As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Specialist Physicist in the United States is $140,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.
However, a Specialist Physicist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Specialist 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 a Specialist 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 Specialist Physicist | $133,339 |
| Intermediate Level Specialist Physicist | $134,376 |
| Senior Level Specialist Physicist | $135,413 |
| Specialist Level Specialist Physicist | $139,148 |
| Expert Level Specialist Physicist | $146,484 |
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 Specialist Physicists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 9.69% |
| Radiology | 5.79% |
| Patient Care | 1.75% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Research
|
$194,028 |
38%
|
|
Presentation
|
$165,908 |
18%
|
|
Project Management
|
$161,690 |
15%
|
|
Leadership
|
$161,690 |
15%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$158,878 |
13%
|
|
Analysis
|
$153,254 |
9%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Specialist Physicists enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Specialist Physicist with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $130,233 and $142,755).
Specialist Physicist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 6.1% |
| High School | 93.9% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 6.1% |
| Doctorate | 93.9% |
Understanding how a Specialist 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 Specialist 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Expert Biologist | $137,100 | -2% |
| Expert Geologist | $131,500 | -6% |
| Chief Geophysicist | $192,100 | 37% |
| Microbiologist, Lead/Master | $133,900 | -5% |
Salaries for a Specialist Physicist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $104,117 in 2023 to around $101,658 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Specialist Physicist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $104,117 |
| 2024 | $102,351 |
| 2025 | $101,658 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The highest paying job is that of a Specialist Physicist, with a salary range from $118,100 to $165,100. The median salary for this role is approximately $138,200, making it a lucrative career choice in the field of physics.
While CEO positions are often cited as the highest paying jobs, a Specialist Physicist also commands a significant salary. With a minimum salary of $118,100, a mid-range salary of $138,200, and a maximum salary of $165,100, this role involves advanced research and application of physics principles, making it both lucrative and intellectually rewarding.
Yes, NASA does hire physicists. In addition to NASA, other federal agencies that employ physicists and astronomers include the U.S. Department of Defense. Salaries for specialist physicists typically range from $118,100 to $165,100, with a mid-salary of around $138,200, reflecting the expertise and experience required in these roles.
The United States is a leading country for physicists, boasting many top universities for physics and astronomy. In this field, salaries range from $118,100 to $165,100, with a median of $138,200. Other countries like the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Japan also offer excellent physics programs, making them strong contenders for physicists seeking opportunities.
The salary data for Specialist Physicists indicates a range with a minimum of $118,100, a mid-point of $138,200, and a maximum of $165,100. While some physicist roles, like Chief Medical Physicist, can exceed this range, Specialist Physicists typically earn between these figures, reflecting their expertise and experience in the field.
Physicists at NASA can expect salaries that align with the following ranges: the minimum salary is approximately $118,100, the mid-range salary is around $138,200, and the maximum salary can reach up to $165,100. This reflects the competitive compensation for specialists in the field.
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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