Physicist Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 1K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$106,410
$51.16/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
-30.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$82K – $213K
1K employed in Massachusetts
The median physicist salary in Massachusetts is $106,410 annually, with approximately 1,150 physicists employed throughout the state. Despite being a major hub for scientific research and education, Massachusetts offers salaries that fall about 31% below the national average for this profession. Salaries in the state range from $82,050 to $213,150 depending on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence physicist salary in Massachusetts, including years of experience, educational credentials, employer type, and specific field of specialization. Research institutions, universities, and private laboratories often offer different compensation packages based on funding sources and organizational size. Geographic location within the state, proximity to major research centers, and individual negotiation skills also play important roles in determining final compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $82,050 |
| 25th percentile | $82,070 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $106,410 |
| 75th percentile | $170,190 |
| 90th percentile | $213,150 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $129,720 |
| 2023 | $149,990 |
| 2024 | $153,890 |
| 2025 | $106,410 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,410 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $129,720 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $149,990 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $153,890 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $106,410 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,410 | $153,763 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,070 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $106,410 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $170,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $213,150 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Physicist ($106,410 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in MA | $131,600 | +23.7% | $63.27/hr |
| Medical Scientist in MA | $128,210 | +20.5% | $61.64/hr |
| Chemist in MA | $125,000 | +17.5% | $60.10/hr |
| Psychologist in MA | $115,180 | +8.2% | $55.38/hr |
| Geoscientist in MA | $108,210 | +1.7% | $52.02/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in MA | $100,640 | -5.4% | $48.38/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in MA | $99,780 | -6.2% | $47.97/hr |
| Economist in MA | $106,380 | -0.0% | $51.14/hr |
| Civil Engineer in MA | $106,730 | +0.3% | $51.31/hr |
| Registered Nurse in MA | $104,550 | -1.7% | $50.26/hr |
| Physical Therapist in MA | $103,790 | -2.5% | $49.90/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in MA | $103,620 | -2.6% | $49.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Massachusetts?
- The median salary for physicists in Massachusetts is $106,410 per year, or approximately $51 per hour. This is about 30.8% lower than the national average for physicists.
What is the salary range for physicists in Massachusetts?
- Physicists in Massachusetts earn between $82,050 and $213,150 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and employer. This wide range reflects differences in career progression and sector specialization.
How many physicists are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are approximately 1,150 physicists currently employed in Massachusetts, making it a notable hub for physics professionals in the United States.
Is the physicist salary in Massachusetts below the national average?
- Yes, the median physicist salary in Massachusetts at $106,410 is 30.8% below the national average. However, top earners in the state can exceed $213,150 annually.