Materials Scientists Salary in Nashville, TN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN

Median annual salary $70,870 -32% vs national
Median hourly $34.07
10th percentile $44,750
90th percentile $94,580
Employed locally 30
National median $104,160

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Materials Scientists
in
Nashville, TN
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $44,750
    25th
    $50,510
    50th (median)
    $70,870
    75th
    $87,890
    90th
    $94,580

    Nashville economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $82,499 2023 • Census ACS
    Materials Scientists salary vs area income 86% Median Materials Scientists salary is 14% below 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
    Knoxville, TN $69,830

    Related occupations in Nashville, TN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $84,850
    Biological Technicians $56,450
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $78,900
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $76,700
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $92,320
    School Psychologists $72,240

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Materials Scientists make per hour in Nashville?

    The median hourly wage for Materials Scientists in Nashville, TN is $34.07, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $45.47 or more per hour.

    Is Nashville above or below average for Materials Scientists salaries?

    The median Materials Scientists salary in Nashville, TN is 32% 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 Nashville?

    Entry-level Materials Scientists (10th percentile) earn around $44,750 per year in Nashville, TN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $50,510.