Science & Research Hattiesburg, MS Pop. 48,728

Physicist Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The median physicist salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $121,944 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 3.6% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$121,944
vs State Avg
$-4,573
vs National
$-30,486
Cost of Living
80%

Physicist Pay in Hattiesburg: What to Expect (2026)

Hattiesburg offers a median physicist salary of $121,944, which is $4,573 below the Mississippi state average of $126,517. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Hattiesburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Hattiesburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $121,944 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Hattiesburg spans from $62,400 at the 10th percentile to $190,400 at the 90th percentile — a $128,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,600, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $176,000. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience

In Hattiesburg, an entry-level physicist earns around $65,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $176,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,600
$-16,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,000
$-31,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$176,000
$-44,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS

Percentile Hattiesburg
10th Percentile $62,400
25th Percentile $86,400
Median (50th) $121,944
75th Percentile $156,000
90th Percentile $190,400

Physicist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Hattiesburg

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Hattiesburg

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Hattiesburg

How much does a Physicist make in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
The median physicist salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is $121,944 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $62,400 (10th percentile) to $190,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Hattiesburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $121,944, a physicist in Hattiesburg earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hattiesburg compare to the Mississippi state average for physicist pay? ▼
Hattiesburg's median physicist salary of $121,944 is 3.6% below the Mississippi state average of $126,517. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $121,944 in Hattiesburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Hattiesburg? ▼
Most physicist positions in Hattiesburg 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.