Science & Research Waterbury, CT Pop. 114,403

Physicist Salary in Waterbury, Connecticut

The median physicist salary in Waterbury, CT is $149,381 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 12.5% below the Connecticut state average.

City Median
$149,381
vs State Avg
$-21,341
vs National
$-3,049
Cost of Living
98%

Physicist Pay in Waterbury: What to Expect (2026)

Waterbury offers a median physicist salary of $149,381, which is $21,341 below the Connecticut state average of $170,722. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Waterbury pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Waterbury's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physicists in Waterbury spans from $76,440 at the 10th percentile to $233,240 at the 90th percentile — a $156,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,360, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $215,600. With a population of 114,403, Waterbury is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Waterbury by Experience

In Waterbury, an entry-level physicist earns around $80,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $215,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,360
$-1,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$151,900
$-3,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$215,600
$-4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waterbury, CT

Percentile Waterbury
10th Percentile $76,440
25th Percentile $105,840
Median (50th) $149,381
75th Percentile $191,100
90th Percentile $233,240

Physicist Salary in Other Connecticut Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Waterbury

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Waterbury and the surrounding Connecticut 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 Waterbury may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Waterbury

Browse open physicist positions in Waterbury, CT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Waterbury

How much does a Physicist make in Waterbury, CT? ▼
The median physicist salary in Waterbury, Connecticut is $149,381 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $76,440 (10th percentile) to $233,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Waterbury? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $149,381, a physicist in Waterbury earns approximately $72 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waterbury compare to the Connecticut state average for physicist pay? ▼
Waterbury's median physicist salary of $149,381 is 12.5% below the Connecticut state average of $170,722. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Waterbury, CT? ▼
Waterbury has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $149,381 in Waterbury has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Waterbury? ▼
Most physicist positions in Waterbury 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.