Physicist Salary in Bowling Green, Kentucky
The median physicist salary in Bowling Green, KY is $128,041 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 3.4% below the Kentucky state average.
Physicist Pay in Bowling Green: What to Expect (2026)
Bowling Green offers a median physicist salary of $128,041, which is $4,573 below the Kentucky state average of $132,614. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Bowling Green pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Bowling Green's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $128,041 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Bowling Green an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for physicists in Bowling Green spans from $65,520 at the 10th percentile to $199,920 at the 90th percentile — a $134,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,880, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,800. Bowling Green is a smaller market (pop. 74,735), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Physicist Salary in Bowling Green by Experience
In Bowling Green, an entry-level physicist earns around $68,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Bowling Green, KY
| Percentile | Bowling Green |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $65,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,720 |
| Median (50th) | $128,041 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $199,920 |
Physicist Salary in Other Kentucky Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Bowling Green
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Bowling Green and the surrounding Kentucky area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Bowling Green may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Bowling Green
Browse open physicist positions in Bowling Green, KY: