Science & Research Wichita, KS Pop. 397,532

Physicist Salary in Wichita, Kansas

The median physicist salary in Wichita, KS is $129,566 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 2.3% below the Kansas state average.

City Median
$129,566
vs State Avg
$-3,048
vs National
$-22,864
Cost of Living
85%

Physicist Pay in Wichita: What to Expect (2026)

Wichita offers a median physicist salary of $129,566, which is $3,048 below the Kansas state average of $132,614. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Wichita pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wichita'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 Wichita an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Wichita 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 397,532, Wichita is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Wichita by Experience

In Wichita, 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 Wichita, KS

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

Physicist Salary in Other Kansas Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Wichita

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Wichita

Browse open physicist positions in Wichita, KS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Wichita

How much does a Physicist make in Wichita, KS? ▼
The median physicist salary in Wichita, Kansas 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 Wichita? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $129,566, a physicist in Wichita earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wichita compare to the Kansas state average for physicist pay? ▼
Wichita's median physicist salary of $129,566 is 2.3% below the Kansas state average of $132,614. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wichita, KS? ▼
Wichita has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $129,566 in Wichita has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Wichita? ▼
Most physicist positions in Wichita 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.