Data Scientist Salary in Nashville 2025

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Nashville: Full Overview

Nashville’s data science market is growing as the city diversifies its economy beyond healthcare and entertainment. The $123,580 annual mean salary positions Nashville competitively for mid-sized tech markets in the Southeast.

Key Context: This salary reflects the mean (average) across all experience levels in the Nashville metro area. The BLS OEWS survey captures wage data from employer reports, making it the most reliable public source for occupational salary information.

What You Need to Know About This Figure

The $123,580 figure represents the average across all data scientists in the Nashville metro, including:

• Entry-level positions (typically 0–2 years experience)
• Mid-career roles (3–8 years)
• Senior and leadership positions (8+ years)

For a more granular understanding of how experience affects earnings, data scientists early in their careers typically earn toward the lower end of the range, while those with 10+ years of experience and specialized skills command significantly higher compensation.

Cost of Living Context

Nashville’s cost of living is moderate compared to major tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, or New York, which makes the $123,580 salary particularly attractive for data scientists relocating from high-cost regions.

Housing and Rental Market

Nashville has experienced rapid growth in recent years, which has impacted housing costs. While specific median rent data for 2025 was not available in the current dataset, Nashville remains significantly more affordable than coastal tech centers. The broader Nashville metro area includes more affordable suburbs like Murfreesboro and Hendersonville, which offer lower housing costs while maintaining reasonable commutes to downtown employment centers.

Take-Home Pay Considerations

At $123,580 annually, a data scientist’s gross monthly income is approximately $10,298. After federal, state (Tennessee has no state income tax—a significant advantage), and local taxes, typical take-home pay ranges from $7,500–$8,200 monthly, depending on deductions and filing status.

Notable Metro Areas and Nearby Cities

The Nashville MSA includes several employment hubs:

• Franklin: Growing tech and corporate sector, slightly lower average salaries than downtown Nashville
• Murfreesboro: Home to Middle Tennessee State University, emerging tech startup scene
• Brentwood: Affluent suburb with corporate headquarters, competitive salaries
• Hendersonville: More affordable option with increasing remote work opportunities

Data scientists should consider that while salaries may vary slightly across these cities, the metro-wide average of $123,580 reflects opportunities across the entire region. Remote work has increasingly blurred geographic salary boundaries, with many Nashville-based employers offering hybrid or fully remote positions.

Job Outlook and Career Growth

Data science remains one of the fastest-growing occupational fields in the United States. Nashville’s growing healthcare, finance, and tech sectors are driving demand for data professionals. The city’s status as a major healthcare hub—home to HCA Healthcare, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and numerous health-tech startups—creates substantial opportunities for data scientists specializing in healthcare analytics.

Key growth drivers in Nashville include:

• Healthcare Analytics: Major medical institutions investing in data-driven decision-making
• Financial Services: Growing fintech and banking sector presence
• Music and Entertainment Tech: Streaming and digital content companies
• Logistics and Supply Chain: Distribution and e-commerce operations

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical starting salary for a data scientist in Nashville?

Entry-level data scientists (0–2 years experience) in Nashville typically earn between $85,000–$105,000 annually. The $123,580 average includes experienced professionals, so new graduates or those transitioning into the field should expect compensation toward the lower end of the overall range. Many entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field, though some employers accept candidates with bootcamp certifications and strong portfolios.

How does Nashville’s data scientist salary compare to other tech hubs?

Nashville’s $123,580 average is competitive for a secondary tech market. It’s significantly lower than San Francisco ($160,000+) or Seattle ($145,000+), but comparable to or slightly higher than Austin, Charlotte, and other emerging tech cities. For data scientists, this means Nashville offers a cost-of-living advantage—your salary stretches further due to lower housing costs and no state income tax in Tennessee. This makes Nashville particularly attractive for professionals seeking quality of life alongside competitive compensation.

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

Relocation to Nashville can be financially advantageous, especially if you’re coming from a high-cost coastal city. Tennessee’s lack of state income tax effectively increases your take-home pay by 5–7% compared to states with income taxes. The growing job market, lower cost of living, and quality-of-life factors (affordable housing, no extreme weather, vibrant culture) make Nashville increasingly popular with remote workers and relocating professionals. However, if you’re moving from a lower-cost region, carefully compare the salary increase against cost-of-living changes.

What skills command the highest salaries for data scientists in Nashville?

While the dataset doesn’t break down salaries by specific technical skills, data scientists with expertise in healthcare analytics, machine learning engineering, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) typically earn above the metro average. Certifications in specialized areas and experience with regulated industries (healthcare, finance) often correlate with higher compensation.

How often do data scientist salaries increase in Nashville?

The BLS data represents a point-in-time snapshot (2024). Year-over-year salary growth in data science typically ranges from 3–8%, depending on experience level, performance, and market conditions. Data scientists with in-demand skills and those moving between companies often see larger increases (10–15%) than those staying in the same role. Nashville’s growing tech sector suggests healthy wage growth for the profession.

What education do I need to become a data scientist in Nashville?

The typical education for data science roles is a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, economics, or engineering. Many employers also accept master’s degrees in data science, which can lead to higher starting salaries. Increasingly, bootcamp graduates and self-taught professionals with strong portfolios and demonstrable skills are hired, particularly by startups and smaller companies.

---

Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC Code: 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations). Nashville MSA Code: 34980.

Disclaimer: This article presents salary data from public sources and is provided for informational purposes only. Actual compensation varies based on employer, experience, education, skills, and market conditions. This is not financial or career advice. Always verify current salary data with multiple sources and consult with industry professionals before making career decisions.

Last updated: April 10, 2026