SOC 19-2012 · May 2025 · United States
Physicists
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Physicists across the United States is $172,250 per year, measured over 20,430 jobs. The highest state median is in Florida, at $225,390.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Physicists
Pay for this occupation varies by 172.9% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. Florida pays $225,390 and Delaware pays $82,590.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida | $225,390 | 340 | |
| 2 | New Hampshire | $214,030 | 30 | |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | $210,990 | 230 | |
| 4 | California | $207,490 | 5,930 | |
| 5 | Oregon | $200,320 | 90 | |
| 6 | Oklahoma | $200,050 | 40 | |
| 7 | Texas | $184,040 | 580 | |
| 8 | New York | $181,970 | 1,140 | |
| 9 | Kentucky | $180,910 | 50 | |
| 10 | Connecticut | $180,300 | 60 |
States with the most Physicists jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 5,930 | $207,490 | |
| 2 | Illinois | 1,590 | $137,140 | |
| 3 | Maryland | 1,200 | $174,390 | |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 1,150 | $106,410 | |
| 5 | New York | 1,140 | $181,970 | |
| 6 | Colorado | 1,050 | $104,580 | |
| 7 | Virginia | 940 | $145,040 | |
| 8 | Ohio | 630 | $162,900 | |
| 9 | New Mexico | 580 | $165,340 | |
| 10 | Texas | 580 | $184,040 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miami | $272,480 | 100 |
| 2 | Tampa | $266,260 | 70 |
| 3 | Cleveland | $239,360 | 240 |
| 4 | Nashville | $236,920 | — |
| 5 | Pittsburgh | $224,160 | 80 |
| 6 | Richmond | $218,290 | 40 |
| 7 | Houston | $199,770 | 140 |
| 8 | Detroit | $199,170 | 140 |
| 9 | San Antonio | $194,290 | 100 |
| 10 | New York | $181,970 | 1,070 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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