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Physicist Salary & Career Insights
What is the average salary for a physicist in the United States?
$155,680 per year
According to BLS.gov, the average salary for a physicist in the United States is $155,680 annually. The lowest salary is $80,950 annually, and the highest is $232,940 annually.
Our salary data comes from BLS.gov. The salaries presented here are the 2023 median pay.
Job Outlook & Work Environment
Job Outlook
🚀 23,500; estimated number of physicist jobs in 2023. This number is expected to grow by 1,700 jobs by 2033.
☀️ The projected job outlook is expected to grow by 7% between now and 2033 which is faster than average.
Work Environment
💼 Many physicists work in laboratories or office settings.
🏢 35% of physicists work in research and development services.
Physicist Salary in Comparison to Patent Law Salaries
How Does a Physicist Salary Stack Up?
A physicist earns a competitive salary of around $155K annually. Patent agents earn an average of $130K annually. However, a patent agent with a background in physics may earn more than the average patent agent since physics is such a lucrative field. Patent attorneys earn an average of $185K annually, which is higher than in either career.
If you take the patent bar exam as a physicist, your income is likely to increase, especially if you become a patent attorney.
Top Physicist Salaries by Industry
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Offices of Physicians | $222,260 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $216,680 |
| Specialty Hospitals | $213,470 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $188,260 |
| Employment Services | $187,410 |
Salary by Physicist Industry
In the U.S., the average physicist salary is $155,680.
Top Physicist salaries by industry indicate that Offices of Physicians offer the highest average salary at $222,260. General Medical and Surgical Hospitals follow with an average salary of $216,680, and Specialty Hospitals offer $213,470. Outpatient Care Centers and Employment Services provide average salaries of $188,260 and $187,410, respectively.
Experience & Education
Here are some typical daily activities of a physicist:
- Analyzing Data or Information — Breaking down information or data into separate components to uncover underlying principles, reasons, or facts.
- Working with Computers — Utilizing computer systems and software to program, develop applications, configure functions, input data, or process information.
- Getting Information — Gathering, observing, and acquiring data from all pertinent sources.
- Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, auditing, or verifying information.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating outcomes to select the most effective solution and address issues.
Here are the typical skills you need to work as a physicist:
- Science — Applying scientific principles and methods to address and resolve issues.
- Mathematics — Employing mathematical techniques to tackle problems.
- Reading Comprehension — Grasping the meaning of written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Critical Thinking — Utilizing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, conclusions, or approaches to challenges.
- Speaking — Communicating with others to effectively convey information.
- Active Learning — Recognizing the impact of new information on current and future problem-solving and decision-making processes.
Knowledge required to work as a physicist:
- Physics — Understanding and forecasting physical principles and laws, their connections, and applications in fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, as well as in mechanical, electrical, atomic, and sub-atomic structures and processes.
- Mathematics — Familiarity with arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their practical applications.
- Engineering and Technology — Insight into the practical application of engineering science and technology, including the use of principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment in designing and producing various goods and services.
- Computers and Electronics — Proficiency in circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, incorporating applications and programming.
Average Education
According to onetonline.org, 49% of physicists have a Doctoral degree, 39% have post-doctoral training, and 8% have a post-master’s certificate.
Top Physicist Salaries by Location
Factors that Impact Pay
Top Physicist salaries by location show that Phoenix, AZ offers the highest average salary at $196,410. Houston, TX follows with an average salary of $192,000, and Atlanta, GA offers $187,770. San Jose, CA and Pittsburgh, PA provide average salaries of $183,880 and $181,550, respectively.
Top Physicist salaries by state reveal that Arizona offers the highest average salary at $183,710. New Mexico follows with an average salary of $180,600, and Georgia offers $178,170. New Jersey and California provide average salaries of $177,010 and $176,610, respectively.
Take a look at the average physicist salaries from top-paying cities according to Bls.gov data.
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | $196,410 |
| Houston, TX | $192,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | $187,770 |
| San Jose, CA | $183,880 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $181,550 |
Look at the average physicist salaries from top-paying states according to Bls.gov data.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $183,710 |
| New Mexico | $180,600 |
| Georgia | $178,170 |
| New Jersey | $177,010 |
| California | $176,610 |
Related Careers
Patent Agent
Patent agents practice patent law before the USPTO.
Average of $130,168/year
Patent Attorney
Patent attorneys can practice patent law in addition to practicing law in jurisdictions where they are currently admitted.
Average of $185,351/year
Biochemists & Biophysicists
Study chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms.
Average of $107,460/year