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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research And Development Scientist in Tennessee is $108,138 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Research And Development Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Research And Development Scientist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $116,829 | $9,736 | $2,247 | $56 |
| Average | $108,138 | $9,012 | $2,080 | $52 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,238 | $8,270 | $1,908 | $48 |
Community Health Center, Inc - Helenwood, TN
Stratas Foods - Memphis, TN
Educational Media Foundation - K-LOVE & Air1 - Franklin, TN
Confidential - Nashville, TN
A Research And Development Scientist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Research And Development Scientist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Research And Development Scientist | $107,274 |
| Intermediate Level Research And Development Scientist | $107,521 |
| Senior Level Research And Development Scientist | $108,510 |
| Specialist Level Research And Development Scientist | $112,783 |
| Expert Level Research And Development Scientist | $114,876 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Research And Development Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Research And Development Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Research And Development Scientist positions in Telecom or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research And Development Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $162,208 | $78.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Research And Development Scientist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $116,829 | $9,736 | $2,247 | $56 |
| Average | $108,138 | $9,012 | $2,080 | $52 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,238 | $8,270 | $1,908 | $48 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Research And Development Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
August Bioservices
Nashville, TN
August Bioservices | Nashville, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Senior Scientist at August Bio will be responsible for leading complex research and development activities in the pharma... more
10 Days Ago
Rhodes College
Memphis, TN
Rhodes College | Memphis, TN
Job Title:Associate Director of Development Operations - ResearchDepartment:VP DevelopmentJob Description:The Associate Director of Development Operations ... more
9 Days Ago
Satellite Industries
MAPLE PLAIN, MN
Satellite Industries | MAPLE PLAIN, MN
Satellite Industries is seeking a hands-on Research and Development Technician to support design, testing, and improvement of portable sanitation products.... more
14 Days Ago
Satellite Industries
MEDICINE LAKE, MN
Satellite Industries | MEDICINE LAKE, MN
Satellite Industries is seeking a hands-on Research and Development Technician to support design, testing, and improvement of portable sanitation products.... more
16 Days Ago
Satellite Industries
SOUTH SAINT PAUL, MN
Satellite Industries | SOUTH SAINT PAUL, MN
Satellite Industries is seeking a hands-on Research and Development Technician to support design, testing, and improvement of portable sanitation products.... more
16 Days Ago
Satellite Industries
OSSEO, MN
Satellite Industries | OSSEO, MN
Satellite Industries is seeking a hands-on Research and Development Technician to support design, testing, and improvement of portable sanitation products.... more
16 Days Ago
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