Physicist Salary in Louisiana
Based on 40+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$166,240
$79.92/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
+8.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$85K – $214K
40 employed in Louisiana
Physicists working in Louisiana earn a median salary of $166,240 per year, which is 8% above the national average. Currently, approximately 40 physicists are employed throughout the state. While Louisiana may not be a major hub for physics research compared to other regions, competitive compensation reflects the specialized expertise these professionals bring to their roles.
Physicist salary in Louisiana varies based on several key factors, including experience level, educational credentials, and employer type. Research institutions, universities, and industrial employers typically offer different compensation packages. Geographic location within the state and access to specialized facilities also influence earning potential, as do industry-specific demands for expertise in energy, materials science, or engineering applications.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $85,360 |
| 25th percentile | $101,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $166,240 |
| 75th percentile | $189,710 |
| 90th percentile | $214,090 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $166,240 |
| 2026 (projected) | $171,227 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $166,240 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $171,227 | $158,376 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $101,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $166,240 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $189,710 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $214,090 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Physicist ($166,240 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemist in LA | $103,890 | -37.5% | $49.95/hr |
| Geoscientist in LA | $91,560 | -44.9% | $44.02/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in LA | $74,500 | -55.2% | $35.82/hr |
| Psychologist in LA | $71,330 | -57.1% | $34.29/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in LA | $69,820 | -58.0% | $33.57/hr |
| Engineering Manager in LA | $162,850 | -2.0% | $78.29/hr |
| Dentist in LA | $170,750 | +2.7% | $82.09/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in LA | $139,640 | -16.0% | $67.13/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in LA | $136,970 | -17.6% | $65.85/hr |
| Podiatrist in LA | $197,480 | +18.8% | $94.94/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in LA | $134,800 | -18.9% | $64.81/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in LA | $133,210 | -19.9% | $64.04/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Louisiana?
- Physicists in Louisiana earn a median salary of $166,240 per year, or approximately $80 per hour. This is 8.1% higher than the national average for physicists, making Louisiana a relatively well-paying state for this profession.
What is the salary range for physicists in Louisiana?
- The salary range for physicists in Louisiana spans from $85,360 at the lower end to $214,090 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type within the state.
Is the physicist salary in Louisiana above the national average?
- Yes, Louisiana physicist salaries are above the national average by 8.1%. The median salary of $166,240 per year in Louisiana exceeds what physicists typically earn nationally.
How many physicists are employed in Louisiana?
- There are approximately 40 physicists employed in Louisiana. This relatively small workforce indicates that physics positions in the state are limited and specialized.