Science & Research Fort Lauderdale, FL Pop. 182,760

Physicist Salary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The median physicist salary in Fort Lauderdale, FL is $175,295 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median and 17.3% above the Florida state average.

City Median
$175,295
vs State Avg
+$25,914
vs National
+$22,865
Cost of Living
115%

Physicist Pay in Fort Lauderdale: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Lauderdale offers a median physicist salary of $175,295, which is $25,914 above the Florida state average of $149,381. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Fort Lauderdale pays above average for this role.

However, Fort Lauderdale's cost of living index is 115%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $175,295 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fort Lauderdale should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physicists in Fort Lauderdale spans from $89,700 at the 10th percentile to $273,700 at the 90th percentile — a $184,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $94,300, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $253,000. With a population of 182,760, Fort Lauderdale is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Fort Lauderdale by Experience

In Fort Lauderdale, an entry-level physicist earns around $94,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $253,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$94,300
+$12,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$178,250
+$23,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$253,000
+$33,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Percentile Fort Lauderdale
10th Percentile $89,700
25th Percentile $124,200
Median (50th) $175,295
75th Percentile $224,250
90th Percentile $273,700

Physicist Salary in Other Florida Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Fort Lauderdale

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding Florida 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 Fort Lauderdale may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Fort Lauderdale

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Fort Lauderdale

How much does a Physicist make in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼
The median physicist salary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is $175,295 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $89,700 (10th percentile) to $273,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Fort Lauderdale? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $175,295, a physicist in Fort Lauderdale earns approximately $84 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Lauderdale compare to the Florida state average for physicist pay? ▼
Fort Lauderdale's median physicist salary of $175,295 is 17.3% above the Florida state average of $149,381. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼
Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 115% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $175,295 in Fort Lauderdale has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Fort Lauderdale? ▼
Most physicist positions in Fort Lauderdale 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.