Physicist Salary in Atlanta, Georgia
The median physicist salary in Atlanta, GA is $155,479 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 9.7% above the Georgia state average.
Physicist Pay in Atlanta: What to Expect (2026)
Atlanta offers a median physicist salary of $155,479, which is $13,719 above the Georgia state average of $141,760. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Atlanta pays above average for this role.
Atlanta's cost of living is 102% 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 Atlanta spans from $79,560 at the 10th percentile to $242,760 at the 90th percentile — a $163,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $83,640, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $224,400. With a population of 498,715, Atlanta is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Physicist Salary in Atlanta by Experience
In Atlanta, an entry-level physicist earns around $83,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $224,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Atlanta, GA
| Percentile | Atlanta |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $79,560 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,160 |
| Median (50th) | $155,479 |
| 75th Percentile | $198,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $242,760 |
Physicist Salary in Other Georgia Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Atlanta
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Atlanta and the surrounding Georgia 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 Atlanta may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Atlanta
Browse open physicist positions in Atlanta, GA: