As of February 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Physicist V in the United States is $76, which translates to an annual salary of about $157,103.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Physicist V'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 V'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 III | 4-7 years | $108,084 |
| Physicist IV | 7+ years | $140,617 |
| Physicist V | 7-10 years | $157,103 |
| Physicist VI | 10-12 years | $186,362 |
| Physicist Senior Manager | 12+ years | $182,770 |
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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 9.92% |
| Radiology | 5.76% |
| Patient Care | 1.74% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$237,226 |
51%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$199,521 |
27%
|
|
Innovation
|
$190,095 |
21%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$185,382 |
18%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$177,526 |
13%
|
|
Industry Knowledge
|
$177,526 |
13%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Physicist Vs 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 Physicist V with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $143,322 and $154,281).
Physicist V Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.0% |
| High School | 8.1% |
| Associates | 88.9% |
| Bachelors | 3.0% |
| Masters | 8.1% |
| Doctorate | 88.9% |
Understanding how a Physicist V'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 February 01, 2026
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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. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Planning: An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
Radiology: Recording, analyzing, and measuring brain activities through electroencephalogram tests to detect, diagnose, and treat brain disorders.
Patient Care: Patient care refers to the prevention, treatment, and management of illness and the preservation of physical and mental well-being through services offered by health professionals.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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