Physicists Salary in Knoxville, TN

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

Median annual salary $126,690 -23.8% vs national
Median hourly $60.91
10th percentile $54,100
90th percentile $173,660
Employed locally 100
National median $166,290

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Physicists
in
Knoxville, TN
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $54,100
    25th
    $64,930
    50th (median)
    $126,690
    75th
    $133,040
    90th
    $173,660

    Knoxville economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,734 2023 • Census ACS
    Physicists salary vs area income 182% Median Physicists salary is 82% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Physicists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $266,260
    Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $226,750
    Cleveland, OH $225,930
    Minnesota $222,550
    Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $219,070
    Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $215,340

    Nearby metros — Physicists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $226,750
    Memphis, TN-MS-AR $132,250

    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 Physicists make per hour in Knoxville?

    The median hourly wage for Physicists in Knoxville, TN is $60.91, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $108.43 or more per hour.

    Is Knoxville above or below average for Physicists salaries?

    The median Physicists salary in Knoxville, TN is 23.8% below the national median of $166,290. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Physicists in Knoxville?

    Entry-level Physicists (10th percentile) earn around $54,100 per year in Knoxville, TN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $64,930.