Average Data Scientist Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax
Data Scientists in Tennessee earn an average of $99,766 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +7.6% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$99,766
per year
Hourly Rate
$47.96
per hour
vs National
-7.6%
$108,020 national
Salary Range
$64,884
to $148,943
About Data Scientist Careers in Tennessee
Data scientists analyze and interpret complex data to help organizations make informed decisions. They combine expertise in statistics, programming, and domain knowledge to extract insights from large datasets. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven strategies, data scientists have become critical to competitive advantage across all industries.
In Tennessee, data scientists earn an average of $99,766 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $64,884 for entry-level roles to $148,943 for the most experienced professionals — +7.6% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by education level (phd commands premium), industry sector (tech, finance, healthcare), and the specific metro area within Tennessee.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$99,766
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$107,275
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Data Scientist's salary of $99,766 has the purchasing power of $107,275 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Data Scientist Salary by City in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $105,986 | $50.95/hr | $67,788 | $157,870 | 119 |
| Memphis, TN | $93,545 | $44.97/hr | $61,980 | $140,016 | 126 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Tennessee vs National Average
Data Scientist Salary Comparison
Employment in Tennessee
There are approximately 245 Data Scientists employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Data Scientist Salary Range in Tennessee
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$64,884
Starting salary for new Data Scientists
Median (50th Percentile)
$99,766
Mid-career Data Scientist salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$148,943
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Tennessee
Software Developer
$123,363
avg in TN
+$23,597 vs Data Scientist
Information Security Analyst
$113,402
avg in TN
+$13,636 vs Data Scientist
Computer Systems Analyst
$94,549
avg in TN
-$5,217 vs Data Scientist
Network Administrator
$88,925
avg in TN
-$10,841 vs Data Scientist
Computer User Support Specialist
$54,900
avg in TN
-$44,866 vs Data Scientist
Data Scientist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Data Scientist salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Tennessee Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Data Scientist salary in Tennessee?
The average Data Scientist salary in Tennessee is $99,766 per year ($47.96/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 7.6% below the national average of $108,020.
What is the highest paying city for Data Scientists in Tennessee?
Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Data Scientists in Tennessee, with a median salary of $105,986 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $93,545.
What is the salary range for Data Scientists in Tennessee?
Data Scientist salaries in Tennessee range from $64,884 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $148,943 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $99,766 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Tennessee. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.