Science & Research Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

Physicist Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median physicist salary in Springfield, IL is $129,566 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$129,566
vs State Avg
$-15,243
vs National
$-22,864
Cost of Living
85%

Physicist Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)

Springfield offers a median physicist salary of $129,566, which is $15,243 below the Illinois state average of $144,809. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $129,566 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,431 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Springfield spans from $66,300 at the 10th percentile to $202,300 at the 90th percentile — a $136,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $69,700, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $187,000. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level physicist earns around $69,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $187,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,700
$-12,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$131,750
$-23,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$187,000
$-33,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $66,300
25th Percentile $91,800
Median (50th) $129,566
75th Percentile $165,750
90th Percentile $202,300

Physicist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$164,624
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$163,100
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$144,809
Pop. 197,757
Rockford, IL
$124,993
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Physicist in Springfield

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Springfield

Browse open physicist positions in Springfield, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Springfield

How much does a Physicist make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median physicist salary in Springfield, Illinois is $129,566 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $66,300 (10th percentile) to $202,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $129,566, a physicist in Springfield earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for physicist pay? ▼
Springfield's median physicist salary of $129,566 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $144,809. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $129,566 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Springfield? ▼
Most physicist positions in Springfield 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.