Physicist Salary in 2026
Physicists explore the fundamental properties of matter, energy, and the forces of nature. They conduct experiments, develop theories, and apply physics to solve practical problems.
Median Salary
$133,000
$11,083/mo
Entry Level
$72,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$166,000
experienced
Job Growth
+8%
10-yr outlook
Physicist Overview
Physicists explore the fundamental properties of matter, energy, and the forces of nature. They conduct experiments, develop theories, and apply physics to solve practical problems.
Education
Doctoral Degree (PhD)
Experience
2-5 years postdoc
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
20K
5-Year Growth
+17%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$63.94/hr
Monthly Pay
$11,083
Physicist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Physicist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Physicist Salary
$134,000
$11,167/month · $5,154/biweekly · $64.42/hr
Physicist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Physicist field.
Entry-level Physicists earn around $72,000, while the top 10% earn $192,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Physicists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $157,000 | +$24,000 |
| New York | $153,000 | +$20,000 |
| Massachusetts | $149,000 | +$16,000 |
| Maryland | $144,000 | +$11,000 |
| Illinois | $138,000 | +$5,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Physicists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $166,000 | +$33,000 |
| Bethesda | $157,000 | +$24,000 |
| New York | $157,000 | +$24,000 |
| Boston | $149,000 | +$16,000 |
| Chicago | $140,000 | +$7,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Physicist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Physicist from entry level to expert.
$72,000
0-2 years
$119,000
3-7 years
$166,000
8-14 years
$219,000
15+ years
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