Data Scientist Salary in Memphis 2025

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Memphis: Full Breakdown

Based on the most recent BLS OEWS data from 2024, the average annual salary for data scientists in Memphis is $101,870. This figure reflects mean compensation across all experience levels and employer types in the Memphis metro area.

The BLS OEWS survey provides the most comprehensive occupational wage data available, drawing from a representative sample of employers across all industries. For data scientists specifically (SOC code 15-2051), this includes professionals working in finance, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and government sectors throughout the Memphis region.

Cost of Living Context

Understanding your salary in the context of Memphis’s cost of living is essential for evaluating whether a $101,870 data scientist position offers genuine purchasing power. The Memphis metropolitan area has a lower cost of living compared to many major tech hubs, which can make this salary particularly attractive for professionals relocating from higher-cost regions.

Key cost-of-living factors to consider:

• Housing: Memphis offers relatively affordable housing compared to national averages, which directly impacts your ability to save and invest earnings
• Taxes: Tennessee has no state income tax, meaning more of your $101,870 salary stays in your pocket compared to states with income tax
• Transportation: As a mid-sized metro area, Memphis has moderate transportation costs, though having reliable transportation is important for commuting to tech employers

The absence of state income tax in Tennessee is a significant financial advantage. On a $101,870 salary, this tax savings can amount to thousands of dollars annually compared to working in states with income tax rates of 5-13%.

Historical Salary Trends

Data scientist compensation in Memphis has shown stability, with the 2024 mean salary of $101,870 reflecting steady demand for data analytics and machine learning expertise in the region. The Memphis market has seen growing interest in data science roles across healthcare (major employers like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare), logistics (FedEx headquarters), and financial services sectors.

The relatively consistent salary levels indicate a maturing market for data science talent in Memphis, with employers increasingly recognizing the value of data-driven decision-making across industries.

Job Outlook for Data Scientists

The demand for data scientists continues to grow nationally and regionally. Data science roles are projected to expand as organizations across all sectors—healthcare, finance, logistics, and manufacturing—invest in analytics capabilities and artificial intelligence initiatives.

Memphis’s position as a major logistics and healthcare hub creates particular opportunities for data scientists. FedEx, St. Jude, and other major employers actively seek professionals who can optimize operations, improve patient outcomes, and drive business intelligence through data analysis.

Employer Landscape in Memphis

Major employers in the Memphis area that hire data scientists include:

• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Research and clinical data analysis
• Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare – Healthcare analytics and population health
• FedEx Corporation – Logistics optimization and supply chain analytics
• AutoZone – Retail analytics and inventory optimization
• Pinnacle Financial Group – Financial analytics and risk management

These organizations offer competitive compensation packages, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on meaningful projects that impact operations at scale.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for a data scientist in Memphis?

Entry-level data scientist positions in Memphis typically start below the $101,870 average, often in the $70,000–$85,000 range depending on education, certifications, and prior experience. Professionals with a master’s degree in data science, statistics, or a related field, plus relevant internship or project experience, tend to command higher starting offers. The BLS data reflects mean salaries across all experience levels, so early-career professionals should expect compensation below this figure initially.

How does the data scientist salary in Memphis compare to other major cities?

Memphis’s $101,870 average is competitive, particularly when adjusted for cost of living. While tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle offer higher nominal salaries (often $130,000–$160,000+), those cities have significantly higher costs of living that reduce real purchasing power. Memphis’s lack of state income tax further enhances the effective value of the salary compared to higher-tax states, making it an attractive option for professionals seeking to maximize savings and quality of life.

Is it worth relocating to Memphis for a data scientist position?

Relocation to Memphis for a data scientist role can be financially advantageous, especially if you’re coming from a high-cost-of-living area. The combination of a solid $101,870 average salary, no state income tax, affordable housing, and a growing job market makes Memphis appealing. Additionally, the city’s major employers offer stability and career growth opportunities. Consider factors like career trajectory with your specific employer, cost of living in your current location, and quality-of-life preferences (urban amenities, climate, proximity to family) when making a relocation decision.

What skills command higher salaries for data scientists in Memphis?

Data scientists with expertise in machine learning, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), advanced programming (Python, Scala, R), and big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop) typically earn above the $101,870 average. Additionally, domain expertise in healthcare analytics, financial modeling, or supply chain optimization—areas where Memphis employers have strong needs—can lead to premium compensation packages.

What education do most data scientists in Memphis have?

The typical education requirement for data scientist positions is a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or a related quantitative field. Many employers prefer or require a master’s degree in data science, statistics, machine learning, or business analytics. Advanced degrees and relevant certifications (Google Cloud Certified Data Engineer, AWS Certified Machine Learning Specialist) can differentiate candidates and support higher salary negotiations.

How often do data scientist salaries increase in Memphis?

Based on industry standards, data scientists typically see annual salary increases of 3–5% with their current employer through promotions and merit increases. Changing employers often yields larger increases (10–20%), particularly when moving to senior or specialized roles. The growing demand for data science talent in Memphis suggests competitive pressure that may support regular salary growth for skilled professionals.

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Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC code 15-2051.
Last updated: April 10, 2026

Disclaimer: Salary data presented here is based on aggregate public sources including the Bureau of Labor Statistics and represents general compensation trends. Actual salaries vary based on employer, experience, education, skills, location within the metro area, and market conditions. This information is provided for educational and research purposes and should not be considered financial or career advice. Always verify current salary data and consult with industry professionals when making career decisions.