Physicist Salary in New York
Based on 1K+ workers in New York
Median Annual Salary (NY)
$181,970
$87.49/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
+18.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$80K – $293K
1K employed in New York
Exploring the Physicist salary in New York reveals a median annual income of $181,970, significantly exceeding the national average by 18%. With approximately 1,140 professionals employed in this field across the state, this figure offers a compelling snapshot of earning potential for physicists. The salary range for these roles spans from $80,000 to $292,950, indicating considerable variation in compensation.
Several factors influence the Physicist salary in New York. Experience level is a primary driver, with seasoned professionals typically commanding higher salaries. Additionally, the specific industry, such as academia, research institutions, or private sector companies, and the particular specialization within physics can greatly affect earning potential. Location within New York, beyond the statewide median, might also play a role due to cost of living and demand variations.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in New York
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $80,000 |
| 25th percentile | $131,600 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $181,970 |
| 75th percentile | $221,590 |
| 90th percentile | $292,950 |
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 York 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 York vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New York) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $171,070 |
| 2023 | $178,140 |
| 2024 | $174,160 |
| 2025 | $181,970 |
| 2026 (projected) | $190,130 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New York Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $171,070 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $178,140 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $174,160 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $181,970 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $190,130 | $160,658 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in New York
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $131,600 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $181,970 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $221,590 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $292,950 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in New York
How other high-demand occupations in New York compare to Physicist ($181,970 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist in NY | $114,400 | -37.1% | $55.00/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in NY | $101,080 | -44.5% | $48.60/hr |
| Chemist in NY | $90,600 | -50.2% | $43.56/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in NY | $89,630 | -50.7% | $43.09/hr |
| Medical Scientist in NY | $87,760 | -51.8% | $42.19/hr |
| Geoscientist in NY | $86,410 | -52.5% | $41.54/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in NY | $82,160 | -54.8% | $39.50/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in NY | $181,990 | +0.0% | $87.50/hr |
| Marketing Manager in NY | $181,200 | -0.4% | $87.12/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in NY | $180,880 | -0.6% | $86.96/hr |
| Dentist in NY | $183,060 | +0.6% | $88.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NY | $183,460 | +0.8% | $88.20/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a physicist typically earn in New York?
- The median salary for a physicist in New York is $181,970 per year, which averages out to $87 per hour. This means that half of all physicists in New York earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for physicists in New York?
- Physicists in New York can expect to earn a salary range from $80,000 to $292,950 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, employer, and specific roles within the field.
How does a physicist's salary in New York compare to the national average?
- Physicists in New York earn significantly more than the national average, with salaries being 18.3% higher. This suggests that the demand for physicists and the cost of living in New York contribute to higher compensation.
How many physicists are employed in New York?
- There are approximately 1,140 physicists currently employed in New York. This number indicates a substantial presence of physics professionals within the state's job market.