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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Physicists salary in Nashville, Tennessee

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Nashville metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$226,750
Mean annual$222,180
Range (10th to 90th)$223,590 to $226,750
Nashville, Tennessee employment
State vs national+40.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Nashville physicists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$223,59025TH$226,750MEDIAN$226,75075TH$226,75090TH$226,750

The middle 50% of workers earn between $226,750 and $226,750, with a median of $226,750.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Doctoral or professional degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Physics

    Knowledge

    4.9 / 5
  • Mathematics

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5
  • Mathematical Reasoning

    Ability

    4.8 / 5
  • Science

    Basic skill

    4.6 / 5
  • Engineering and Technology

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • Computers and Electronics

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • Mathematics

    Basic skill

    4.3 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.3 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.

  2. 02

    Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.

  3. 03

    Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.

  4. 04

    Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.

  5. 05

    Write research proposals to receive funding.

  6. 06

    Teach physics to students.

  7. 07

    Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.

  8. 08

    Conduct research pertaining to potential environmental impacts of atomic energy-related industrial development to determine licensing qualifications.

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Other metros in Tennessee

How the Nashville metro compares to other major Tennessee metro areas for physicists.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Physicists in Nashville, Tennessee?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Physicists in the Nashville metropolitan area is $226,750.
Does Nashville pay more than the Tennessee state average for Physicists?
The Nashville metro median is +30.6% versus the Tennessee state median of $173,660.
How does Nashville compare to the national median for Physicists?
The Nashville metro median is +40.1% versus the BLS national figure of $161,819.
What is the salary range for Physicists in Nashville?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $223,590 and the 90th-percentile at $226,750 for the Nashville metro area.
What education is required for Physicists?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Nashville CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.