Science & Research Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Physicist Salary in Alaska

The median physicist salary in Alaska is $189,013 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $152,430.

Median Salary
$189,013
vs National
+$36,583
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Physicist Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for physicist compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for physicists seeking high pay. At $189,013 per year, physicists in Alaska earn $36,583 more than the national median of $152,430.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $189,013 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $152,430.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: physicists at the 10th percentile earn $96,720, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $295,120 — a $198,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $205,781.

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for physicists across the country.

Physicist Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level physicist earns around $101,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $272,800 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$101,680
+$19,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$192,200
+$37,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$272,800
+$52,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $96,720
25th Percentile $133,920
Median (50th) $189,013
75th Percentile $241,800
90th Percentile $295,120

Physicist Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for physicists in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physicist in Alaska

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Alaska

How much does a Physicist make in Alaska? ▼
The median physicist salary in Alaska is $189,013 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $96,720 (10th percentile) to $295,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $189,013, a physicist in Alaska earns approximately $91 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for physicists? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for physicist pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level physicists earn $101,680, while senior professionals earn $272,800.
How does Alaska compare to other states for physicist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physicists is Hawaii at $259,131. Alaska's median of $189,013 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($210,353) and Massachusetts ($205,781).
What is the entry-level physicist salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level physicist in Alaska earns approximately $101,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $192,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $272,800.
What city in Alaska pays physicists the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for physicists, with a median salary of $205,781. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.