Environmental Scientist Salary in Tennessee
Based on 1K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$76,840
$36.94/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
-4.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$54K – $133K
1K employed in Tennessee
The average Environmental Scientist salary in Tennessee is $76,840 per year. This figure falls 4% below the national average, with salaries in the state typically ranging from $54,040 to $133,180. Approximately 1,230 Environmental Scientist positions are currently employed across Tennessee, indicating a stable demand for these professionals.
Factors influencing the Environmental Scientist salary in Tennessee can include years of experience, specific industry (e.g., government, private consulting, manufacturing), advanced degrees or certifications, and the geographical location within the state. The complexity of environmental regulations and the types of projects undertaken also play a significant role in compensation for this vital field.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $54,040 |
| 25th percentile | $62,670 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,840 |
| 75th percentile | $99,200 |
| 90th percentile | $133,180 |
Top-Paying Industries for Environmental Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Environmental Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Environmental Scientists in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $134,100 | 110 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $122,660 | 210 |
| Manufacturing | $120,930 | 1K |
| Utilities | $115,170 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $110,020 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Scientist in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,950 |
| 2023 | $71,690 |
| 2024 | $76,900 |
| 2025 | $76,840 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,840 |
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 | $65,950 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $71,690 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $76,900 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $76,840 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,840 | $80,042 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,670 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,840 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $99,200 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $133,180 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Environmental Scientist ($76,840 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in TN | $165,010 | +114.7% | $79.33/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in TN | $134,560 | +75.1% | $64.69/hr |
| Medical Scientist in TN | $102,720 | +33.7% | $49.38/hr |
| Chemist in TN | $87,930 | +14.4% | $42.27/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in TN | $78,970 | +2.8% | $37.97/hr |
| Geoscientist in TN | $77,870 | +1.3% | $37.44/hr |
| Psychologist in TN | $76,820 | -0.0% | $36.93/hr |
| Accountant in TN | $76,840 | +0.0% | $36.94/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in TN | $76,680 | -0.2% | $36.87/hr |
| Software Engineer in TN | $76,470 | -0.5% | $36.76/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in TN | $77,640 | +1.0% | $37.33/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in TN | $75,190 | -2.1% | $36.15/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an Environmental Scientist in Tennessee?
- The median salary for an Environmental Scientist in Tennessee is $76,840 per year, which averages out to $37 per hour. This median is 4.0% lower than the national average salary for this profession.
How much can an Environmental Scientist make in Tennessee?
- Environmental Scientists in Tennessee can expect to earn within a wide salary range. The lowest 25% of earners make $54,040 annually, while the highest 25% can earn up to $133,180 per year.
What is the hourly pay for an Environmental Scientist in Tennessee?
- The hourly wage for an Environmental Scientist in Tennessee typically falls around $37 per hour. This equates to the median annual salary of $76,840.
How many Environmental Scientists are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 1,230 Environmental Scientists employed in Tennessee. This figure represents the total number of individuals working in this field within the state.