Science & Research Covington, KY Pop. 40,961

Physicist Salary in Covington, Kentucky

The median physicist salary in Covington, KY is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$134,138
vs State Avg
+$1,524
vs National
$-18,292
Cost of Living
88%

Physicist Pay in Covington: What to Expect (2026)

Covington offers a median physicist salary of $134,138, which is $1,524 above the Kentucky state average of $132,614. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Covington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Covington's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $134,138 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Covington an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Covington spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $209,440 at the 90th percentile — a $140,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,600. Covington is a smaller market (pop. 40,961), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in Covington by Experience

In Covington, an entry-level physicist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,400
$-18,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,600
$-26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Covington, KY

Percentile Covington
10th Percentile $68,640
25th Percentile $95,040
Median (50th) $134,138
75th Percentile $171,600
90th Percentile $209,440

Physicist Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Covington

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Covington

Browse open physicist positions in Covington, KY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Covington

How much does a Physicist make in Covington, KY? ▼
The median physicist salary in Covington, Kentucky is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $209,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Covington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,138, a physicist in Covington earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Covington compare to the Kentucky state average for physicist pay? ▼
Covington's median physicist salary of $134,138 is 1.1% above the Kentucky state average of $132,614. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Covington, KY? ▼
Covington has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $134,138 in Covington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Covington? ▼
Most physicist positions in Covington 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.