Science & Research Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Physicist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median physicist salary in Lafayette, LA is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$134,138
vs State Avg
$-4,573
vs National
$-18,292
Cost of Living
88%

Physicist Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median physicist salary of $134,138, which is $4,573 below the Louisiana state average of $138,711. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for physicists in Lafayette 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. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, LA

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

Physicist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$149,381
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$140,236
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$131,090
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$129,566
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Physicist in Lafayette

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Lafayette 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 Lafayette may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open physicist positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Physicist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median physicist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana 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 Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,138, a physicist in Lafayette earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for physicist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median physicist salary of $134,138 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $138,711. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $134,138 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Lafayette? ▼
Most physicist positions in Lafayette 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.