Science & Research Murfreesboro, TN Pop. 152,769

Physicist Salary in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

The median physicist salary in Murfreesboro, TN is $140,236 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$140,236
vs State Avg
+$4,573
vs National
$-12,194
Cost of Living
92%

Physicist Pay in Murfreesboro: What to Expect (2026)

Murfreesboro offers a median physicist salary of $140,236, which is $4,573 above the Tennessee state average of $135,663. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Murfreesboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Murfreesboro's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physicists in Murfreesboro spans from $71,760 at the 10th percentile to $218,960 at the 90th percentile — a $147,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,440, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $202,400. With a population of 152,769, Murfreesboro is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Murfreesboro by Experience

In Murfreesboro, an entry-level physicist earns around $75,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,600
$-12,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Murfreesboro, TN

Percentile Murfreesboro
10th Percentile $71,760
25th Percentile $99,360
Median (50th) $140,236
75th Percentile $179,400
90th Percentile $218,960

Physicist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Murfreesboro

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Murfreesboro and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Murfreesboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Murfreesboro

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Murfreesboro

How much does a Physicist make in Murfreesboro, TN? ▼
The median physicist salary in Murfreesboro, Tennessee is $140,236 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $71,760 (10th percentile) to $218,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Murfreesboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,236, a physicist in Murfreesboro earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Murfreesboro compare to the Tennessee state average for physicist pay? ▼
Murfreesboro's median physicist salary of $140,236 is 3.4% above the Tennessee state average of $135,663. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Murfreesboro, TN? ▼
Murfreesboro has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $140,236 in Murfreesboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Murfreesboro? ▼
Most physicist positions in Murfreesboro require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.