Science & Research Maine (ME) Rank #18 of 50

Physicist Salary in Maine

The median physicist salary in Maine is $149,381 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $152,430.

Median Salary
$149,381
vs National
$-3,049
State Rank
#18 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Physicist Salary Overview in Maine (2026)

Maine ranks #18 out of 50 states for physicist compensation. Maine falls in the middle of the pack for physicist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $149,381 per year, physicists in Maine earn $3,049 less than the national median of $152,430.

Maine's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning physicist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Maine is significant: physicists at the 10th percentile earn $76,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $233,240 — a $156,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maine for this role is Portland, where the median reaches $164,624.

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for physicists across the country.

Physicist Salary in Maine by Experience

In Maine, an entry-level physicist earns around $80,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $215,600 per year. The cost of living index in Maine is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,360
$-1,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$151,900
$-3,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$215,600
$-4,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maine

Percentile ME Salary
10th Percentile $76,440
25th Percentile $105,840
Median (50th) $149,381
75th Percentile $191,100
90th Percentile $233,240

Physicist Salary by City in Maine

The largest employment areas for physicists in Maine include Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and South Portland. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physicist in Maine

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Maine has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook in Maine

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Maine's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Maine

How much does a Physicist make in Maine? ▼
The median physicist salary in Maine is $149,381 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $76,440 (10th percentile) to $233,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Maine? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $149,381, a physicist in Maine earns approximately $72 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maine a good state for physicists? ▼
Maine ranks #18 out of 50 states for physicist pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level physicists earn $80,360, while senior professionals earn $215,600.
How does Maine compare to other states for physicist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physicists is Hawaii at $259,131. Maine's median of $149,381 ranks #18 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Vermont ($153,954) and Florida ($149,381).
What is the entry-level physicist salary in Maine? ▼
An entry-level physicist in Maine earns approximately $80,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $151,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $215,600.
What city in Maine pays physicists the most? ▼
Portland is the highest paying city in Maine for physicists, with a median salary of $164,624. Other cities include Lewiston and Bangor.