In the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $70,870. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different industry focus compared to more densely populated or specialized areas. The local compensation landscape is shaped by the specific demands and economic drivers unique to this nonmetropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $118,550.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in South Central Tennessee appears to be moderately concentrated, with a total local workforce of 380 individuals in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.36 indicates that these roles are less prevalent here than the national average, suggesting a niche presence rather than a dominant sector. While the absolute number of jobs per 1,000 workers (3.344) provides a snapshot of employment density, the lower concentration implies that opportunities may be more specialized or less abundant compared to national trends.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-22.8%below the national average.
$34.1
$1,363
$5,906
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and occupation group is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for scientific expertise, advancements in research and development, and a general rise in the cost of living, which necessitates higher compensation to attract and retain talent.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior scientists, researchers, and lead professionals command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in compensation clearly signify career progression, with mid-career professionals earning more than their junior counterparts and experienced leaders reaching the highest salary brackets, reflecting accumulated knowledge, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $40,310 | $19.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $53,153 | $25.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $61,520 | $29.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $88,588 | $42.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $118,550 | $57 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $70,870 in South Central Tennessee's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of this salary within the region is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average for this occupation, the stable cost of living suggests that the take-home pay should offer a comparable standard of living to the national average, making it a potentially attractive proposition for those prioritizing affordability.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
3.344
Per 1K Jobs
0.36
Location Quotient
At 0.36x, South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has a notably lower concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.36, the market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in South Central Tennessee's nonmetropolitan area is significantly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that these roles are not a primary industry driver in the region and that the job market may be less competitive in terms of the sheer number of available positions relative to the workforce. Professionals in this field might find fewer opportunities but potentially less direct competition for specialized roles compared to more saturated national markets.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $83,910↑ 18% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $79,920↑ 13% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $95,140↑ 34% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $77,640↑ 10% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $75,070↑ 6% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $70,870. This typically ranges from $40,310 for entry-level positions to $118,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 22.8% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $70,870 is substantially lower than the national average of $91,840, and the occupation group is less concentrated in the region.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($83,910) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local salary compare to the national average for these science roles?
The average annual salary of $70,870 in South Central Tennessee is approximately 23% lower than the national average of $91,840 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations.
What does the Location Quotient of 0.36 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.36 signifies that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are less prevalent in South Central Tennessee compared to the national average, suggesting a more specialized or limited job market.
How does the Cost of Living in South Central Tennessee affect the salary's value?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, matching the national average, the $70,870 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, mitigating the impact of the lower nominal wage.
What is the total number of workers in these science fields locally?
There are approximately 380 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.344 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area