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Best States for Physicists: Highest-paid Physicists by State

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    Carter A
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Physicists study the fundamental principles of the universe to understand the behavior of matter and energy.

This article will explore the best states for physicists, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.

Key Takeaways

  • The highest-paid physicists are in Pennsylvania, where they earn an average of $195,160 per year.
  • The lowest-paid physicists are in New Jersey, where they earn an average of $-1 per year.
  • The U.S. average salary for physicists is $142,226 per year.

1. Pennsylvania ($195,160)

Pennsylvania Physicists in Pennsylvania earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for physicists in Pennsylvania is $195,160, which is +37% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$195,160
10th Percentile$102,700
25th Percentile$163,560
75th Percentile$229,560
90th Percentile$-3

2. Kansas ($183,600)

Kansas Physicists in Kansas earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for physicists in Kansas is $183,600, which is +29% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$183,600
10th Percentile$96,040
25th Percentile$152,430
75th Percentile$-3
90th Percentile$-3

3. Idaho ($178,650)

Idaho Physicists in Idaho earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for physicists in Idaho is $178,650, which is +26% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$178,650
10th Percentile$93,850
25th Percentile$131,580
75th Percentile$214,350
90th Percentile$236,320

4. Oklahoma ($173,400)

Oklahoma Physicists in Oklahoma earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for physicists in Oklahoma is $173,400, which is +22% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$173,400
10th Percentile$64,100
25th Percentile$147,490
75th Percentile$204,660
90th Percentile$-3

5. South Carolina ($173,340)

South Carolina Physicists in South Carolina earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for physicists in South Carolina is $173,340, which is +22% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$173,340
10th Percentile$57,940
25th Percentile$119,520
75th Percentile$200,900
90th Percentile$-3

6. New York ($166,900)

New York Physicists in New York earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for physicists in New York is $166,900, which is +17% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$166,900
10th Percentile$78,900
25th Percentile$114,350
75th Percentile$213,480
90th Percentile$-3

7. Connecticut ($166,750)

Connecticut Physicists in Connecticut earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for physicists in Connecticut is $166,750, which is +17% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$166,750
10th Percentile$48,680
25th Percentile$111,840
75th Percentile$217,480
90th Percentile$-3

8. Arizona ($166,640)

Arizona Physicists in Arizona earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for physicists in Arizona is $166,640, which is +17% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$166,640
10th Percentile$64,480
25th Percentile$120,820
75th Percentile$208,910
90th Percentile$229,400

9. California ($166,000)

California Physicists in California earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for physicists in California is $166,000, which is +17% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$166,000
10th Percentile$85,130
25th Percentile$134,090
75th Percentile$214,570
90th Percentile$216,590

10. Wisconsin ($166,000)

Wisconsin Physicists in Wisconsin earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for physicists in Wisconsin is $166,000, which is +17% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$166,000
10th Percentile$85,200
25th Percentile$124,220
75th Percentile$211,840
90th Percentile$221,260

Conclusion

The highest-paid physicists are in Pennsylvania, where they earn an average of $195,160 per year. The lowest-paid physicists are in New Jersey, where they earn an average of $-1 per year. The U.S. average salary for physicists is $142,226 per year and there are 18,808 jobs in the field.