Physicist Salary in Georgia
Based on 160+ workers in Georgia
Median Annual Salary (GA)
$144,870
$69.65/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
-5.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$80K – $288K
160 employed in Georgia
Physicist salary in Georgia averages $144,870 annually, which is approximately 6% below the national average. Currently, around 160 physicists work throughout the state, with salaries ranging from $79,860 to $288,170 depending on experience and specialization. This range reflects the diverse opportunities available within Georgia's scientific and research sectors.
Several factors influence physicist salary in Georgia, including years of experience, educational credentials, employer type, and research specialization. Physicists working in academic institutions, government laboratories, or private industry may see significant salary variations. Additionally, geographic location within Georgia and access to research funding opportunities can affect earning potential for professionals in this field.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Georgia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,860 |
| 25th percentile | $106,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $144,870 |
| 75th percentile | $240,030 |
| 90th percentile | $288,170 |
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 Georgia 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 Georgia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Georgia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $140,830 |
| 2023 | $200,310 |
| 2024 | $131,500 |
| 2025 | $144,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $153,562 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Georgia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $140,830 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $200,310 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $131,500 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $144,870 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $153,562 | $162,989 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Georgia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $106,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $144,870 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $240,030 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $288,170 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Georgia
How other high-demand occupations in Georgia compare to Physicist ($144,870 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist in GA | $96,060 | -33.7% | $46.18/hr |
| Chemist in GA | $92,750 | -36.0% | $44.59/hr |
| Medical Scientist in GA | $92,450 | -36.2% | $44.45/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in GA | $85,710 | -40.8% | $41.21/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in GA | $85,680 | -40.9% | $41.19/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in GA | $80,030 | -44.8% | $38.48/hr |
| Geoscientist in GA | $73,920 | -49.0% | $35.54/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in GA | $140,460 | -3.0% | $67.53/hr |
| Pediatrician in GA | $149,990 | +3.5% | $72.11/hr |
| Database Administrator in GA | $139,500 | -3.7% | $67.07/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in GA | $150,700 | +4.0% | $72.45/hr |
| Pharmacist in GA | $137,120 | -5.3% | $65.92/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Georgia?
- The median salary for physicists in Georgia is $144,870 per year, or $70 per hour. This is approximately 5.8% below the national average for physicists.
What is the salary range for physicists working in Georgia?
- Physicist salaries in Georgia range from $79,860 at the lower end to $288,170 at the upper end, representing a significant spread based on experience and specialization.
Is the physicist salary in Georgia competitive compared to the national average?
- Georgia's median physicist salary of $144,870 is slightly below the national average, falling about 5.8% lower than what physicists earn nationwide on average.
How many physicists are employed in Georgia?
- There are approximately 160 physicists currently employed in Georgia, based on the latest employment data available.