Physicist Salary in Tennessee
Based on 240+ workers in Tennessee
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$165,010
$79.33/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
+7.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$89K – $240K
240 employed in Tennessee
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $88,610 |
| 25th percentile | $107,700 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $165,010 |
| 75th percentile | $236,920 |
| 90th percentile | $239,850 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physicist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physicists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physicists in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $239,360 | 3K |
| Wholesale Trade | $219,010 | — |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $213,780 | 50 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $210,530 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $176,170 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physicist in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $127,100 |
| 2023 | $121,760 |
| 2024 | $173,660 |
| 2025 | $165,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $165,010 |
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 | $127,100 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $121,760 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $173,660 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $165,010 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $165,010 | $153,763 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $107,700 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $165,010 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $236,920 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $239,850 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Physicist ($165,010 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in TN | $134,560 | -18.5% | $64.69/hr |
| Medical Scientist in TN | $102,720 | -37.7% | $49.38/hr |
| Chemist in TN | $87,930 | -46.7% | $42.27/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in TN | $78,970 | -52.1% | $37.97/hr |
| Geoscientist in TN | $77,870 | -52.8% | $37.44/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in TN | $76,840 | -53.4% | $36.94/hr |
| Psychologist in TN | $76,820 | -53.4% | $36.93/hr |
| Engineering Manager in TN | $161,430 | -2.2% | $77.61/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in TN | $158,700 | -3.8% | $76.30/hr |
| Pediatrician in TN | $176,210 | +6.8% | $84.72/hr |
| Airline Pilot in TN | $143,580 | -13.0% | $69.03/hr |
| Financial Manager in TN | $141,010 | -14.5% | $67.79/hr |