Physicist Salary in Arizona
Based on 120+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$130,500
$62.74/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
-15.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$102K – $243K
120 employed in Arizona
Physicists working in Arizona earn a median salary of $130,500 per year, according to current labor data. With approximately 120 employed physicists in the state, this represents a meaningful sector within Arizona's scientific workforce. However, physicist salary in Arizona runs about 15 percent below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations across the country.
Several factors influence physicist salary in Arizona, including experience level, educational credentials, and employer type. Individual compensation typically ranges from $102,160 to $242,730 annually, demonstrating significant variation based on specialization and career stage. The state's geographic location, industry concentration, and demand for specialized physics expertise also play important roles in determining what individual physicists earn within the region.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $102,160 |
| 25th percentile | $110,430 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $130,500 |
| 75th percentile | $197,260 |
| 90th percentile | $242,730 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $169,590 |
| 2023 | $201,600 |
| 2024 | $190,960 |
| 2025 | $130,500 |
| 2026 (projected) | $130,500 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $169,590 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $201,600 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $190,960 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $130,500 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $130,500 | $153,763 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $110,430 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $130,500 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $197,260 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $242,730 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Physicist ($130,500 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist in AZ | $119,010 | -8.8% | $57.22/hr |
| Medical Scientist in AZ | $116,820 | -10.5% | $56.16/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in AZ | $102,400 | -21.5% | $49.23/hr |
| Geoscientist in AZ | $85,190 | -34.7% | $40.96/hr |
| Chemist in AZ | $81,730 | -37.4% | $39.29/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in AZ | $80,600 | -38.2% | $38.75/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in AZ | $130,890 | +0.3% | $62.93/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in AZ | $129,760 | -0.6% | $62.38/hr |
| Software Developer in AZ | $129,690 | -0.6% | $62.35/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in AZ | $128,850 | -1.3% | $61.95/hr |
| Marketing Manager in AZ | $132,220 | +1.3% | $63.57/hr |
| Podiatrist in AZ | $133,190 | +2.1% | $64.03/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Arizona?
- The median salary for physicists in Arizona is $130,500 per year, or approximately $63 per hour. This is about 15.1% below the national average for physicists.
What is the salary range for physicists in Arizona?
- Physicist salaries in Arizona range from $102,160 at the lower end to $242,730 at the higher end, representing a significant spread based on experience and specialization.
Is physics a well-paid career in Arizona?
- Yes, with a median salary of $130,500 annually, physics is a well-compensated profession in Arizona, though it pays slightly less than the national average.
How many physicists are employed in Arizona?
- There are approximately 120 physicists employed in Arizona, representing a relatively specialized workforce in the state.