Science & Research Florida (FL) Rank #17 of 50

Physicist Salary in Florida

The median physicist salary in Florida is $149,381 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $152,430.

Median Salary
$149,381
vs National
$-3,049
State Rank
#17 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Physicist Salary Overview in Florida (2026)

Florida ranks #17 out of 50 states for physicist compensation. Florida falls in the middle of the pack for physicist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $149,381 per year, physicists in Florida earn $3,049 less than the national median of $152,430.

Florida's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning physicist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Florida is significant: physicists at the 10th percentile earn $76,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $233,240 — a $156,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Florida for this role is Miami, where the median reaches $179,867.

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 Florida by Experience

In Florida, an entry-level physicist earns around $80,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $215,600 per year. The cost of living index in Florida 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

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Salary Percentiles in Florida

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

Physicist Salary by City in Florida

The largest employment areas for physicists in Florida include Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physicist in Florida

Education

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

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook in Florida

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Florida

How much does a Physicist make in Florida? ▼
The median physicist salary in Florida 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 Florida? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $149,381, a physicist in Florida earns approximately $72 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Florida a good state for physicists? ▼
Florida ranks #17 out of 50 states for physicist pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level physicists earn $80,360, while senior professionals earn $215,600.
How does Florida compare to other states for physicist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physicists is Hawaii at $259,131. Florida's median of $149,381 ranks #17 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Delaware ($153,954) and Vermont ($153,954).
What is the entry-level physicist salary in Florida? ▼
An entry-level physicist in Florida earns approximately $80,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $151,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $215,600.
What city in Florida pays physicists the most? ▼
Miami is the highest paying city in Florida for physicists, with a median salary of $179,867. Other cities include Orlando and Tampa.