Data Scientist Salary in Tennessee

How Much Does a Data Scientist Make in Tennessee?

The typical Data Scientist salary in Tennessee ranges from $84,000 to $156,000, with the national median at $120,000.

Use statistical analysis and machine learning to extract insights from data Your actual take-home pay as a Data Scientist in Tennessee depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Data Scientist in Tennessee

As a Data Scientist working in Tennessee, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Data Scientist professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

Tennessee Has No State Income Tax

Great news! Tennessee is one of only 9 states with no state income tax. This means you keep more of your Data Scientist salary compared to working in states like California (up to 13.3% tax) or New York (up to 10.9% tax).

Example: A Data Scientist earning $120,000 in Tennessee saves approximately $6,000 to $12,000 per year in state income tax compared to high-tax states.

Cost of Living for Data Scientist in Tennessee

Your Data Scientist salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of Tennessee. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $120,000 Data Scientist salary in a low-cost area of Tennessee provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Data Scientist Salary Examples in Tennessee

Here's what different Data Scientist salary levels look like in Tennessee:

Entry-Level Data Scientist ($84,000)

• Gross annual salary: $84,000
• Federal tax: ~$10,080
• FICA: ~$6,426
• Approximate take-home: $63,000

Median Data Scientist ($120,000)

• Gross annual salary: $120,000
• Federal tax: ~$19,200
• FICA: ~$9,180
• Approximate take-home: $86,400

Experienced Data Scientist ($156,000)

• Gross annual salary: $156,000
• Federal tax: ~$34,320
• FICA: ~$11,934
• Approximate take-home: $101,400

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our Tennessee salary calculator.

Compare Data Scientist Salaries Across States

The same Data Scientist salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $120,000 Data Scientist salary in California results in about $6,000 to $12,000 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Data Scientist salary in Tennessee?

The average Data Scientist salary in Tennessee varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $120,000, with typical Tennessee salaries ranging from $84,000 to $156,000.

How much does a Data Scientist make after taxes in Tennessee?

After federal taxes, FICA, and typical deductions, a Data Scientist earning $120,000 in Tennessee takes home approximately $84,000 to $90,000 per year.

Is Tennessee a good state for Data Scientist professionals?

Yes! Tennessee's lack of state income tax means Data Scientist professionals keep more of their earnings. Combined with cost of living and career opportunities, Tennessee can be very attractive.

Next Steps

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Use our Tennessee salary calculator →

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