Physicist Salary in New Jersey
Based on 470+ workers in New Jersey
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (NJ)
$163,270
$78.50/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
+6.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$100K – $290K
470 employed in New Jersey
Salary Distribution — Physicist in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $100,490 |
| 25th percentile | $120,820 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $163,270 |
| 75th percentile | $222,140 |
| 90th percentile | $289,830 |
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Jersey) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $164,330 |
| 2024 | $168,610 |
| 2025 | $163,270 |
| 2026 (projected) | $163,270 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Jersey Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $164,330 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $168,610 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $163,270 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $163,270 | $153,763 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $120,820 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $163,270 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $222,140 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $289,830 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in New Jersey
How other high-demand occupations in New Jersey compare to Physicist ($163,270 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientist in NJ | $129,280 | -20.8% | $62.15/hr |
| Psychologist in NJ | $127,090 | -22.2% | $61.10/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in NJ | $122,620 | -24.9% | $58.95/hr |
| Geoscientist in NJ | $88,500 | -45.8% | $42.55/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in NJ | $86,280 | -47.2% | $41.48/hr |
| Chemist in NJ | $84,450 | -48.3% | $40.60/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in NJ | $79,210 | -51.5% | $38.08/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in NJ | $162,350 | -0.6% | $78.05/hr |
| Lawyer in NJ | $161,430 | -1.1% | $77.61/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NJ | $165,690 | +1.5% | $79.66/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in NJ | $160,540 | -1.7% | $77.18/hr |
| Podiatrist in NJ | $160,300 | -1.8% | $77.07/hr |