Physicist Salary in Seattle, WA
Physicist salary data for Seattle, WA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Physicist Salary in Seattle, WA — 2026
The median Physicist salary in Seattle, WA is $202,160 per year ($16,847/month, $97/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 152, which is 52% above the national average.
Physicist Take-Home Pay in Seattle
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $202,160 |
| Federal Tax | -$37,765 |
| State Tax (0.0%) | -$0 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$13,850 |
| Annual Take-Home | $150,545 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $12,545 |
Living Cost Comparison
Physicist Requirements
Key Skills
Seattle Job Market Overview
Seattle, Washington has a population of 737,015 and an unemployment rate of 3.0%. The top industries are Technology, Healthcare, Aerospace. The local job growth rate is 2.8%, and the average commute time is 28 minutes.
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Physicist Salary in Nearby Washington Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physicist salary in Seattle, WA?
How much does a Physicist take home in Seattle after taxes?
Is Seattle a good city for Physicists?
What skills are needed for a Physicist in Seattle?
How does Physicist salary in Seattle compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physicist salary in Seattle, WA?
The median Physicist salary in Seattle, WA is $202,160 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 152. Entry-level Physicists earn around $109,440, while senior-level professionals can earn $252,320 or more.
How much does a Physicist take home in Seattle after taxes?
A Physicist earning the median salary of $202,160 in Seattle, WA takes home approximately $150,545 per year ($12,545/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 25.5%.
Is Seattle a good city for Physicists?
Seattle, WA has a cost of living index of 152 (above national average). Physicists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.0% and top industries include Technology, Healthcare, Aerospace.
What skills are needed for a Physicist in Seattle?
Key skills for Physicists include Quantum Mechanics, Data Analysis, MATLAB, Computational Physics, Research. Typical education requirement is Doctoral Degree (PhD). Valuable certifications include PhD in Physics, Postdoctoral Training.
How does Physicist salary in Seattle compare to the national average?
The national median Physicist salary is $133,000. In Seattle, the adjusted salary is $202,160, which is 52.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.