Science & Research Nebraska (NE) Rank #36 of 50

Physicist Salary in Nebraska

The median physicist salary in Nebraska is $137,187 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $152,430.

Median Salary
$137,187
vs National
$-15,243
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Physicist Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for physicist compensation. Physicist salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $137,187 per year, physicists in Nebraska earn $15,243 less than the national median of $152,430.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $137,187 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $152,430 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Nebraska is significant: physicists at the 10th percentile earn $70,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $214,200 — a $144,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Nebraska for this role is Omaha, where the median reaches $141,760.

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for physicists across the country.

Physicist Salary in Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, an entry-level physicist earns around $73,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $198,000 per year. The cost of living index in Nebraska is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$139,500
$-15,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$198,000
$-22,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

Percentile NE Salary
10th Percentile $70,200
25th Percentile $97,200
Median (50th) $137,187
75th Percentile $175,500
90th Percentile $214,200

Physicist Salary by City in Nebraska

The largest employment areas for physicists in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physicist in Nebraska

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Nebraska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook in Nebraska

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Nebraska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Nebraska

How much does a Physicist make in Nebraska? ▼
The median physicist salary in Nebraska is $137,187 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $70,200 (10th percentile) to $214,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $137,187, a physicist in Nebraska earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for physicists? ▼
Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for physicist pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level physicists earn $73,800, while senior professionals earn $198,000.
How does Nebraska compare to other states for physicist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physicists is Hawaii at $259,131. Nebraska's median of $137,187 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($137,187) and Michigan ($137,187).
What is the entry-level physicist salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level physicist in Nebraska earns approximately $73,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $139,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $198,000.
What city in Nebraska pays physicists the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for physicists, with a median salary of $141,760. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.