Science & Research Bozeman, MT Pop. 53,293

Physicist Salary in Bozeman, Montana

The median physicist salary in Bozeman, MT is $175,295 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median and 21.1% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$175,295
vs State Avg
+$30,486
vs National
+$22,865
Cost of Living
115%

Physicist Pay in Bozeman: What to Expect (2026)

Bozeman offers a median physicist salary of $175,295, which is $30,486 above the Montana state average of $144,809. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Bozeman pays above average for this role.

However, Bozeman's cost of living index is 115%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $175,295 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bozeman should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physicists in Bozeman spans from $89,700 at the 10th percentile to $273,700 at the 90th percentile — a $184,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $94,300, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $253,000. Bozeman is a smaller market (pop. 53,293), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in Bozeman by Experience

In Bozeman, an entry-level physicist earns around $94,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $253,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$94,300
+$12,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$178,250
+$23,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$253,000
+$33,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bozeman, MT

Percentile Bozeman
10th Percentile $89,700
25th Percentile $124,200
Median (50th) $175,295
75th Percentile $224,250
90th Percentile $273,700

Physicist Salary in Other Montana Cities

Missoula, MT
$155,479
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$146,333
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$143,284
Pop. 32,315
Great Falls, MT
$134,138
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Physicist in Bozeman

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Bozeman

Browse open physicist positions in Bozeman, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Bozeman

How much does a Physicist make in Bozeman, MT? ▼
The median physicist salary in Bozeman, Montana is $175,295 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $89,700 (10th percentile) to $273,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Bozeman? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $175,295, a physicist in Bozeman earns approximately $84 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bozeman compare to the Montana state average for physicist pay? ▼
Bozeman's median physicist salary of $175,295 is 21.1% above the Montana state average of $144,809. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bozeman, MT? ▼
Bozeman has a cost of living index of 115% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $175,295 in Bozeman has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Bozeman? ▼
Most physicist positions in Bozeman 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.