As of August 01, 2026, the average annual salary for physics phd in the US is $100,161, equivalent to $48 per hour, $1,926 weekly, or $8,347 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for physics phd in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for physics phd in the US vary widely, spanning from $75,542 to $117,995. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($87,274) and 75th percentile ($109,496), while top earners (90th percentile) make $117,995 per year. This $22,222 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Planning or Radiology, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia physics phd often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 32 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
physics phd Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile physics phd Salary $75,542 US August 01, 2026
25th Percentile physics phd Salary $87,274 US August 01, 2026
50th Percentile physics phd Salary $100,161 US August 01, 2026
75th Percentile physics phd Salary $109,496 US August 01, 2026
90th Percentile physics phd Salary $117,995 US August 01, 2026
25% $87,274 10% $75,542 90% $117,995 75% $109,496 $100,161 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is a physics phd ?

A PhD in Physics opens up a range of career opportunities across academia, industry, and research institutions. Salaries for individuals holding a PhD in Physics can vary significantly based on factors such as location, sector, and level of experience. In academia, postdoctoral researchers may earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, while faculty positions can range from $70,000 to over $120,000, depending on rank and institution. In the private sector, physicists working in technology, engineering, or data analysis may see salaries starting around $80,000, with experienced professionals ea...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

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Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
87274
109496
100161

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
107843
135904
119637
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of physics phd in the United States. The base salary for physics phd ranges from $87,274 to $109,496 with the average base salary of $100,161. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $107,843 to $135,904 with the average total cash compensation of $119,637.
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87274
109496