Science & Research Southaven, MS Pop. 55,026

Physicist Salary in Southaven, Mississippi

The median physicist salary in Southaven, MS is $128,041 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 1.2% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$128,041
vs State Avg
+$1,524
vs National
$-24,389
Cost of Living
84%

Physicist Pay in Southaven: What to Expect (2026)

Southaven offers a median physicist salary of $128,041, which is $1,524 above the Mississippi state average of $126,517. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Southaven pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Southaven's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $128,041 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Southaven an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Southaven spans from $65,520 at the 10th percentile to $199,920 at the 90th percentile — a $134,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,880, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,800. Southaven is a smaller market (pop. 55,026), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in Southaven by Experience

In Southaven, an entry-level physicist earns around $68,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$130,200
$-24,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,800
$-35,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Southaven, MS

Percentile Southaven
10th Percentile $65,520
25th Percentile $90,720
Median (50th) $128,041
75th Percentile $163,800
90th Percentile $199,920

Physicist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$129,566
Pop. 153,701
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 Southaven

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Southaven

Browse open physicist positions in Southaven, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Southaven

How much does a Physicist make in Southaven, MS? ▼
The median physicist salary in Southaven, Mississippi is $128,041 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $65,520 (10th percentile) to $199,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Southaven? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $128,041, a physicist in Southaven earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Southaven compare to the Mississippi state average for physicist pay? ▼
Southaven's median physicist salary of $128,041 is 1.2% above the Mississippi state average of $126,517. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Southaven, MS? ▼
Southaven has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $128,041 in Southaven has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Southaven? ▼
Most physicist positions in Southaven 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.