Physicist Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana
The median physicist salary in New Orleans, LA is $149,381 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.
Physicist Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)
New Orleans offers a median physicist salary of $149,381, which is $10,670 above the Louisiana state average of $138,711. Compared to the national median of $152,430, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.
New Orleans's cost of living is 98% 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 New Orleans spans from $76,440 at the 10th percentile to $233,240 at the 90th percentile — a $156,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,360, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $215,600. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Physicist Salary in New Orleans by Experience
In New Orleans, an entry-level physicist earns around $80,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $215,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA
| Percentile | New Orleans |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $76,440 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,840 |
| Median (50th) | $149,381 |
| 75th Percentile | $191,100 |
| 90th Percentile | $233,240 |
Physicist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities
How to Become a Physicist in New Orleans
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. New Orleans and the surrounding Louisiana 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 New Orleans may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in New Orleans
Browse open physicist positions in New Orleans, LA: