Science & Research Montgomery, AL Pop. 200,603

Physicist Salary in Montgomery, Alabama

The median physicist salary in Montgomery, AL is $131,090 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 1.1% below the Alabama state average.

City Median
$131,090
vs State Avg
$-1,524
vs National
$-21,340
Cost of Living
86%

Physicist Pay in Montgomery: What to Expect (2026)

Montgomery offers a median physicist salary of $131,090, which is $1,524 below the Alabama state average of $132,614. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Montgomery pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Montgomery's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $131,090 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Montgomery an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Montgomery spans from $67,080 at the 10th percentile to $204,680 at the 90th percentile — a $137,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,520, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. With a population of 200,603, Montgomery is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Montgomery by Experience

In Montgomery, an entry-level physicist earns around $70,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$133,300
$-21,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$189,200
$-30,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Montgomery, AL

Percentile Montgomery
10th Percentile $67,080
25th Percentile $92,880
Median (50th) $131,090
75th Percentile $167,700
90th Percentile $204,680

Physicist Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$140,236
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$137,187
Pop. 197,575
Tuscaloosa, AL
$134,138
Pop. 101,129
Mobile, AL
$129,566
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Physicist in Montgomery

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Montgomery and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Montgomery may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Montgomery

Browse open physicist positions in Montgomery, AL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Montgomery

How much does a Physicist make in Montgomery, AL? ▼
The median physicist salary in Montgomery, Alabama is $131,090 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $67,080 (10th percentile) to $204,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Montgomery? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,090, a physicist in Montgomery earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Montgomery compare to the Alabama state average for physicist pay? ▼
Montgomery's median physicist salary of $131,090 is 1.1% below the Alabama state average of $132,614. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Montgomery, AL? ▼
Montgomery has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $131,090 in Montgomery has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Montgomery? ▼
Most physicist positions in Montgomery require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.