Science & Research Meridian, ID Pop. 117,635

Physicist Salary in Meridian, Idaho

The median physicist salary in Meridian, ID is $149,381 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 4.3% above the Idaho state average.

City Median
$149,381
vs State Avg
+$6,097
vs National
$-3,049
Cost of Living
98%

Physicist Pay in Meridian: What to Expect (2026)

Meridian offers a median physicist salary of $149,381, which is $6,097 above the Idaho state average of $143,284. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Meridian pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Meridian's cost of living is 98% 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 Meridian spans from $76,440 at the 10th percentile to $233,240 at the 90th percentile — a $156,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,360, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $215,600. With a population of 117,635, Meridian is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Meridian by Experience

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

Salary Percentiles in Meridian, ID

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

Physicist Salary in Other Idaho Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Meridian

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Meridian 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 Meridian may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Meridian

Browse open physicist positions in Meridian, ID:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Meridian

How much does a Physicist make in Meridian, ID? ▼
The median physicist salary in Meridian, Idaho 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 Meridian? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $149,381, a physicist in Meridian earns approximately $72 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Meridian compare to the Idaho state average for physicist pay? ▼
Meridian's median physicist salary of $149,381 is 4.3% above the Idaho state average of $143,284. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Meridian, ID? ▼
Meridian has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $149,381 in Meridian has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Meridian? ▼
Most physicist positions in Meridian 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.