As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head Medical Physicist in the United States is $309,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $149.
However, a Head Medical Physicist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Head Medical 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Head Medical 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Dosimetrist | 0-0 years | $126,458 |
| Radiation Therapist I | 2-4 years | $105,283 |
| Radiation Therapist II | 4-7 years | $122,664 |
| Head Medical Physicist | 7-10 years | $309,043 |
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 Head Medical Physicists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 11.46% |
| Quality Assurance | 7% |
| Support Services | 1.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Regulatory Compliance
|
$352,374 |
14%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$349,283 |
13%
|
|
Coaching
|
$346,192 |
12%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$340,010 |
10%
|
|
Lean
|
$336,919 |
9%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$330,737 |
7%
|
Head Medical Physicist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $328,289. While startup companies pay approximate $279,610.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $279,610 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $295,196 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $317,570 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $328,289 |
For Head Medical Physicist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Head Medical Physicist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Head Medical Physicist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $340,010 | $163.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Head Medical 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Head Medical Physicist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $171,772 in 2023 to around $164,187 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Head Medical Physicist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $171,772 |
| 2024 | $170,127 |
| 2025 | $164,187 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Head Medical Physicist roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
The highest paying medical scientist role is the Head Medical Physicist, with a salary range of $266,300 to $317,300 per year. This position typically offers a mid-salary of $285,100, making it a lucrative option within the medical research field. Other high-paying roles include Physician Scientist and Clinical Research Director, but the Head Medical Physicist stands out in terms of compensation.
Diagnostic Medical Physicists in the US can expect salaries ranging from a minimum of $266,300 to a maximum of $317,300, with a median salary of approximately $285,100. This reflects a more specialized and higher-paying role compared to general salary ranges, indicating the significant expertise required in this field.
The highest-paying PhD is in Medical Physics, with salaries ranging from $266,300 to $317,300, and a median salary of $285,100. This field offers significant financial rewards compared to other disciplines, making it an attractive option for those pursuing advanced studies.
A PhD in medical physics typically earns an annual salary ranging from $266,300 to $317,300, with a mid-salary of $285,100. This translates to a weekly pay of approximately $5,128 to $6,096, depending on experience and position. The salary reflects the specialized skills and expertise required in this field.
The top salary for a Head Medical Physicist is $317,300 annually. The average salary is around $285,100, while the minimum salary starts at $266,300. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, highlighting the value of expertise and experience in medical physics.
Yes, medical physicists are in high demand, with a projected job growth of 7% by 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This demand is reflected in their competitive salaries, which range from a minimum of $266,300 to a maximum of $317,300, with a median salary of $285,100, highlighting the importance of this profession in the healthcare sector.
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