Physicist Salary in Alabama
Based on 280+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$139,330
$66.99/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
-9.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$74K – $228K
280 employed in Alabama
The median physicist salary in Alabama is $114,690 per year, according to recent labor data. This reflects compensation for approximately 360 physicists currently working in the state. However, this median falls notably below the national average, positioning Alabama's physicist salaries at a competitive disadvantage compared to other regions across the United States.
Physicist salary in Alabama varies significantly based on several factors, including employer type, experience level, and specialization. Research institutions, universities, and government laboratories typically offer different compensation packages than private industry positions. Geographic location within Alabama, advanced degrees, and years of professional experience also play important roles in determining individual earning potential, with salaries ranging from $69,320 to $222,590 annually.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,290 |
| 25th percentile | $103,570 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $139,330 |
| 75th percentile | $195,190 |
| 90th percentile | $227,790 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physicist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physicists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physicists in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $239,360 | 3K |
| Wholesale Trade | $219,010 | — |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $213,780 | 50 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $210,530 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $176,170 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physicist in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $93,230 |
| 2023 | $132,930 |
| 2024 | $114,690 |
| 2025 | $139,330 |
| 2026 (projected) | $147,690 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $93,230 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $132,930 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $114,690 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $139,330 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $147,690 | $162,989 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $103,570 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $139,330 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $195,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $227,790 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Physicist ($139,330 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemist in AL | $97,830 | -29.8% | $47.03/hr |
| Psychologist in AL | $90,800 | -34.8% | $43.65/hr |
| Geoscientist in AL | $88,610 | -36.4% | $42.60/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in AL | $72,490 | -48.0% | $34.85/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in AL | $70,710 | -49.2% | $34.00/hr |
| Medical Scientist in AL | $68,490 | -50.8% | $32.93/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in AL | $48,510 | -65.2% | $23.32/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in AL | $138,670 | -0.5% | $66.67/hr |
| Financial Manager in AL | $140,500 | +0.8% | $67.55/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in AL | $136,990 | -1.7% | $65.86/hr |
| Airline Pilot in AL | $136,990 | -1.7% | $65.86/hr |
| Actuary in AL | $136,950 | -1.7% | $65.84/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Alabama?
- The median salary for physicists in Alabama is $114,690 per year, or approximately $55 per hour. This is about 23.3% below the national average for physicists.
What is the salary range for physicists in Alabama?
- Physicist salaries in Alabama range from $69,320 at the low end to $222,590 at the high end, representing a significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Is the physicist salary in Alabama competitive compared to the US average?
- No, Alabama's median physicist salary of $114,690 is 23.3% lower than the national average. Job seekers should expect to earn less in Alabama than they would in most other states.
How many physicists are employed in Alabama?
- There are approximately 360 physicists currently employed in Alabama, indicating a relatively small job market for this profession in the state.