Physicist Salary in Florida
Based on 340+ workers in Florida
Median Annual Salary (FL)
$225,390
$108.36/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
+46.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$113K – $309K
340 employed in Florida
Physicist salary in Florida averages $225,390 per year, significantly outpacing the national median. This figure represents 47% above the national average, reflecting Florida's robust demand for physics expertise across research institutions, aerospace companies, and technology sectors. Currently, approximately 340 physicists are employed throughout the state.
Physicist salary in Florida varies considerably based on experience, specialization, and employer type. Advanced degrees, particularly PhDs, typically command higher compensation, while those in specialized fields like quantum computing or aerospace physics earn at the upper end of the $113,240 to $308,580 range. Geographic proximity to major research hubs and industry concentration also influences earning potential significantly.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Florida
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $113,240 |
| 25th percentile | $153,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $225,390 |
| 75th percentile | $285,400 |
| 90th percentile | $308,580 |
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 Florida 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 Florida vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Florida) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $135,570 |
| 2023 | $141,710 |
| 2024 | $209,020 |
| 2025 | $225,390 |
| 2026 (projected) | $238,913 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Florida Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $135,570 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $141,710 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $209,020 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $225,390 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $238,913 | $162,989 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Florida
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $153,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $225,390 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $285,400 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $308,580 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Florida
How other high-demand occupations in Florida compare to Physicist ($225,390 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in FL | $157,390 | -30.2% | $75.67/hr |
| Geoscientist in FL | $95,140 | -57.8% | $45.74/hr |
| Medical Scientist in FL | $94,940 | -57.9% | $45.64/hr |
| Psychologist in FL | $85,610 | -62.0% | $41.16/hr |
| Chemist in FL | $82,740 | -63.3% | $39.78/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in FL | $80,720 | -64.2% | $38.81/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in FL | $60,830 | -73.0% | $29.25/hr |
| Airline Pilot in FL | $225,020 | -0.2% | $108.18/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in FL | $227,700 | +1.0% | $109.47/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in FL | $222,600 | -1.2% | $107.02/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in FL | $210,570 | -6.6% | $101.24/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in FL | $204,990 | -9.1% | $98.55/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Florida?
- Physicists in Florida earn a median salary of $225,390 per year, or approximately $108 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 46.6% increase compared to physicists nationwide.
What is the salary range for physicists working in Florida?
- The salary range for physicists in Florida spans from $113,240 at the lower end to $308,580 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type within the state.
Is physics a well-paying job in Florida compared to the national average?
- Yes, physics is particularly well-compensated in Florida, with the median salary of $225,390 exceeding the national average by 46.6%. This makes Florida an attractive location for physicists seeking above-average compensation.
How many physicists are employed in Florida?
- Approximately 340 physicists are currently employed in Florida. This represents the total physics workforce in the state across all sectors and specializations.