As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an Entry Physicist in the United States is $35, which translates to an annual salary of about $73,400.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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An Entry Physicist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Physicist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Physicist | 0-2 years | $73,395 |
| Intermediate Physicist | 2-4 years | $92,252 |
| Senior Physicist | 4-7 years | $108,224 |
| Specialist Physicist | 7+ years | $140,836 |
| Expert/ Lead Physicist | 7-10 years | $157,221 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Physicists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 10.25% |
| Calibration | 6.54% |
| Technical Skills | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Nuclear Medicine
|
$114,504 |
56%
|
|
Consulting
|
$110,834 |
51%
|
|
MRI
|
$110,100 |
50%
|
|
Coordination
|
$87,346 |
19%
|
|
Planning
|
$85,144 |
16%
|
|
Insight
|
$82,208 |
12%
|
Entry Physicist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,621. While startup companies pay approximate $69,980.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $69,980 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $73,985 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $79,809 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $82,621 |
For Entry Physicist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 150% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Entry Physicist positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Physicist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $117,440 | $56.0 | 60% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $102,760 | $49.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $95,420 | $46.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $88,080 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $80,740 | $39.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Physicists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Physicist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $70,703 and $75,682).
Entry Physicist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 1.0% |
| Associates | 19.0% |
| Bachelors | 41.9% |
| Masters | 19.0% |
| Doctorate | 38.1% |
Understanding how an Entry Physicist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for an Entry Physicist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,738 in 2023 to around $54,504 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Physicist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $54,738 |
| 2024 | $54,710 |
| 2025 | $54,504 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Physicist roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.
While many high-paying doctoral degrees are in engineering and computer science, a PhD in physics can also be lucrative. Entry-level physicists earn between $68,300 and $97,100, with a median salary of $74,100. This reflects the demand for expertise in various scientific fields, contributing to competitive salaries.
Physicists generally report low stress levels in their jobs, which positively impacts their career satisfaction. With entry-level salaries ranging from $68,300 to $97,100, the financial stability may also contribute to a more relaxed work environment. Overall, the role is often seen as fulfilling rather than stressful.
The demand for Physics graduates is strong globally, particularly in fields like Quantum Mechanics, Nuclear Physics, and Medical Physics. These specialists can find opportunities in diverse industries such as IT, Healthcare, and Research. Entry-level physicists can expect salaries ranging from $68,300 to $97,100, with a median salary of $74,100.
Yes, there is a strong demand for physicists in the future. If you're an early-career physicist or about to graduate, your skills are highly sought after. Entry-level physicists can expect salaries ranging from $68,300 to $97,100, with a median salary of $74,100, reflecting the value of your expertise in the job market.
The lowest salary for an Entry Physicist is $68,300, with a mid-range salary of $74,100 and a maximum salary of $97,100. This reflects the current market for entry-level positions in the field, providing a clearer picture of expected earnings.
The field of physics offers competitive salaries for entry-level physicists, with a minimum salary of $68,300, a mid-range salary of $74,100, and a maximum salary of $97,100. While various majors can lead to high-paying careers, physics stands out for its strong earning potential in research, academia, and industry roles.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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