Physicist Salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas
The median physicist salary in Fayetteville, AR is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the Arkansas state average.
Physicist Pay in Fayetteville: What to Expect (2026)
Fayetteville offers a median physicist salary of $134,138, which is $6,097 above the Arkansas state average of $128,041. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Fayetteville pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Fayetteville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $134,138 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Fayetteville an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for physicists in Fayetteville spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $209,440 at the 90th percentile — a $140,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,600. Fayetteville is a smaller market (pop. 93,949), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Physicist Salary in Fayetteville by Experience
In Fayetteville, an entry-level physicist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Fayetteville, AR
| Percentile | Fayetteville |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,040 |
| Median (50th) | $134,138 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $209,440 |
Physicist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Fayetteville
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Fayetteville and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fayetteville may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Fayetteville
Browse open physicist positions in Fayetteville, AR: