Physicist Salary in the United States
Based on 21K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$149,537
$71.893/hr
▲ 5.2% vs 2023Salary Range
$96K – $227K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
21K
workers nationwide
Physicist salary in the United States reflects a highly specialized field with strong compensation. The median annual salary for physicists is $149,537, with approximately 21,080 workers currently employed in this profession. This represents competitive pay for advanced research and technical positions requiring extensive education and expertise in theoretical or experimental physics.
Several factors influence physicist salary in the United States, including geographic location, employer type, and experience level. Those working in federal research facilities or private industry typically earn more than academic positions, while specialized fields like quantum computing or particle physics may command premium salaries. Years of experience, advanced degrees, and published research contributions also significantly impact earning potential within this demanding career path.
Salary Distribution — Physicist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $95,970 |
| 25th percentile | $146,310 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $149,537 |
| 75th percentile | $231,510 |
| 90th percentile | $226,750 |
Physicist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Physicist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota | $222,550 | +48.8% | 60 |
| 2 | Florida | $209,020 | +39.8% | 240 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | $208,470 | +39.4% | 540 |
| 4 | Arizona | $190,960 | +27.7% | 70 |
| 5 | Oregon | $183,860 | +23.0% | 120 |
| 6 | California | $180,900 | +21.0% | 6K |
| 7 | Missouri | $180,450 | +20.7% | 90 |
| 8 | New Hampshire | $179,440 | +20.0% | 30 |
| 9 | New Mexico | $175,960 | +17.7% | 770 |
| 10 | New York | $174,160 | +16.5% | 1K |
Historical Salary Trend — Physicist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $149,537 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make per hour in the United States?
- Physicists in the United States earn a median hourly wage of $72/hour. This translates to an annual median salary of $149,537, though hourly rates can vary based on experience, location, and employer type.
What is the salary range for physicists in the US?
- Physicist salaries in the United States range from $95,970 to $226,750 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, specialization, geographic location, and industry sector.
Which city pays physicists the most in America?
- Minnesota is the top paying city for physicists in the United States, with an average salary of $222,550 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median salary of $149,537.
How many physicists are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 21,080 physicists currently employed in the United States. This represents the total workforce in the physics profession across all sectors and regions.