Median Salary
$79.33
Hourly Rate
240 people work as Physicists in Tennessee

Physicists salary by percentile in Tennessee

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

Physicists salary in Tennessee — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Physicists in Tennessee.10thBottom 10% earn less than $88,610$88,61025th25% earn less than $107,700$107,700MedianHalf earn more than $165,010$165,01075th75% earn less than $236,920$236,92090thTop 10% earn more than $239,850$239,850

Physicists in Tennessee earn a median salary of $165,010 per year ($13,750/month). This is 7.3% above the national average of $153,763. Tennessee ranks #18 out of 43 states for Physicists pay. Approximately 240 people work in this occupation across Tennessee. Salaries decreased by 5.0% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Top Skills

Science
4.62
Reading Comprehension
4.25
Mathematics
4.25
Speaking
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Physics
4.92
Mathematics
4.82
Engineering and Technology
4.54
Computers and Electronics
4.38
English Language
3.69
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (49.0% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Physicists in Tennessee

Salaries for Physicists in Tennessee range from $88,610 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $239,850 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $107,700 and $236,920.

Median $165,010
P10: $88,610 P25: $107,700 P75: $236,920 P90: $239,850
10th
$88,610
25th
$107,700
Median
$165,010
75th
$236,920
90th
$239,850
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $88,610 $42.60 $7,384
25th Percentile $107,700 $51.78 $8,975
Median (50th) $165,010 $79.33 $13,750
75th Percentile $236,920 $113.90 $19,743
90th Percentile (Experienced) $239,850 $115.31 $19,987

Note: The mean (average) salary of $171,070 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#18
Tennessee ranks #18 of 43 states
$153,763
National avg. for Physicists
+7.3%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Physicists salary in Tennessee adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Physicists take-home pay in Tennessee after taxes →

Explore Physicists Data in Tennessee

Physicists Salary by State

Compare Physicists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Physicists make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Physicists in Tennessee is $165,010 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $171,070.
What is the salary range for a Physicists in Tennessee?
Salaries for Physicists in Tennessee range from $88,610 at the 10th percentile to $239,850 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $107,700 and $236,920.
What is the starting salary for a Physicists in Tennessee?
Entry-level Physicists positions in Tennessee typically start around $88,610 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $107,700 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Physicists in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 240 people are employed as Physicists in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Physicists in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Physicists in Tennessee is approximately $79.33 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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