Physicist Salary in Pocatello, ID: $131,090 (2026)

Physicist Pay in Pocatello: What to Expect (2026)

Pocatello offers a median physicist salary of $131,090, which is $12,194 below the Idaho state average of $143,284. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Pocatello pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Pocatello's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $131,090 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Pocatello an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Pocatello spans from $67,080 at the 10th percentile to $204,680 at the 90th percentile — a $137,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,520, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. Pocatello is a smaller market (pop. 56,548), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in Pocatello by Experience

In Pocatello, an entry-level physicist earns around $70,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$70,520

$-11,480 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$133,300

$-21,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$189,200

$-30,800 vs national

Percentile	Pocatello	ID State	National
10th Percentile	$67,080	$73,320	$78,000
25th Percentile	$92,880	$101,520	$108,000
Median (50th)	$131,090	$143,284	$152,430
75th Percentile	$167,700	$183,300	$195,000
90th Percentile	$204,680	$223,720	$238,000

Percentile

Pocatello

10th Percentile

$67,080

25th Percentile

$92,880

Median (50th)

$131,090

75th Percentile

$167,700

90th Percentile

$204,680

How to Become a Physicist in Pocatello

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Pocatello

How much does a Physicist make in Pocatello, ID? ▼

The median physicist salary in Pocatello, Idaho is $131,090 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $67,080 (10th percentile) to $204,680 (90th percentile).

How much does a Physicist make per hour in Pocatello? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $131,090, a physicist in Pocatello earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Pocatello compare to the Idaho state average for physicist pay? ▼

Pocatello's median physicist salary of $131,090 is 8.5% below the Idaho state average of $143,284. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Pocatello, ID? ▼

Pocatello has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $131,090 in Pocatello has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Pocatello? ▼

Most physicist positions in Pocatello 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.

Physicist Salary in Pocatello, Idaho