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Physicist VI Salary in the United States

How much does a Physicist VI make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physicist VI in the United States is $186,405 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $212,410
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $174,836 to $200,017
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $164,303
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Physicist VI Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Physicist VI Salaries?

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:

  • Physicist III (4-7 years): $108,224
  • Physicist IV (7+ years): $140,836
  • Physicist V (7-10 years): $157,221
  • Physicist VI (10-12 years): $186,405
  • Physicist Senior Manager (12+ years): $182,870
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Physicist III4-7 years$108,224
Physicist IV7+ years$140,836
Physicist V7-10 years$157,221
Physicist VI10-12 years$186,405
Physicist Senior Manager12+ years$182,870
View as Graph

How Do Physicist VIs Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $206,388.
  • California: $205,605.
  • Massachusetts: $202,865.

Top Paying Cities for Physicist VI

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:

  • San Jose: $235,113
  • San Francisco: $232,538
  • Oakland: $227,638

Physicist VI Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Physicist VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $209,822. While startup companies pay approximate $177,721.

Physicist VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $177,721
Growth Stage 51~500 $187,890
Established 501~5000 $202,682
Enterprise 5000+ $209,822

Physicist VI Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Physicist VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 140% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Physicist positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Physicist VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Physicist VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$279,608$134.050%
Pharmaceuticals$260,967$125.040%
Biotechnology$242,326$117.030%
Energy & Utilities$223,686$108.020%
Aerospace & Defense$205,046$99.010%

Physicist VI Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$174,836
Average $186,405/year
$200,017
$14,570
Average $15,534/month
$16,668
$3,362
Average $3,585/week
$3,846
$84
Average $90/hour
$96
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $200,017 $16,668 $3,846 $96
Average $186,405 $15,534 $3,585 $90
25th Percentile $174,836 $14,570 $3,362 $84

Physicist VI Salary Growth & Career Path

Physicist VI

Next Role

Advancement

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 $139,750 -25%
Molecular Biology Senior Manager $144,043 -23%
Physicist Senior Manager $182,870 -2%

Most common benefits for Physicist VI

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Physicist VI

Here are companies hiring for Physicist VI and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Physicist VI

1. Where can a Physicist VI earn the most?

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 $235,113.

2. What is the highest pay for Physicist VI?

The highest pay for Physicist VI is $212,410.

3. What is the lowest pay for Physicist VI?

The lowest pay for Physicist VI is $164,303.

4. What are the responsibilities of Physicist VI?

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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Physicist VI?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Physicist VI roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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