Data Scientist Salary in Nashville 2026

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Nashville: Full Breakdown

Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data from 2024, the data scientist role in Nashville commands a solid mid-career salary. The $123,580 annual mean reflects strong demand for analytics talent in Tennessee’s largest metro area, which has emerged as a growing tech hub beyond its traditional music and entertainment economy.

For context, this salary level positions data scientists in Nashville as well-compensated professionals, typically earning more than the median household income in the region while remaining competitive with national standards for the occupation.

Cost of Living Context

Nashville has experienced significant growth over the past decade, attracting tech talent and remote workers. Understanding how your data scientist salary translates to actual purchasing power requires comparing it to local cost-of-living factors.

The Nashville metropolitan area includes several notable cities where data scientists may live and work:

• Franklin — upscale suburb south of Nashville
• Murfreesboro — college town with growing tech presence
• Brentwood — affluent residential area
• Hendersonville — suburban community north of Nashville

When evaluating a $123,580 salary offer in Nashville, consider that:

• Tennessee has no state income tax, which effectively increases take-home pay compared to high-tax states
• The cost of living in Nashville is moderate relative to major tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, or Boston
• Housing costs have risen significantly in recent years, particularly in desirable neighborhoods and nearby suburbs

This tax advantage means a Nashville data scientist keeps more of their gross salary than counterparts in states with income tax, making the effective purchasing power of $123,580 higher than the nominal figure suggests.

Salary Trends and Market Dynamics

The data scientist field has experienced rapid growth over the past several years as organizations across industries prioritize data-driven decision-making. Nashville, in particular, has diversified its economy beyond tourism and music, with healthcare systems, financial services, and technology companies establishing significant operations in the region.

The 2024 BLS salary figure of $123,580 reflects this demand. Data scientist positions typically require:

• Bachelor’s degree minimum (often in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering)
• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) increasingly common for senior roles
• 2-5 years of experience typical for mid-level positions commanding the average salary

Entry-level data scientists in Nashville may expect lower compensation, while senior roles and those involving machine learning specialization command premiums above the average.

Top Skills and Specializations

Data scientists in Nashville work across diverse sectors:

• Healthcare analytics — driven by HCA Healthcare and Vanderbilt Medical Center
• Financial services — including banking and insurance operations
• Music and entertainment technology — streaming and production analytics
• Manufacturing and logistics — supply chain optimization

Specializations in machine learning, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and advanced statistical modeling typically correlate with higher salaries within the Nashville market.

Job Outlook and Growth

The data science field continues to expand as organizations recognize the value of data-driven insights. Nashville’s growing tech ecosystem means increasing opportunities for data scientists across multiple industries and company sizes, from startups to established enterprises.

Remote work capabilities in data science roles also expand the Nashville market beyond geographic boundaries, allowing local professionals to access positions nationwide while enjoying the cost-of-living advantages of the region.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level data scientists in Nashville typically start below the $123,580 average, generally ranging from $85,000 to $105,000 annually depending on education level (bachelor’s vs. master’s degree) and specific skills. Those with advanced degrees or relevant internship experience may command higher entry-level offers. The average reflects mid-career professionals with several years of experience.

How does a data scientist salary in Nashville compare to the national average?

The national average salary for data scientists (SOC 15-2051) is comparable to Nashville’s $123,580 figure, though exact national figures vary by data source and year. Nashville’s lack of state income tax provides a significant advantage over high-tax states, making the effective compensation more competitive than the nominal salary suggests. Tech hub cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York typically offer higher nominal salaries but face substantially higher cost-of-living expenses.

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

Nashville presents several compelling advantages for data scientists: no state income tax (effectively a 5-9% raise compared to most states), moderate cost of living relative to major tech centers, a growing tech ecosystem, and quality of life factors including music and culture. However, relocation decisions depend on individual priorities. If you’re currently in a lower-paying market, Nashville’s $123,580 average may represent a significant increase. If you’re leaving a high-salary tech hub, the nominal decrease may be offset by tax savings and lower expenses. Consider total compensation, including benefits, remote work flexibility, and career growth opportunities within Nashville’s expanding tech community.

What industries hire the most data scientists in Nashville?

Healthcare, financial services, and music/entertainment technology are primary employers. Nashville’s status as a healthcare hub (home to HCA Healthcare and Vanderbilt) creates substantial demand for healthcare data scientists. The financial services sector, including banking and insurance operations, also employs significant numbers. Emerging opportunities exist in music technology, streaming analytics, and entertainment industry data roles.

What qualifications do I need to earn the average $123,580 salary in Nashville?

Most data scientists earning the average salary hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field (computer science, statistics, mathematics, engineering) plus 3-5 years of professional experience. Many employers prefer or require a master’s degree in data science, statistics, or related fields. Technical proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and machine learning frameworks is standard. Advanced skills in cloud platforms, deep learning, or specialized domains (healthcare, finance) typically command premium compensation above the average.

Are remote data scientist positions available in Nashville?

Yes, Nashville’s growing tech ecosystem includes remote opportunities. Many companies hire Nashville-based data scientists for fully remote roles, allowing professionals to access national and international job markets while maintaining residence in Nashville. This flexibility is particularly valuable given Tennessee’s tax advantages and moderate cost of living.

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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 article presents salary information based on public data sources including the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual compensation varies based on experience, education, specific skills, employer, and market conditions. This content is informational only and should not be considered financial or career advice. Always verify current salary data and consult with career professionals before making employment decisions.