Science & Research Springfield, MO Pop. 169,176

Physicist Salary in Springfield, Missouri

The median physicist salary in Springfield, MO is $124,993 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$124,993
vs State Avg
$-9,145
vs National
$-27,437
Cost of Living
82%

Physicist Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)

Springfield offers a median physicist salary of $124,993, which is $9,145 below the Missouri state average of $134,138. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $124,993 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Springfield spans from $63,960 at the 10th percentile to $195,160 at the 90th percentile — a $131,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,240, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,400. With a population of 169,176, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level physicist earns around $67,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,240
$-14,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$127,100
$-27,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,400
$-39,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, MO

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $63,960
25th Percentile $88,560
Median (50th) $124,993
75th Percentile $159,900
90th Percentile $195,160

Physicist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$140,236
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$137,187
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$134,138
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$129,566
Pop. 123,011

How to Become a Physicist in Springfield

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Springfield

Browse open physicist positions in Springfield, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Springfield

How much does a Physicist make in Springfield, MO? ▼
The median physicist salary in Springfield, Missouri is $124,993 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $63,960 (10th percentile) to $195,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $124,993, a physicist in Springfield earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Missouri state average for physicist pay? ▼
Springfield's median physicist salary of $124,993 is 6.8% below the Missouri state average of $134,138. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, MO? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $124,993 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Springfield? ▼
Most physicist positions in Springfield 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.