Science & Research Jackson, MS Pop. 153,701

Physicist Salary in Jackson, Mississippi

The median physicist salary in Jackson, MS is $129,566 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 2.4% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$129,566
vs State Avg
+$3,049
vs National
$-22,864
Cost of Living
85%

Physicist Pay in Jackson: What to Expect (2026)

Jackson offers a median physicist salary of $129,566, which is $3,049 above the Mississippi state average of $126,517. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Jackson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jackson's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $129,566 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,431 in an average-cost city. This makes Jackson an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Jackson spans from $66,300 at the 10th percentile to $202,300 at the 90th percentile — a $136,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $69,700, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $187,000. With a population of 153,701, Jackson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Jackson by Experience

In Jackson, an entry-level physicist earns around $69,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $187,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,700
$-12,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$131,750
$-23,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$187,000
$-33,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jackson, MS

Percentile Jackson
10th Percentile $66,300
25th Percentile $91,800
Median (50th) $129,566
75th Percentile $165,750
90th Percentile $202,300

Physicist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Southaven, MS
$128,041
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$126,517
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$124,993
Pop. 72,926
Hattiesburg, MS
$121,944
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Physicist in Jackson

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Jackson

Browse open physicist positions in Jackson, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Jackson

How much does a Physicist make in Jackson, MS? ▼
The median physicist salary in Jackson, Mississippi is $129,566 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $66,300 (10th percentile) to $202,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Jackson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $129,566, a physicist in Jackson earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jackson compare to the Mississippi state average for physicist pay? ▼
Jackson's median physicist salary of $129,566 is 2.4% above the Mississippi state average of $126,517. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jackson, MS? ▼
Jackson has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $129,566 in Jackson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Jackson? ▼
Most physicist positions in Jackson 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.