Physicist Salary in the United States
Based on 20K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$153,763
$73.92/hr
▲ 2.8% vs 2024Salary Range
$86K – $258K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
20K
workers nationwide
The median salary for a Physicist in the United States is $153,763 per year, which equates to approximately $74 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for those in this specialized scientific field. The total number of employed physicists in the US is around 20,040, indicating a specialized but established career path.
Several factors significantly influence a Physicist salary in the United States. Experience level plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions offering less than experienced professionals. The specific industry, geographic location, and the advanced degrees or certifications held by the individual can also lead to substantial variations in earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Physicist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $85,528 |
| 25th percentile | $110,520 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $153,763 |
| 75th percentile | $209,874 |
| 90th percentile | $257,731 |
Physicist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Physicist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida | $225,390 | +46.6% | 340 |
| 2 | New Hampshire | $214,030 | +39.2% | 30 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | $210,990 | +37.2% | 230 |
| 4 | California | $207,490 | +34.9% | 6K |
| 5 | Oregon | $200,320 | +30.3% | 90 |
| 6 | Oklahoma | $200,050 | +30.1% | 40 |
| 7 | Texas | $184,040 | +19.7% | 580 |
| 8 | New York | $181,970 | +18.3% | 1K |
| 9 | Kentucky | $180,910 | +17.7% | 50 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $180,300 | +17.3% | 60 |
Physicist Salary by Industry
How much Physicists earn across industries nationwide — Health Care and Social Assistance pays the most ($239,360 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $239,360 | +55.7% | 3K |
| 2 | Wholesale Trade | $219,010 | +42.4% | — |
| 3 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $213,780 | +39.0% | 50 |
| 4 | Administrative and Support Services | $210,530 | +36.9% | — |
| 5 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $176,170 | +14.6% | 10K |
| 6 | Manufacturing | $161,380 | +5.0% | 800 |
| 7 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $138,470 | -9.9% | 3K |
| 8 | Utilities | $110,390 | -28.2% | 50 |
| 9 | Educational Services | $103,590 | -32.6% | 3K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Physicist
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Physicist roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brookhaven National Laboratory | $124,200 | 123 |
| 2 | Fermi Forward Discovery Group | $99,362 | 22 |
| 3 | Ut-Battelle (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) | $120,635 | 19 |
| 4 | University Of Maryland College Park | $75,750 | 19 |
| 5 | The Trustees Of Princeton University | $97,000 | 13 |
| 6 | Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory | $168,408 | 12 |
| 7 | Michigan State University | $98,608 | 11 |
| 8 | Harvard University | $71,152 | 10 |
Historical Salary Trend — Physicist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $158,108 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Physicist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $110,520 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $153,763 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $209,874 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $257,731 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Physicist in the US?
- The salary range for a Physicist in the United States typically falls between $85,528 and $257,731 annually. This wide spectrum reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer.
Which states offer the highest salaries for Physicists?
- Florida currently stands out as the top-paying state for Physicists, with a reported median salary of $225,390 per year. Other states may also offer competitive compensation, but Florida leads in this data set.
How does the median physicist salary compare to the hourly rate?
- The median Physicist salary in the US is $153,763 annually. This translates to an hourly rate of approximately $74, assuming a standard full-time work schedule.
Is the number of employed physicists in the US substantial?
- There are approximately 20,040 Physicists employed in the United States. While this may seem like a niche field, it represents a dedicated workforce within scientific research and development.