Physicists Salary in Tennessee

Physicists in Tennessee earn the most in Nashville (average $208,700 a year) and the least in Memphis ($145,230), across the 3 Tennessee metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the physicists average at $171,070 and the median at $165,010 for 240 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $171,180.

Physicists average salary by city in Tennessee

Nashville$208,700
Knoxville$156,290
Memphis$145,230

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Nashville	$208,700	$236,920	$236,920	$155,335	96
Knoxville	$156,290	$165,010	$136,570	$118,090	93
Memphis	$145,230	$139,810	$93,980	$110,531	92

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Tennessee has no state income tax. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Physicists salary in other states

Physicists salary by city and state

More about pay in Tennessee

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 19-2012.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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