How much does a Physicist make in the United States?
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The average Physicist salary in the United States is $206,099 as of May 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Physicist positions (listed below) typically falls between $80,621 and $331,576. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Physicist's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Physicist III | $135,091 | $64.95 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Physicist I | $90,075 | $43.31 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Physicist II | $109,002 | $52.40 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Physicist IV | $166,605 | $80.10 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Physicist VI | $246,544 | $118.53 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Physicist V | $199,823 | $96.07 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Chief Medical Physicist | $300,460 | $144.45 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Physicist Senior Manager | $237,568 | $114.22 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Radiation Physicist | $235,216 | $113.08 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
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Conducts research and analysis to study and apply the laws of nature, including the behavior of matter, energy, space, and time. Develops laws and theories of physics for their application to specific industries and fields. Designs experiments and describes and illustrates observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. Utilizes computational tools and statistical methods to develop mathematical models that explain physical processes. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. View Physicist III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Senior Physicist, Physicist III
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Conducts research and analysis to study and apply the laws of nature, including the behavior of matter, energy, space, and time. Develops laws and theories of physics for their application to specific industries and fields. Designs experiments and describes and illustrates observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. Utilizes computational tools and statistical methods to develop mathematical models that explain physical processes. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View Physicist I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Entry Physicist, Physicist I
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Conducts research and analysis to study and apply the laws of nature, including the behavior of matter, energy, space, and time. Develops laws and theories of physics for their application to specific industries and fields. Designs experiments and describes and illustrates observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. Utilizes computational tools and statistical methods to develop mathematical models that explain physical processes. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. View Physicist II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Intermediate Physicist, Physicist II
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Conducts research and analysis to study and apply the laws of nature, including the behavior of matter, energy, space, and time. Develops laws and theories of physics for their application to specific industries and fields. Designs experiments and describes and illustrates observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. Utilizes computational tools and statistical methods to develop mathematical models that explain physical processes. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. View Physicist IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Specialist Physicist, Physicist IVCategory : Science and Research
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Conducts research and analysis to study and apply the laws of nature, including the behavior of matter, energy, space, and time. Develops laws and theories of physics for their application to specific industries and fields. Designs experiments and describes and illustrates observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. Utilizes computational tools and statistical methods to develop mathematical models that explain physical processes. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization. View Physicist VI SalaryCategory : Science and Research
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Conducts research and analysis to study and apply the laws of nature, including the behavior of matter, energy, space, and time. Develops laws and theories of physics for their application to specific industries and fields. Designs experiments and describes and illustrates observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. Utilizes computational tools and statistical methods to develop mathematical models that explain physical processes. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience. View Physicist V SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Expert/ Lead Physicist, Physicist VCategory : Science and Research
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Oversees the medical physics department and the development of treatment plans for radiation oncology patients. Has overall responsibility for the delivery of radiation treatment services, including external beam hyperthermia, brachytherapy radiation treatment programs, and prostate seed implantation. Ensures department services comply with all applicable regulations. Requires a master's degree in medical physics or equivalent field. Requires certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR) or similar certifying body. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience. View Chief Medical Physicist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Head Medical Physicist, Chief Medical Physicist
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Manages the research and analysis to understand and apply the laws of nature, including the behavior of matter, energy, space, and time. Manages and oversees simultaneous projects, coordinating resources and ensuring timely completion and alignment with goals. Develops laws and theories of physics for their application to specific industries and fields. Designs experiments and describes and illustrates observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. Interprets conclusions and recommends applications for findings. Utilizes computational tools and statistical methods to develop mathematical models that explain physical processes. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. View Physicist Senior Manager SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Physics Senior Manager, Physicist Senior ManagerCategory : Science and Research
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Ensures the quality of care in the use of radiation-producing sources and imaging equipment and the protection of patients and staff from radiation. Calibrates all radiation therapy equipment, conducts X-ray machine performance surveys, and implements procedures to ensure quality control for electronic imaging devices. Recommends radiation safety procedures. Informs staff in radiation safety practices. May require an advanced degree of radiation physics. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. View Radiation Physicist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Medical Radiation Equipment Calibration Specialist, Medical Radiation Materials Safety Specialist, Medical Radiation Therapy Quality Specialist, Radiation Physicist