Data Scientist Salary in Memphis 2026

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Memphis: Full Breakdown

Based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data from 2024, data scientists in Memphis earn an average of $101,870 annually. This represents the mean wage for the occupation in the Memphis MSA, which includes Memphis proper and surrounding counties in Tennessee.

The $101,870 figure is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent occupational wage survey, making it the most current publicly available data for this role in the region. This salary encompasses data scientists across all experience levels, industries, and employer sizes within the Memphis area.

How Does Memphis Compare to the National Market?

Memphis is an emerging tech hub in the Southeast, and data scientist compensation there reflects regional labor market dynamics. The $101,870 average in Memphis positions the city competitively for the region, though salary levels vary significantly based on industry, employer size, and individual qualifications.

Data scientists in major tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle typically command higher salaries due to cost of living and concentrated tech industry presence. However, Memphis offers a lower cost of living than these markets, which can make the effective purchasing power of a data scientist’s salary more favorable.

Cost of Living Context

Memphis has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to national tech hubs, which is an important consideration when evaluating the $101,870 average salary. While specific current rent and housing data was not included in the latest dataset, Memphis is known for lower housing costs than the national average, meaning a data scientist’s salary stretches further here than in coastal tech markets.

When considering relocation or employment in Memphis, factor in:

• Housing affordability: Memphis consistently ranks among more affordable major metros
• No state income tax on wages: Tennessee does not tax wages, providing additional take-home pay compared to high-tax states
• Regional job market: Growing tech sector with companies investing in data science roles

Job Outlook for Data Scientists in Memphis

Data science remains one of the fastest-growing occupations nationally. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong demand for data-related roles through 2034, driven by:

• Increased reliance on data analytics across industries
• Growth in artificial intelligence and machine learning applications
• Expansion of business intelligence functions
• Digital transformation initiatives across sectors

Memphis, as part of the broader Southeast tech expansion, is seeing growing demand for data science talent. Companies in healthcare, logistics, financial services, and manufacturing in the region increasingly seek data scientists to drive decision-making and operational efficiency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level data scientists in Memphis typically earn less than the $101,870 average, though specific entry-level percentile data was not available in the current dataset. Typically, data scientists with 0-2 years of experience earn 20-30% below the mean. Based on the $101,870 average, entry-level positions likely start in the $70,000-$80,000 range, but this can vary based on education, certifications, and employer.

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

Memphis is Tennessee’s largest metro area and offers competitive data science salaries. Nashville, as the state capital with a growing tech scene, may offer slightly different compensation. Without comparative data for other Tennessee cities in the current dataset, the best approach is to check BLS OEWS data for Nashville MSA (35620) and Knoxville MSA (27740) for direct comparisons.

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

For many data scientists, Memphis presents an attractive opportunity. The $101,870 average salary, combined with Tennessee’s lack of state income tax on wages and lower cost of living, can result in strong purchasing power and quality of life. If you’re currently in a high-cost-of-living area, a Memphis data science role may offer comparable or better effective compensation. Consider the specific employer, role responsibilities, career growth opportunities, and personal factors like proximity to family and preferred lifestyle.

What industries hire data scientists in Memphis?

Memphis has a diverse economy with particular strength in logistics (FedEx headquarters), healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing. These sectors actively recruit data scientists for roles in supply chain optimization, patient outcomes analysis, risk modeling, and process improvement. The healthcare sector, in particular, is a major employer of data professionals in Memphis.

How can I negotiate a higher data scientist salary in Memphis?

Leverage the $101,870 average as a baseline in negotiations. Emphasize specialized skills (machine learning, cloud platforms, industry-specific expertise), relevant certifications, and measurable impact from previous roles. Given Tennessee’s competitive talent market and the growing demand for data science skills, candidates with strong portfolios and proven results have negotiating power above the average.

What skills command premium salaries for data scientists in Memphis?

Data scientists with expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), advanced machine learning, Python/R proficiency, and domain knowledge in high-value industries (healthcare, financial services, logistics) typically earn above the $101,870 average. Additionally, leadership experience and the ability to communicate insights to non-technical stakeholders are highly valued.

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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: This salary data is based on public sources from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and represents averages for the Memphis MSA. Actual compensation varies based on employer, experience, education, skills, and market conditions. This information is for educational purposes and should not be considered financial or career advice. Always verify current salary data with multiple sources and consult with career professionals for personalized guidance.