Physicist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 50+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$180,910
$86.98/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
+17.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $282K
50 employed in Kentucky
Physicists working in Kentucky earn a median salary of $180,910 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 18 percent. With approximately 50 physicists employed throughout the state, Kentucky offers competitive compensation for this specialized scientific field. Salaries in the state range from $65,860 to $282,000 annually, reflecting the diversity of roles and experience levels.
Physicist salary in Kentucky is influenced by several key factors, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific industry focus. Employment sectors such as research institutions, manufacturing, and energy companies offer varying compensation packages based on their technical demands and project complexity. Geographic location within the state, employer size, and specialization in emerging technologies also play important roles in determining individual earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,860 |
| 25th percentile | $120,100 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $180,910 |
| 75th percentile | $232,170 |
| 90th percentile | $282,000 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $108,390 |
| 2023 | $126,160 |
| 2024 | $168,660 |
| 2025 | $180,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $191,765 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $108,390 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $126,160 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $168,660 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $180,910 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $191,765 | $162,989 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $120,100 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $180,910 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $232,170 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $282,000 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Physicist ($180,910 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist in KY | $99,140 | -45.2% | $47.66/hr |
| Chemist in KY | $84,090 | -53.5% | $40.43/hr |
| Medical Scientist in KY | $77,580 | -57.1% | $37.30/hr |
| Geoscientist in KY | $77,510 | -57.2% | $37.26/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in KY | $74,710 | -58.7% | $35.92/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in KY | $71,040 | -60.7% | $34.15/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in KY | $65,000 | -64.1% | $31.25/hr |
| Chief Executive Officer in KY | $179,530 | -0.8% | $86.31/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | -2.9% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | -6.4% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | -10.4% | $77.96/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +11.2% | $96.76/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Kentucky?
- Physicists in Kentucky earn a median salary of $180,910 per year, or approximately $87 per hour. This is 17.7% higher than the national average for physicists.
What is the salary range for physicists working in Kentucky?
- The salary range for physicists in Kentucky spans from $65,860 at the lower end to $282,000 at the upper end, reflecting varying levels of experience and specialization in the field.
Is the physicist salary in Kentucky above the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median physicist salary of $180,910 per year is 17.7% higher than the national average, making it a competitive market for physics professionals.
How many physicists are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 50 physicists employed in Kentucky according to current employment data.