Science & Research Naperville, IL Pop. 149,540

Physicist Salary in Naperville, Illinois

The median physicist salary in Naperville, IL is $164,624 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 13.7% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$164,624
vs State Avg
+$19,815
vs National
+$12,194
Cost of Living
108%

Physicist Pay in Naperville: What to Expect (2026)

Naperville offers a median physicist salary of $164,624, which is $19,815 above the Illinois state average of $144,809. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Naperville pays above average for this role.

Naperville's cost of living is 108% 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 Naperville spans from $84,240 at the 10th percentile to $257,040 at the 90th percentile — a $172,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $88,560, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $237,600. With a population of 149,540, Naperville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Naperville by Experience

In Naperville, an entry-level physicist earns around $88,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $237,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$88,560
+$6,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$167,400
+$12,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$237,600
+$17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Naperville, IL

Percentile Naperville
10th Percentile $84,240
25th Percentile $116,640
Median (50th) $164,624
75th Percentile $210,600
90th Percentile $257,040

Physicist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Naperville

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Naperville

Browse open physicist positions in Naperville, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Naperville

How much does a Physicist make in Naperville, IL? ▼
The median physicist salary in Naperville, Illinois is $164,624 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $84,240 (10th percentile) to $257,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Naperville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $164,624, a physicist in Naperville earns approximately $79 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Naperville compare to the Illinois state average for physicist pay? ▼
Naperville's median physicist salary of $164,624 is 13.7% above the Illinois state average of $144,809. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Naperville, IL? ▼
Naperville has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $164,624 in Naperville has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Naperville? ▼
Most physicist positions in Naperville 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.