Physicist Salary in Indiana
Based on 230+ workers in Indiana
Median Annual Salary (IN)
$105,940
$50.93/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
-31.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $220K
230 employed in Indiana
Physicist salary in Indiana averages $105,940 annually, based on data from approximately 230 employed physicists throughout the state. This median figure reflects compensation across various research institutions, universities, and industrial facilities. However, Indiana's physicist salaries fall approximately 31 percent below the national average, indicating regional differences in compensation levels within the scientific workforce.
Several factors influence physicist salary in Indiana, including employer type, experience level, and specialization within the field. Academic positions, government laboratories, and private research firms offer varying compensation packages. Advanced degrees, published research, and years of professional experience typically correlate with higher earnings. Geographic location within Indiana and proximity to major research hubs can also affect individual salary outcomes within the state's physics job market.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Indiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,000 |
| 25th percentile | $96,720 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $105,940 |
| 75th percentile | $163,320 |
| 90th percentile | $220,040 |
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 Indiana 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 Indiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Indiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $122,680 |
| 2023 | $120,330 |
| 2024 | $110,410 |
| 2025 | $105,940 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,940 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Indiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $122,680 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $120,330 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $110,410 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $105,940 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,940 | $153,763 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Indiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $96,720 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $105,940 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $163,320 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $220,040 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Indiana
How other high-demand occupations in Indiana compare to Physicist ($105,940 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist in IN | $84,990 | -19.8% | $40.86/hr |
| Medical Scientist in IN | $81,110 | -23.4% | $39.00/hr |
| Chemist in IN | $78,770 | -25.6% | $37.87/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in IN | $70,760 | -33.2% | $34.02/hr |
| Geoscientist in IN | $68,240 | -35.6% | $32.81/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in IN | $64,700 | -38.9% | $31.11/hr |
| Software Developer in IN | $105,920 | -0.0% | $50.92/hr |
| Art Director in IN | $105,690 | -0.2% | $50.81/hr |
| Construction Manager in IN | $106,390 | +0.4% | $51.15/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in IN | $105,130 | -0.8% | $50.54/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in IN | $107,400 | +1.4% | $51.63/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in IN | $104,140 | -1.7% | $50.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Indiana?
- The median salary for physicists in Indiana is $105,940 per year, or about $51 per hour. This is approximately 31.1% below the national average for physicists.
What is the salary range for physicists in Indiana?
- Physicists in Indiana earn between $64,000 and $220,040 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and employer. This wide range reflects differences in career level and industry sectors.
Is physics a well-paid job in Indiana?
- While physicists earn a solid median salary of $105,940 in Indiana, the state pays 31.1% less than the national average. However, top earners in the field can make over $220,000 annually.
How many physicists are employed in Indiana?
- There are approximately 230 physicists employed in Indiana, making it a specialized field with relatively limited job opportunities compared to other professions.