As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Experimental Physicist in the United States is $104,284 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, an Experimental Physicist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Experimental 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 an Experimental 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 |
|---|---|
| Physicist... Level Experimental Physicist | $72,280 |
| Physicist... Level Experimental Physicist | $90,807 |
| Experimen... Level Experimental Physicist | $106,565 |
| Physicist... Level Experimental Physicist | $138,653 |
| Physicist... Level Experimental Physicist | $154,865 |
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 Experimental Physicists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 11.42% |
| Quality Assurance | 6.52% |
| Quality Control | 1.11% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$136,612 |
31%
|
|
Project Management
|
$122,012 |
17%
|
|
Dedication
|
$115,755 |
11%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$114,712 |
10%
|
|
Coordination
|
$113,670 |
9%
|
|
Critical Thinking
|
$113,670 |
9%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Experimental 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 an Experimental Physicist with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $105,014 and $116,512).
Experimental Physicist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.3% |
| High School | 15.2% |
| Associates | 81.5% |
| Bachelors | 3.3% |
| Masters | 15.2% |
| Doctorate | 81.5% |
Understanding how an Experimental 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 April 01, 2026Salaries for an Experimental Physicist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $82,043 in 2023 to around $79,955 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Experimental Physicist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $82,043 |
| 2024 | $81,288 |
| 2025 | $79,955 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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