As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Physicist in Java, VA is $97,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Senior Physicist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Senior 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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Senior 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Senior Physicist | $93,033 |
| Intermediate Level Senior Physicist | $93,710 |
| Senior Level Senior Physicist | $95,064 |
| Specialist Level Senior Physicist | $100,474 |
| Expert Level Senior Physicist | $103,514 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 11.42% |
| Quality Assurance | 6.52% |
| Quality Control | 1.11% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$127,201 |
31%
|
|
Project Management
|
$113,607 |
17%
|
|
Dedication
|
$107,781 |
11%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$106,810 |
10%
|
|
Coordination
|
$105,839 |
9%
|
|
Critical Thinking
|
$105,839 |
9%
|
Understanding how a Senior 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 January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Senior 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Biologist | $108,500 | 12% |
| Mine Geologist IV | $98,300 | 1% |
| Specialist Geophysicist | $140,400 | 45% |
| Microbiologist, Specialist | $84,100 | -13% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Senior Physicist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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