Science & Research Lansing, MI Pop. 112,644

Physicist Salary in Lansing, Michigan

The median physicist salary in Lansing, MI is $131,090 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$131,090
vs State Avg
$-6,097
vs National
$-21,340
Cost of Living
86%

Physicist Pay in Lansing: What to Expect (2026)

Lansing offers a median physicist salary of $131,090, which is $6,097 below the Michigan state average of $137,187. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Lansing pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lansing's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $131,090 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Lansing an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Lansing spans from $67,080 at the 10th percentile to $204,680 at the 90th percentile — a $137,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,520, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. With a population of 112,644, Lansing is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Lansing by Experience

In Lansing, an entry-level physicist earns around $70,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$133,300
$-21,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$189,200
$-30,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lansing, MI

Percentile Lansing
10th Percentile $67,080
25th Percentile $92,880
Median (50th) $131,090
75th Percentile $167,700
90th Percentile $204,680

Physicist Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$160,052
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$137,187
Pop. 198,917
Detroit, MI
$134,138
Pop. 639,111
Warren, MI
$134,138
Pop. 139,387

How to Become a Physicist in Lansing

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Lansing

Browse open physicist positions in Lansing, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Lansing

How much does a Physicist make in Lansing, MI? ▼
The median physicist salary in Lansing, Michigan is $131,090 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $67,080 (10th percentile) to $204,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Lansing? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,090, a physicist in Lansing earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lansing compare to the Michigan state average for physicist pay? ▼
Lansing's median physicist salary of $131,090 is 4.4% below the Michigan state average of $137,187. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lansing, MI? ▼
Lansing has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $131,090 in Lansing has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Lansing? ▼
Most physicist positions in Lansing 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.