Physicist salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Physicists in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $139,810 a year ($67.22 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $65,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $258,640 for the top 10%. That is 19% lower than the national median of $172,250. Pay here is 15% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $165,010. The average (mean) salary is $145,230, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for physicists in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $65,480 | $31.48 |
| 25th percentile | $93,980 | $45.18 |
| Median | $139,810 | $67.22 |
| 75th percentile | $197,610 | $95.01 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $258,640 | $124.35 |
| Average (mean) | $145,230 | $69.82 |
Half of physicists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $11,650.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,825.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $5,377.31 |
| Weekly | $2,688.65 |
| Hourly | $67.22 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Physicist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $236,920 | n/a |
| Knoxville, TN | $165,010 | 120 |
Highest-paying states for physicists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Florida | $225,390 |
| New Hampshire | $214,030 |
| Pennsylvania | $210,990 |
| California | $207,490 |
| Oregon | $200,320 |
| Oklahoma | $200,050 |
| Texas | $184,040 |
| New York | $181,970 |
| Kentucky | $180,910 |
| Connecticut | $180,300 |
See Physicist pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | $78,950 | $37.96 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $78,320 | $37.65 |
| Chemist | $76,980 | $37.01 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $81,990 | $39.42 |
| Biological Technician | $50,840 | $24.44 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $59,330 | $28.52 |
| Chemical Technician | $56,390 | $27.11 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $71,870 | $34.55 |
| School Psychologist | $84,390 | $40.57 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Technicians | $57,740 | $27.76 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $51,880 | $24.94 |
| Microbiologist | $114,840 | $55.21 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $86,380 | $41.53 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $96,610 | $46.45 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 19-2012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a physicist make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for physicists in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $139,810 a year, or $67.22 an hour. Pay ranges from $65,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $258,640 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid physicists make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of physicists in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $258,640 a year. The top 25% earn $197,610 or more.
What is the starting pay for physicists in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $65,480 a year, and a quarter of physicists earn $93,980 or less.