As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physicist II in the United States is $92,170 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Physicist II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Physicist II'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 Physicist II'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Physicist I | 0-2 years | $73,356 |
| Physicist II | 2-4 years | $92,170 |
| Physicist III | 4-7 years | $108,155 |
| Physicist IV | 7+ years | $140,728 |
| Physicist V | 7-10 years | $157,163 |
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 Physicist IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 9.4% |
| Radiology | 5.66% |
| Acceptance Testing | 1.67% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Process Improvement
|
$130,881 |
42%
|
|
Long Term Care
|
$109,682 |
19%
|
|
Accountability
|
$106,917 |
16%
|
|
Quality Management
|
$104,152 |
13%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$104,152 |
13%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$102,309 |
11%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Physicist IIs 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 a Physicist II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $87,941 and $98,449).
Physicist II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 34.6% |
| High School | 19.2% |
| Associates | 46.2% |
| Bachelors | 34.6% |
| Masters | 19.2% |
| Doctorate | 46.2% |
Understanding how a Physicist II'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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Physicist II, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Biologist III | $83,434 | -9% |
| Geologist III | $85,641 | -7% |
| Geophysicist III | $141,360 | 53% |
| Microbiologist III | $83,096 | -10% |
Salaries for a Physicist II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,873 in 2023 to around $64,551 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Physicist II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $64,873 |
| 2024 | $64,758 |
| 2025 | $64,551 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Physicist II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Physicist II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Physicist II is $116,254.
The highest pay for Physicist II is $108,629.
The lowest pay for Physicist II is $69,533.
Conducts research and analysis to study and apply the laws of nature, including the behavior of matter, energy, space, and time. Develops laws and theories of physics for their application to specific industries and fields. Designs experiments and describes and illustrates observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. Utilizes computational tools and statistical methods to develop mathematical models that explain physical processes. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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