Science & Research Baton Rouge, LA Pop. 227,470

Physicist Salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The median physicist salary in Baton Rouge, LA is $140,236 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$140,236
vs State Avg
+$1,525
vs National
$-12,194
Cost of Living
92%

Physicist Pay in Baton Rouge: What to Expect (2026)

Baton Rouge offers a median physicist salary of $140,236, which is $1,525 above the Louisiana state average of $138,711. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Baton Rouge pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Baton Rouge's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physicists in Baton Rouge spans from $71,760 at the 10th percentile to $218,960 at the 90th percentile — a $147,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,440, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $202,400. With a population of 227,470, Baton Rouge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Baton Rouge by Experience

In Baton Rouge, an entry-level physicist earns around $75,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,600
$-12,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baton Rouge, LA

Percentile Baton Rouge
10th Percentile $71,760
25th Percentile $99,360
Median (50th) $140,236
75th Percentile $179,400
90th Percentile $218,960

Physicist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Baton Rouge

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Baton Rouge and the surrounding Louisiana 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 Baton Rouge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Baton Rouge

Browse open physicist positions in Baton Rouge, LA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Baton Rouge

How much does a Physicist make in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
The median physicist salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is $140,236 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $71,760 (10th percentile) to $218,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Baton Rouge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,236, a physicist in Baton Rouge earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baton Rouge compare to the Louisiana state average for physicist pay? ▼
Baton Rouge's median physicist salary of $140,236 is 1.1% above the Louisiana state average of $138,711. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
Baton Rouge has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $140,236 in Baton Rouge has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Baton Rouge? ▼
Most physicist positions in Baton Rouge 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.