Political Scientist Salary in Memphis, TN — 2026
Political Scientist salary data for Memphis, TN — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
The median Political Scientist salary in Memphis, TN is $116,100 per year ($9,675/month, $56/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 86, which is 14% below the national average.
Political Scientist Take-Home Pay in Memphis
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $116,100 |
| Federal Tax | -$16,712 |
| State Tax (0.0%) | -$0 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$8,882 |
| Annual Take-Home | $90,506 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $7,542 |
Living Cost Comparison
Political Scientist Requirements
Key Skills
Memphis Job Market Overview
Memphis, Tennessee has a population of 633,104 and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The top industries are Logistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing. The local job growth rate is 1.0%, and the average commute time is 24 minutes.
Related Science Salaries in Memphis
Political Scientist Salary in Nearby Tennessee Cities
Salary Percentile Breakdown — Political Scientist in Memphis
Based on the cost-of-living-adjusted distribution for Political Scientist in Memphis, TN, here's how earnings break down across the workforce:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent | Career Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th (lowest) | $50,740 | $24/hr | Entry-level, < 1 yr exp. |
| 25th | $83,420 | $40/hr | Junior, 1-3 yrs exp. |
| 50th (median) | $116,100 | $56/hr | Mid-career, 3-5 years |
| 75th | $130,720 | $63/hr | Senior, 5-10 yrs exp. |
| 90th (top) | $154,800 | $74/hr | Lead/Principal, 10+ yrs |
Percentiles estimated using a log-normal salary distribution model calibrated to Political Scientist compensation data. Top earners (P90) typically include managers, specialists with rare skills, or those at high-paying employers in Memphis's Logistics sector.
5-Year Salary Trajectory
Political Scientist salaries in Memphis have grown approximately 12.0% over the past 5 years, outpacing local CPI inflation in many cases. Here's the historical and projected trajectory:
Year-over-year, an average Political Scientist can expect a 14.5% annual increase moving from entry to senior level over 7 years in Memphis. Negotiation, certifications (PhD in Political Science), and changing employers strategically can accelerate this trajectory.
Memphis vs National Average
The national median Political Scientist salary is $135,000. In Memphis, the cost-of-living-adjusted median of $116,100 is 14.0% below the national figure. This reflects Memphis's cost of living index of 86 (lower than the national average of 100).
For Political Scientists, this means: rent typically consumes 13.3% of take-home pay (households spending >30% are considered affordable), and a median home in Memphis costs about 1.9× annual take-home. Homeownership is relatively attainable on this salary in Memphis.
Industry Context: Logistics in Memphis
Memphis's economy is anchored by Logistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing, with 633,104 residents and 4.2% unemployment as of 2026. Political Scientists working in the Logistics sector typically earn at or above the local median due to industry-specific demand. The state's overall job growth rate is 1.0%, and Political Scientist occupations specifically are projected to grow 6.0% nationally through 2034 (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook).
Methodology & Data Sources
How we calculate Political Scientist salaries in Memphis, TN:
- Base salary model starts with Salario occupation data and public wage references, including BLS OEWS and O*NET when a direct or related occupational crosswalk is available. For niche titles, we do not treat a broader SOC family as an exact job-title wage.
- Cost-of-living adjustment applied using the Memphis index of 86 relative to the national baseline of 100, with local rent, home price, unemployment, and tax inputs checked separately.
- Percentile distribution (P10-P90) estimated from the entry, median, senior, and top compensation tiers in the Salario salary model rather than claimed as exact employer payroll data.
- Take-home pay calculated using 2026 federal tax brackets (10%-37%), TN state income tax of 0.0%, and FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%).
- Tax brackets and standard deduction ($16,100 single filer for tax year 2026) sourced from IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 and updated annually.
Authoritative data sources:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — national and metro-area salary data
- O*NET OnLine — occupation tasks, alternate job titles, skills, and SOC crosswalks
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — occupation outlook where a matching profile is available
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation and cost-of-living data
- U.S. Census Bureau — Memphis QuickFacts — population and demographic data
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
- BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics — Memphis unemployment rate
Last reviewed: 2026. Salary data updated annually as new BLS releases become available. Political Scientist salaries can vary significantly based on employer, sector (Logistics vs others in Memphis), specific skill set (Policy Analysis, Research Methods, Statistics), and individual negotiation. Always verify current compensation through multiple sources before making career decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Political Scientist salary in Memphis, TN?
How much does a Political Scientist take home in Memphis after taxes?
Is Memphis a good city for Political Scientists?
What skills are needed for a Political Scientist in Memphis?
How does Political Scientist salary in Memphis compare to the national average?
Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay
Use our free paycheck calculator to see your after-tax income based on your specific salary, deductions, and filing status.
Calculate NowExplore More
Across Our Network
- Levyio: Federal Tax Bracket Calculator — see take-home on this salary
- DegreeCalc: College Majors ROI Ranking — what degrees lead to this salary path
- Amortio: Home Affordability — what home you can buy on this income
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Political Scientist salary in Memphis, TN?
The median Political Scientist salary in Memphis, TN is $116,100 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 86. Entry-level Political Scientists earn around $50,740, while senior-level professionals can earn $130,720 or more.
How much does a Political Scientist take home in Memphis after taxes?
A Political Scientist earning the median salary of $116,100 in Memphis, TN takes home approximately $90,506 per year ($7,542/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 22.0%.
Is Memphis a good city for Political Scientists?
Memphis, TN has a cost of living index of 86 (below national average). Political Scientists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Logistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing.
What skills are needed for a Political Scientist in Memphis?
Key skills for Political Scientists include Policy Analysis, Research Methods, Statistics, Writing, Public Speaking. Typical education requirement is Doctoral Degree (PhD). Valuable certifications include PhD in Political Science.
How does Political Scientist salary in Memphis compare to the national average?
The national median Political Scientist salary is $135,000. In Memphis, the adjusted salary is $116,100, which is 14.0% lower than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.