Physicist Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky
The median physicist salary in Owensboro, KY is $124,993 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 5.7% below the Kentucky state average.
Physicist Pay in Owensboro: What to Expect (2026)
Owensboro offers a median physicist salary of $124,993, which is $7,621 below the Kentucky state average of $132,614. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $124,993 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for physicists in Owensboro spans from $63,960 at the 10th percentile to $195,160 at the 90th percentile — a $131,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,240, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,400. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Physicist Salary in Owensboro by Experience
In Owensboro, an entry-level physicist earns around $67,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Owensboro, KY
| Percentile | Owensboro |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $63,960 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,560 |
| Median (50th) | $124,993 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $195,160 |
Physicist Salary in Other Kentucky Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Owensboro
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Owensboro 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 Owensboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Owensboro
Browse open physicist positions in Owensboro, KY: