Science & Research Worcester, MA Pop. 206,518

Physicist Salary in Worcester, Massachusetts

The median physicist salary in Worcester, MA is $167,673 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 18.5% below the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$167,673
vs State Avg
$-38,108
vs National
+$15,243
Cost of Living
110%

Physicist Pay in Worcester: What to Expect (2026)

Worcester offers a median physicist salary of $167,673, which is $38,108 below the Massachusetts state average of $205,781. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Worcester pays above average for this role.

Worcester's cost of living is 110% 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 Worcester spans from $85,800 at the 10th percentile to $261,800 at the 90th percentile — a $176,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $90,200, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $242,000. With a population of 206,518, Worcester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Worcester by Experience

In Worcester, an entry-level physicist earns around $90,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $242,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$90,200
+$8,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$170,500
+$15,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$242,000
+$22,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Worcester, MA

Percentile Worcester
10th Percentile $85,800
25th Percentile $118,800
Median (50th) $167,673
75th Percentile $214,500
90th Percentile $261,800

Physicist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Worcester

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Worcester

Browse open physicist positions in Worcester, MA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Worcester

How much does a Physicist make in Worcester, MA? ▼
The median physicist salary in Worcester, Massachusetts is $167,673 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $85,800 (10th percentile) to $261,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Worcester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $167,673, a physicist in Worcester earns approximately $81 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Worcester compare to the Massachusetts state average for physicist pay? ▼
Worcester's median physicist salary of $167,673 is 18.5% below the Massachusetts state average of $205,781. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Worcester, MA? ▼
Worcester has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $167,673 in Worcester has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Worcester? ▼
Most physicist positions in Worcester 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.