Data Scientist Salary in Tennessee
Based on 3K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$100,330
$48.24/hr
vs National Average
$107,281
-6.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$60K – $156K
3K employed in Tennessee
The median Data Scientist salary in Tennessee sits at $100,330 per year, falling 6% below the national average. This figure is part of a broader salary range of $60,200 to $156,160 annually, reflecting the diverse compensation landscape for these professionals within the state. Currently, approximately 2,790 individuals are employed in Data Scientist roles across Tennessee.
Several factors contribute to the variation in Data Scientist salary in Tennessee. Experience level, specific industry within Tennessee (such as healthcare, manufacturing, or technology), and the particular skills possessed by the professional, including expertise in machine learning or big data analytics, all play a significant role. The geographic location within Tennessee, whether in a major metropolitan area or a smaller town, can also influence earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Data Scientist in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,200 |
| 25th percentile | $77,770 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,330 |
| 75th percentile | $131,930 |
| 90th percentile | $156,160 |
Top H-1B Employers for Data Scientist in Tennessee
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Tennessee — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Federal Express Corporation | 7 | $145,121 |
| 2 | AutoZone, Inc. | 3 | $119,398 |
| 3 | FedEx Freight, Inc. | 3 | $124,300 |
| 4 | ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL | 3 | $205,234 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Data Scientist H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Tennessee
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Tennessee.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $80,650 | 10 |
| Level II | Qualified | $99,528 | 14 |
| Level III | Experienced | $133,087 | 8 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $155,502 | 16 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Data Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Data Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Data Scientists in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $141,440 | 32K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $137,840 | 4K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $133,750 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,050 | 29K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $126,730 | 70K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Data Scientist in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $94,690 |
| 2023 | $92,400 |
| 2024 | $104,700 |
| 2025 | $100,330 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,330 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $94,690 | $98,212 |
| 2023 | $92,400 | $104,916 |
| 2024 | $104,700 | $105,473 |
| 2025 | $100,330 | $107,281 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,330 | $107,281 |
Data Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $77,770 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,330 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $131,930 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $156,160 |
Data Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Data Scientist Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Data Scientist ($100,330 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Data Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in TN | $158,700 | +58.2% | $76.30/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in TN | $130,830 | +30.4% | $62.90/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in TN | $123,860 | +23.5% | $59.55/hr |
| Software Developer in TN | $122,430 | +22.0% | $58.86/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in TN | $115,430 | +15.1% | $55.50/hr |
| Database Administrator in TN | $115,170 | +14.8% | $55.37/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in TN | $108,830 | +8.5% | $52.32/hr |
| Statistician in TN | $98,230 | -2.1% | $47.23/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in TN | $95,630 | -4.7% | $45.98/hr |
| Network Administrator in TN | $88,100 | -12.2% | $42.36/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in TN | $83,080 | -17.2% | $39.94/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in TN | $77,640 | -22.6% | $37.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a Data Scientist in Tennessee?
- The median salary for a Data Scientist in Tennessee is $100,330 per year, which breaks down to approximately $48 per hour. This median figure represents the midpoint, meaning half of Data Scientists in the state earn more and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Data Scientists in Tennessee?
- The salary range for Data Scientists in Tennessee is quite broad, from $60,200 on the lower end to $156,160 on the higher end. This wide range can be influenced by factors like experience, specific industry, and location within Tennessee.
How does the average Data Scientist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- Data Scientists in Tennessee earn approximately 6.5% less than the national average. This means the median salary of $100,330 in Tennessee is lower compared to the overall US median for this profession.
How many Data Scientists are employed in Tennessee?
- There are an estimated 2,790 Data Scientists currently employed in Tennessee. This number indicates a significant presence of the profession within the state's workforce.