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
$172,250
$14,354/mo
Entry Level
$93,200
starting pay
Senior Level
$215,000
experienced
Job Growth
+8%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Physicists (SOC 19-2012) at a national median of $172,250 per year (mean $171,180), or $82.81 per hour, with 20,430 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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
$82.81/hr
Monthly Pay
$14,354
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
$174,000
$14,500/month · $6,692/biweekly · $83.65/hr
Physicist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Physicist field.
Entry-level Physicists earn around $93,200, while the top 10% earn $249,300 or more.
Top Paying States for Physicists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $203,000 | +$30,750 |
| New York | $198,000 | +$25,750 |
| Massachusetts | $193,000 | +$20,750 |
| Maryland | $186,000 | +$13,750 |
| Illinois | $179,000 | +$6,750 |
Top Paying Cities for Physicists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $215,000 | +$42,750 |
| Bethesda | $203,000 | +$30,750 |
| New York | $203,000 | +$30,750 |
| Boston | $193,000 | +$20,750 |
| Chicago | $181,000 | +$8,750 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Physicist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Physicist from entry level to expert.
$93,200
0-2 years
$154,000
3-7 years
$215,000
8-14 years
$283,600
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Physicist Salary FAQ
How much does a Physicist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Physicist in the United States is $172,250 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Physicists (SOC 19-2012); the mean is $171,180. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $93,200, senior professionals around $215,000, and top earners at $283,600 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Physicist?
A Physicist typically requires a Doctoral Degree (PhD) with 2-5 years postdoc of experience. Key skills include Quantum Mechanics, Data Analysis, MATLAB. Relevant certifications such as PhD in Physics or Postdoctoral Training can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Physicists?
The job market for Physicists is projected to grow by 8% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 20K Physicist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 17%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Physicists the most?
The highest-paying states for Physicists include California, Maryland, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $203,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Physicist salary?
To increase your Physicist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Quantum Mechanics and Data Analysis. Pursue certifications such as PhD in Physics. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Francisco. With 2-5 years postdoc of experience, you can progress from $93,200 to $215,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Physicist Salary
How we calculate Physicist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Physicists (SOC 19-2012), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $172,250, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Physicists; BLS mean $171,180; BLS hourly median $82.81.
- Entry-level ($93,200) and senior-level ($215,000) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +8% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 20,430 Physicists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 17% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Doctoral Degree (PhD), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $172,250; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Physicist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physicist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Science
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Physicist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Quantum Mechanics, Data Analysis, MATLAB), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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