Science & Research Minneapolis, MN Pop. 429,954

Physicist Salary in Minneapolis, Minnesota

The median physicist salary in Minneapolis, MN is $160,052 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 8.2% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$160,052
vs State Avg
+$12,195
vs National
+$7,622
Cost of Living
105%

Physicist Pay in Minneapolis: What to Expect (2026)

Minneapolis offers a median physicist salary of $160,052, which is $12,195 above the Minnesota state average of $147,857. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Minneapolis pays above average for this role.

Minneapolis's cost of living is 105% 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 Minneapolis spans from $81,900 at the 10th percentile to $249,900 at the 90th percentile — a $168,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,100, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $231,000. With a population of 429,954, Minneapolis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Minneapolis by Experience

In Minneapolis, an entry-level physicist earns around $86,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $231,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,100
+$4,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$162,750
+$7,750 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$231,000
+$11,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Minneapolis, MN

Percentile Minneapolis
10th Percentile $81,900
25th Percentile $113,400
Median (50th) $160,052
75th Percentile $204,750
90th Percentile $249,900

Physicist Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Minneapolis

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Minneapolis

Browse open physicist positions in Minneapolis, MN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Minneapolis

How much does a Physicist make in Minneapolis, MN? ▼
The median physicist salary in Minneapolis, Minnesota is $160,052 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $81,900 (10th percentile) to $249,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Minneapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $160,052, a physicist in Minneapolis earns approximately $77 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Minneapolis compare to the Minnesota state average for physicist pay? ▼
Minneapolis's median physicist salary of $160,052 is 8.2% above the Minnesota state average of $147,857. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Minneapolis, MN? ▼
Minneapolis has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $160,052 in Minneapolis has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Minneapolis? ▼
Most physicist positions in Minneapolis 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.