As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physicist VI in the United States is $186,361 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $90.
However, a Physicist VI's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
AI-Powered Talent
Physicist VI Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $217,222 | $18,102 | $4,177 | $104 |
| Average | $186,361 | $15,530 | $3,584 | $90 |
| 25th Percentile | $171,422 | $14,285 | $3,297 | $82 |
Siemens Healthineers - SANTA FE, NM
The Suites Rio Vista - RIO RANCHO, NM
West River Dental - BEND, OR
Cedar Rapids Pain Associates, PC - CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
A Physicist VI'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 Physicist VI'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 Physicist VI | $180,341 |
| Intermediate Level Physicist VI | $181,456 |
| Senior Level Physicist VI | $181,902 |
| Specialist Level Physicist VI | $183,685 |
| Expert Level Physicist VI | $185,246 |
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 VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Physicist VI'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $217,222 | $18,102 | $4,177 | $104 |
| Average | $186,361 | $15,530 | $3,584 | $90 |
| 25th Percentile | $171,422 | $14,285 | $3,297 | $82 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Physicist VI, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Geologist Manager | $139,597 | -25% |
| Physicist Senior Manager | $182,752 | -2% |
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Physicist VI and their salaries, click below for more details.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Physicist VI job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A Physicist VI'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 VI earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Physicist VI is $235,057.
The highest pay for Physicist VI is $245,319.
The lowest pay for Physicist VI is $157,821.
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. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
