SOC 19-2012 · National · May 2024 OEWS Data
The national median salary for Physicists is $166,296 per year ($79.95/hr) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2024. The middle 50% of earners make between $117,458 and $210,267 annually. Top earners at the 90th percentile reach $266,074 per year. There are approximately 21,340 physicists employed in the United States.
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| P10 | $38.47 | $80,018 |
| P25 | $56.47 | $117,458 |
| P50MEDIAN | $79.95 | $166,296 |
| P75 | $101.09 | $210,267 |
| P90 | $127.92 | $266,074 |
Professional & Business Services was the only sector with openings growth (+64K) in February. Quit rates eased to 2.6%. Active hiring continues for specialized roles, particularly at senior levels.
The national median salary for Physicists is $166,296 per year ($79.95/hr) according to BLS OEWS May 2024 data. The middle 50% earn between $117,458 and $210,267 annually.
The 90th percentile salary for Physicists is $266,074 per year ($127.92/hr). The 75th percentile is $210,267 per year.
Entry-level Physicists (10th percentile) earn approximately $80,018 per year ($38.47/hr). The 25th percentile is $117,458 per year.
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