What is the entry-level Physicist salary?

Entry-level Physicists typically start around $78,000 per year, rising toward $142,740 with experience.

What is the highest Physicist salary?

Experienced Physicists can earn around $205,000 per year or more, depending on location, employer, and specialization.

What education does a Physicist need?

Most Physicist roles require a Doctorate degree. Job demand is projected to grow 5% — about as fast as average.

Science · US Salary

Physicist Salary

Median $142,740/yr · about $68.63/hr

Entry-level

$78,000

Median (typical)

$142,740

Experienced

$205,000

Job growth

+5%

about as fast as average

Education

Doctorate

Field

Science

How much does a Physicist make?

The typical Physicist in the United States earns a median salary of $142,740 per year — roughly $68.63 per hour. Pay ranges from about $78,000 for entry-level roles to $205,000 for experienced professionals.

Demand for Physicists is projected to change by 5% over the next decade (about as fast as average). Most positions require a Doctorate degree. Actual pay varies with location, industry, and employer — use our take-home pay calculator to estimate your after-tax income by state.

Physicist Salary — FAQ

How much does a Physicist make?: The median Physicist salary in the US is $142,740 per year, which is about $68.63 per hour (at 2,080 hours/year).
What is the entry-level Physicist salary?: Entry-level Physicists typically start around $78,000 per year, rising toward $142,740 with experience.
What is the highest Physicist salary?: Experienced Physicists can earn around $205,000 per year or more, depending on location, employer, and specialization.
What education does a Physicist need?: Most Physicist roles require a Doctorate degree. Job demand is projected to grow 5% — about as fast as average.

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