Science & Research Idaho Falls, ID Pop. 64,609

Physicist Salary in Idaho Falls, Idaho

The median physicist salary in Idaho Falls, ID is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 6.4% below the Idaho state average.

City Median
$134,138
vs State Avg
$-9,146
vs National
$-18,292
Cost of Living
88%

Physicist Pay in Idaho Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Idaho Falls offers a median physicist salary of $134,138, which is $9,146 below the Idaho state average of $143,284. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Idaho Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Idaho Falls's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $134,138 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Idaho Falls an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Idaho Falls spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $209,440 at the 90th percentile — a $140,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,600. Idaho Falls is a smaller market (pop. 64,609), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in Idaho Falls by Experience

In Idaho Falls, an entry-level physicist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,400
$-18,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,600
$-26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Idaho Falls, ID

Percentile Idaho Falls
10th Percentile $68,640
25th Percentile $95,040
Median (50th) $134,138
75th Percentile $171,600
90th Percentile $209,440

Physicist Salary in Other Idaho Cities

Boise, ID
$152,430
Pop. 235,684
Meridian, ID
$149,381
Pop. 117,635
Nampa, ID
$137,187
Pop. 100,200
Pocatello, ID
$131,090
Pop. 56,548

How to Become a Physicist in Idaho Falls

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Idaho Falls

Browse open physicist positions in Idaho Falls, ID:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Idaho Falls

How much does a Physicist make in Idaho Falls, ID? ▼
The median physicist salary in Idaho Falls, Idaho is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $209,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Idaho Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,138, a physicist in Idaho Falls earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Idaho Falls compare to the Idaho state average for physicist pay? ▼
Idaho Falls's median physicist salary of $134,138 is 6.4% below the Idaho state average of $143,284. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Idaho Falls, ID? ▼
Idaho Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $134,138 in Idaho Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Idaho Falls? ▼
Most physicist positions in Idaho Falls 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.