Physicist Salary in Minnesota
Based on 110+ workers in Minnesota
Median Annual Salary (MN)
$171,220
$82.32/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
+11.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$132K – $337K
110 employed in Minnesota
Physicists working in Minnesota earn a median salary of $171,220 per year, which is approximately 11% above the national average. With around 110 employed physicists in the state, this represents a competitive compensation level for the field. Salaries in the state range from $131,870 to $336,740 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Physicist salary in Minnesota is influenced by several factors including years of experience, educational credentials, employer type, and specific specialization within physics. Research positions at universities or national laboratories may differ substantially from roles in private industry or government agencies. Geographic location within Minnesota and access to major research centers also play important roles in determining individual compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Minnesota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $131,870 |
| 25th percentile | $152,410 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $171,220 |
| 75th percentile | $284,820 |
| 90th percentile | $336,740 |
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Minnesota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,560 |
| 2023 | $110,110 |
| 2024 | $222,550 |
| 2025 | $171,220 |
| 2026 (projected) | $171,220 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Minnesota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,560 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $110,110 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $222,550 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $171,220 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $171,220 | $153,763 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $152,410 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $171,220 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $284,820 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $336,740 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Minnesota
How other high-demand occupations in Minnesota compare to Physicist ($171,220 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist in MN | $107,030 | -37.5% | $51.46/hr |
| Chemist in MN | $99,280 | -42.0% | $47.73/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in MN | $97,060 | -43.3% | $46.66/hr |
| Medical Scientist in MN | $89,950 | -47.5% | $43.25/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in MN | $88,000 | -48.6% | $42.31/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in MN | $81,280 | -52.5% | $39.08/hr |
| Geoscientist in MN | $80,540 | -53.0% | $38.72/hr |
| Engineering Manager in MN | $172,130 | +0.5% | $82.75/hr |
| Marketing Manager in MN | $173,300 | +1.2% | $83.32/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in MN | $176,380 | +3.0% | $84.80/hr |
| Financial Manager in MN | $163,410 | -4.6% | $78.56/hr |
| Pharmacist in MN | $159,740 | -6.7% | $76.80/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Minnesota?
- Physicists in Minnesota earn a median salary of $171,220 per year, or approximately $82 per hour. This is 11.4% higher than the national average for physicists, making Minnesota a competitive state for this profession.
What is the salary range for physicists working in Minnesota?
- The salary range for physicists in Minnesota spans from $131,870 on the lower end to $336,740 on the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is Minnesota a good state for physicist salaries compared to the national average?
- Yes, Minnesota offers physicist salaries that are 11.4% above the national average, with a median of $171,220 per year. This makes it an attractive location for physicists seeking competitive compensation.
How many physicists are employed in Minnesota?
- There are approximately 110 physicists currently employed in Minnesota. This represents a relatively specialized workforce in the state's science and research sectors.