Materials Scientists Salary in Knoxville, TN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Knoxville, TN

Median annual salary $69,830 -33% vs national
Median hourly $33.57
10th percentile $45,390
90th percentile $102,390
Employed locally 40
National median $104,160

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Materials Scientists
in
Knoxville, TN
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $45,390
    25th
    $59,110
    50th (median)
    $69,830
    75th
    $77,750
    90th
    $102,390

    Knoxville economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,734 2023 • Census ACS
    Materials Scientists salary vs area income 100% Median Materials Scientists salary is 0% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Materials Scientists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $156,530
    Worcester, MA $142,900
    New Hampshire $136,300
    Salt Lake City-Murray, UT $135,510
    Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX $133,530
    California $131,530

    Nearby metros — Materials Scientists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $70,870

    Related occupations in Knoxville, TN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$99,600
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$81,990
    Biological Technicians$58,520
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$78,410
    Chemical Technicians$49,860
    School Psychologists$72,540

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Materials Scientists make per hour in Knoxville?

    The median hourly wage for Materials Scientists in Knoxville, TN is $33.57, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $49.23 or more per hour.

    Is Knoxville above or below average for Materials Scientists salaries?

    The median Materials Scientists salary in Knoxville, TN is 33% below the national median of $104,160. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Materials Scientists in Knoxville?

    Entry-level Materials Scientists (10th percentile) earn around $45,390 per year in Knoxville, TN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $59,110.