Science & Research Billings, MT Pop. 117,116

Physicist Salary in Billings, Montana

The median physicist salary in Billings, MT is $146,333 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 1.1% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$146,333
vs State Avg
+$1,524
vs National
$-6,097
Cost of Living
96%

Physicist Pay in Billings: What to Expect (2026)

Billings offers a median physicist salary of $146,333, which is $1,524 above the Montana state average of $144,809. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Billings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Billings's cost of living is 96% 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 Billings spans from $74,880 at the 10th percentile to $228,480 at the 90th percentile — a $153,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,720, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $211,200. With a population of 117,116, Billings is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Billings by Experience

In Billings, an entry-level physicist earns around $78,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $211,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,720
$-3,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$148,800
$-6,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$211,200
$-8,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Billings, MT

Percentile Billings
10th Percentile $74,880
25th Percentile $103,680
Median (50th) $146,333
75th Percentile $187,200
90th Percentile $228,480

Physicist Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Billings

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Billings

Browse open physicist positions in Billings, MT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Billings

How much does a Physicist make in Billings, MT? ▼
The median physicist salary in Billings, Montana is $146,333 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $74,880 (10th percentile) to $228,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Billings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $146,333, a physicist in Billings earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Billings compare to the Montana state average for physicist pay? ▼
Billings's median physicist salary of $146,333 is 1.1% above the Montana state average of $144,809. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Billings, MT? ▼
Billings has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $146,333 in Billings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Billings? ▼
Most physicist positions in Billings 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.