Tennessee ranks 46th of 51 states and D.C. for chemists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($153,320) by $87,980 — a 135% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $43,540 to $121,990 — a $78,450 spread, 22% tighter than the national $101,220 range.
Chemists are less concentrated in Tennessee than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.46 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.17× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $43,540 | $20.93 |
| 25th percentile | $45,810 | $22.02 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $65,340 | $31.41 |
| 75th percentile | $94,390 | $45.38 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $121,990 | $58.65 |
| Mean (average) | $75,250 | $36.18 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $65,340 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $153,320 | +135% |
| New Mexico | $134,370 | +106% |
| Maryland | $131,910 | +102% |
| Massachusetts | $126,970 | +94% |
| Delaware | $125,430 | +92% |
| Louisiana | $109,150 | +67% |
| West Virginia | $108,010 | +65% |
| Texas | $101,260 | +55% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $65,370 | 11,190 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $65,200 | 20,490 |
| Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | $65,080 | 480 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $65,610 | 2,850 |
| Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants | $65,660 | 5,080 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $65,000 | 1,530 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chemists salary in Tennessee?
The mean chemists salary in Tennessee is $75,250 per year. The median (middle) salary is $65,340 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Chemists in Tennessee?
Entry-level chemistss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $43,540 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $45,810 per year.
What is the highest Chemists salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $121,990 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $94,390 per year.
How does the Tennessee Chemists salary compare to the national average?
The median chemists salary in Tennessee is $65,340, which is -22% below national average of $84,150.