As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Physicist in the United States is $73,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, an Entry Physicist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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 | $73,343 |
| Intermediate Physicist | 2-4 years | $92,143 |
| Senior Physicist | 4-7 years | $108,133 |
| Specialist Physicist | 7+ years | $140,693 |
| Expert/ Lead Physicist | 7-10 years | $157,144 |
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%
|
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 April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Physicist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Crop Scientist | $67,400 | -8% |
| Intermediate Biologist | $66,900 | -9% |
| Intermediate Geologist | $69,000 | -6% |
| Intermediate Geophysicist | $104,400 | 42% |
Salaries 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 |
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|
| 2023 | $54,738 |
| 2024 | $54,710 |
| 2025 | $54,504 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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 provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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