Science & Research Georgia (GA) Rank #27 of 50

Physicist Salary in Georgia

The median physicist salary in Georgia is $141,760 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $152,430.

Median Salary
$141,760
vs National
$-10,670
State Rank
#27 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Physicist Salary Overview in Georgia (2026)

Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for physicist compensation. Physicist salaries in Georgia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $141,760 per year, physicists in Georgia earn $10,670 less than the national median of $152,430.

A key advantage of working in Georgia is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $141,760 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $152,430 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Georgia is significant: physicists at the 10th percentile earn $72,540, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $221,340 — a $148,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Georgia for this role is Atlanta, where the median reaches $155,479.

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 Georgia by Experience

In Georgia, an entry-level physicist earns around $76,260, while experienced professionals earn up to $204,600 per year. The cost of living index in Georgia is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,260
$-5,740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$144,150
$-10,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$204,600
$-15,400 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $141,760+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in Georgia

Percentile GA Salary
10th Percentile $72,540
25th Percentile $100,440
Median (50th) $141,760
75th Percentile $181,350
90th Percentile $221,340

Physicist Salary by City in Georgia

The largest employment areas for physicists in Georgia include Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and Columbus. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physicist in Georgia

Education

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

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook in Georgia

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

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Physicists who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $62,840 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Physicist Roles in Georgia?

Get matched with recruiters hiring physicists in Georgia at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Georgia

How much does a Physicist make in Georgia? ▼
The median physicist salary in Georgia is $141,760 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $72,540 (10th percentile) to $221,340 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Georgia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $141,760, a physicist in Georgia earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Georgia a good state for physicists? ▼
Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for physicist pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level physicists earn $76,260, while senior professionals earn $204,600.
How does Georgia compare to other states for physicist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physicists is Hawaii at $259,131. Georgia's median of $141,760 ranks #27 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($144,809) and Idaho ($143,284).
What is the entry-level physicist salary in Georgia? ▼
An entry-level physicist in Georgia earns approximately $76,260 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $144,150. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $204,600.
What city in Georgia pays physicists the most? ▼
Atlanta is the highest paying city in Georgia for physicists, with a median salary of $155,479. Other cities include Augusta and Savannah.