Medical Scientist Salary in Tennessee
Based on 4K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$102,720
$49.38/hr
vs National Average
$92,243
+11.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $155K
4K employed in Tennessee
The Medical Scientist salary in Tennessee presents an attractive landscape for those in the field, with a median annual income of $102,720. This figure significantly outpaces the national average by 11%, and the salary range for these professionals spans from $63,500 to $155,100, indicating substantial earning potential within the state. Currently, approximately 4,020 medical scientists are employed in Tennessee.
Several factors influence the Medical Scientist salary in Tennessee. Experience level, specific research focus, and the type of institution, whether academic, governmental, or private industry, all play a crucial role in determining an individual's compensation. Furthermore, the demand for specialized skills within Tennessee's growing bioscience sector can also impact earning potential, with highly sought-after expertise commanding higher salaries.
Salary Distribution — Medical Scientist in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,500 |
| 25th percentile | $81,720 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $102,720 |
| 75th percentile | $129,940 |
| 90th percentile | $155,100 |
Top-Paying Industries for Medical Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Medical Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Medical Scientists in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $160,000 | 6K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $132,720 | 3K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $132,620 | 2K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $126,340 | 63K |
| Manufacturing | $118,960 | 8K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Medical Scientist in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,340 |
| 2023 | $95,220 |
| 2024 | $95,580 |
| 2025 | $102,720 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,883 |
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 | $86,340 | $85,078 |
| 2023 | $95,220 | $90,161 |
| 2024 | $95,580 | $89,708 |
| 2025 | $102,720 | $92,243 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,883 | $97,778 |
Medical Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,720 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $102,720 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $129,940 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $155,100 |
Medical Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Medical Scientist Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Medical Scientist ($102,720 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Medical Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in TN | $165,010 | +60.6% | $79.33/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in TN | $134,560 | +31.0% | $64.69/hr |
| Chemist in TN | $87,930 | -14.4% | $42.27/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in TN | $78,970 | -23.1% | $37.97/hr |
| Geoscientist in TN | $77,870 | -24.2% | $37.44/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in TN | $76,840 | -25.2% | $36.94/hr |
| Psychologist in TN | $76,820 | -25.2% | $36.93/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in TN | $104,450 | +1.7% | $50.22/hr |
| Data Scientist in TN | $100,330 | -2.3% | $48.24/hr |
| Physical Therapist in TN | $100,140 | -2.5% | $48.14/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in TN | $99,550 | -3.1% | $47.86/hr |
| Management Analyst in TN | $99,260 | -3.4% | $47.72/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Medical Scientists make in Tennessee?
- The median salary for a Medical Scientist in Tennessee is $102,720 per year, which translates to about $49 per hour. This median figure is 11.4% higher than the national average.
What is the salary range for Medical Scientists in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee, the salary for Medical Scientists typically falls between $63,500 and $155,100 annually. This wide range reflects variations in experience, location, and specific employer.
How many Medical Scientists are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 4,020 Medical Scientists employed in Tennessee. This indicates a substantial presence of this profession within the state.
Is the salary for Medical Scientists in Tennessee higher than the national average?
- Yes, the salary for Medical Scientists in Tennessee is higher than the national average, by about 11.4%. This means that on average, Medical Scientists in Tennessee earn more than their counterparts across the country.