Physicist Salary in Idaho
State-level salary data from BLS OES and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary (ID)
$135,150
$64.98/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
-12.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$85K – $200K
Physicists working in Idaho earn a median salary of $135,150 per year, which is approximately 12% below the national average for the profession. While this represents a solid income, Idaho-based physicists typically earn less than their counterparts in other states, though salaries still range significantly from $85,110 to $199,990 depending on individual circumstances.
Physicist salary in Idaho varies based on several key factors, including experience level, educational credentials, employer type, and specialization within the field. Research positions at universities or national laboratories may offer different compensation than roles in private industry or government agencies. Additionally, geographic location within Idaho and the cost of living in specific regions can influence overall compensation packages and negotiating power.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Idaho
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $85,110 |
| 25th percentile | $108,480 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $135,150 |
| 75th percentile | $175,150 |
| 90th percentile | $199,990 |
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 Idaho 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 Idaho vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Idaho) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $200,620 |
| 2023 | $128,470 |
| 2024 | $132,060 |
| 2025 | $135,150 |
| 2026 (projected) | $138,312 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Idaho Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $200,620 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $128,470 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $132,060 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $135,150 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $138,312 | $157,361 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Idaho
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $108,480 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $135,150 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $175,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $199,990 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Idaho
How other high-demand occupations in Idaho compare to Physicist ($135,150 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist in ID | $97,790 | -27.6% | $47.01/hr |
| Geoscientist in ID | $91,170 | -32.5% | $43.83/hr |
| Medical Scientist in ID | $83,010 | -38.6% | $39.91/hr |
| Chemist in ID | $78,000 | -42.3% | $37.50/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in ID | $76,500 | -43.4% | $36.78/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in ID | $70,350 | -47.9% | $33.82/hr |
| Sales Manager in ID | $135,350 | +0.1% | $65.07/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in ID | $133,970 | -0.9% | $64.41/hr |
| Physician Assistant in ID | $133,790 | -1.0% | $64.32/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in ID | $133,750 | -1.0% | $64.30/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in ID | $136,970 | +1.3% | $65.85/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in ID | $132,540 | -1.9% | $63.72/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Idaho?
- The median salary for physicists in Idaho is $135,150 per year, or $65 per hour. This is approximately 12.1% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for physicists working in Idaho?
- Physicists in Idaho earn between $85,110 and $199,990 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and employer. This wide range reflects different career stages and work settings within the state.
Is physicist salary in Idaho below the national average?
- Yes, the median physicist salary in Idaho is 12.1% lower than the national average. Despite this difference, Idaho physicists still earn a median of $135,150 annually.
What's the hourly rate for physicists in Idaho?
- The average hourly rate for physicists in Idaho is $65 per hour, which corresponds to the median annual salary of $135,150. This rate may vary based on specific job responsibilities and years of experience.