Science & Research Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Physicist Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median physicist salary in Boston, MA is $231,694 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$231,694
vs State Avg
+$25,913
vs National
+$79,264
Cost of Living
152%

Physicist Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median physicist salary of $231,694, which is $25,913 above the Massachusetts state average of $205,781. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $231,694 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physicists in Boston spans from $118,560 at the 10th percentile to $361,760 at the 90th percentile — a $243,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $124,640, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $334,400. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physicist Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level physicist earns around $124,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $334,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$124,640
+$42,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$235,600
+$80,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$334,400
+$114,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $118,560
25th Percentile $164,160
Median (50th) $231,694
75th Percentile $296,400
90th Percentile $361,760

Physicist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$243,888
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$167,673
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$160,052
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$149,381
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Physicist in Boston

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts 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 Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Boston

Browse open physicist positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Boston

How much does a Physicist make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median physicist salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $231,694 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $118,560 (10th percentile) to $361,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $231,694, a physicist in Boston earns approximately $111 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for physicist pay? ▼
Boston's median physicist salary of $231,694 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $205,781. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $231,694 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Boston? ▼
Most physicist positions in Boston 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.