Physicist Salary in Michigan
Based on 510+ workers in Michigan
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$94,520
$45.44/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
-38.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $249K
510 employed in Michigan
Physicists working in Michigan earn a median salary of $94,520 per year, with approximately 510 professionals currently employed in the state. However, physicist salary in Michigan falls about 39 percent below the national average, reflecting regional differences in research funding, industry presence, and cost of living compared to other states with stronger physics sectors.
Several factors influence physicist salary in Michigan, including employer type, experience level, and specialization. Academic institutions, government laboratories, and private research facilities often offer different compensation packages. Additionally, physicists with advanced degrees and specialized expertise in high-demand fields tend to command higher salaries, with earnings ranging from $64,380 to $248,500 annually depending on these variables.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,380 |
| 25th percentile | $71,580 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $94,520 |
| 75th percentile | $199,170 |
| 90th percentile | $248,500 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $103,920 |
| 2023 | $96,410 |
| 2024 | $107,640 |
| 2025 | $94,520 |
| 2026 (projected) | $94,520 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $103,920 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $96,410 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $107,640 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $94,520 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $94,520 | $153,763 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $71,580 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $94,520 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $199,170 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $248,500 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to Physicist ($94,520 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in MI | $109,340 | +15.7% | $52.57/hr |
| Chemist in MI | $97,440 | +3.1% | $46.85/hr |
| Psychologist in MI | $84,730 | -10.4% | $40.74/hr |
| Medical Scientist in MI | $84,310 | -10.8% | $40.53/hr |
| Geoscientist in MI | $80,990 | -14.3% | $38.94/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in MI | $78,510 | -16.9% | $37.75/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in MI | $76,080 | -19.5% | $36.58/hr |
| Registered Nurse in MI | $94,300 | -0.2% | $45.34/hr |
| Materials Engineer in MI | $94,050 | -0.5% | $45.22/hr |
| Management Analyst in MI | $93,640 | -0.9% | $45.02/hr |
| Financial Analyst in MI | $95,420 | +1.0% | $45.88/hr |
| Network Administrator in MI | $92,750 | -1.9% | $44.59/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Michigan?
- The median salary for physicists in Michigan is $94,520 per year, or $45 per hour. This is 38.5% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for physicists in Michigan?
- Physicist salaries in Michigan range from $64,380 to $248,500 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
Is the physicist salary in Michigan competitive compared to the national average?
- No, Michigan's median physicist salary of $94,520 is significantly below the national average, representing a 38.5% difference.
How many physicists are employed in Michigan?
- There are approximately 510 physicists currently employed in Michigan according to the latest employment data.