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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physicist in New York is $115,125 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.
However, a Physicist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Physicist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $127,840 | $10,653 | $2,458 | $61 |
| Average | $115,125 | $9,594 | $2,214 | $55 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,495 | $8,708 | $2,010 | $50 |
U.S. Dynamics Corporation - Amityville, NY
Kaleida Health - Olean, NY
U.S. Dynamics Corporation - Amityville, NY
Aya Healthcare - Saratoga Springs, NY
A 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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 Physicist | $77,441 |
| Physicist... Level Physicist | $97,338 |
| Physicist... Level Physicist | $114,190 |
| Physicist... Level Physicist | $148,600 |
| Physicist... Level Physicist | $165,888 |
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 Physicists. 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:
For Physicist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 115% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% 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 as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $161,175 | $77.0 | 40% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $149,663 | $72.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $143,907 | $69.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $138,150 | $66.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $126,638 | $61.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $127,840 | $10,653 | $2,458 | $61 |
| Average | $115,125 | $9,594 | $2,214 | $55 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,495 | $8,708 | $2,010 | $50 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Physicist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Albany Medical Center
Albany, NY
Albany Medical Center | Albany, NY
Medical Physicist. The Medical Physicist is responsible for supporting the safe, accurate, and effective delivery of radiation therapy through equipment co... more
10 Days Ago
Garnet Health
New York City, NY
Garnet Health | New York City, NY
OverviewAt Garnet Health, the Hudson Valley's leading integrated health system, you'll find the perfect balance of a satisfying career and a rewarding life... more
8 Days Ago
Saratoga Hospital
Glens Falls, NY
Saratoga Hospital | Glens Falls, NY
Job DescriptionTeam ImpactThe medical physicist works independently to provide medical physics support for the Radiation Oncology Department.The Glens Fall... more
8 Days Ago
Ansible Government Solutions
Northport, NY
Ansible Government Solutions | Northport, NY
Job Description. Job Description. Overview. Ansible Government Solutions, LLC (Ansible) is currently recruiting a Therapeutic Medical Physicist to provide ... more
7 Days Ago
Columbia University
New York City, NY
Columbia University | New York City, NY
Job Type:Officer of AdministrationBargaining Unit:Regular/Temporary:RegularEnd Date if Temporary:Hours Per Week:35Standard Work Schedule:Building:Salary Ra... more
8 Days Ago
NewYork-Presbyterian
Manhattan, NY
NewYork-Presbyterian | Manhattan, NY
Impact the Future of Radiation Oncology Physicist – Radiation Oncology - Full Time NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is one of the nation’s most comprehensive ... more
6 Days Ago
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