Science & Research Nevada (NV) Rank #21 of 50

Physicist Salary in Nevada

The median physicist salary in Nevada is $147,857 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $152,430.

Median Salary
$147,857
vs National
$-4,573
State Rank
#21 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Physicist Salary Overview in Nevada (2026)

Nevada ranks #21 out of 50 states for physicist compensation. Nevada falls in the middle of the pack for physicist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $147,857 per year, physicists in Nevada earn $4,573 less than the national median of $152,430.

Nevada's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning physicist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Nevada is significant: physicists at the 10th percentile earn $75,660, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $230,860 — a $155,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Nevada for this role is Reno, where the median reaches $158,527.

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 Nevada by Experience

In Nevada, an entry-level physicist earns around $79,540, while experienced professionals earn up to $213,400 per year. The cost of living index in Nevada is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,540
$-2,460 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$150,350
$-4,650 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$213,400
$-6,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Nevada

Percentile NV Salary
10th Percentile $75,660
25th Percentile $104,760
Median (50th) $147,857
75th Percentile $189,150
90th Percentile $230,860

Physicist Salary by City in Nevada

The largest employment areas for physicists in Nevada include Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, and North Las Vegas. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physicist in Nevada

Education

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

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook in Nevada

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Nevada

How much does a Physicist make in Nevada? ▼
The median physicist salary in Nevada is $147,857 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $75,660 (10th percentile) to $230,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Nevada? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $147,857, a physicist in Nevada earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nevada a good state for physicists? ▼
Nevada ranks #21 out of 50 states for physicist pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level physicists earn $79,540, while senior professionals earn $213,400.
How does Nevada compare to other states for physicist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physicists is Hawaii at $259,131. Nevada's median of $147,857 ranks #21 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arizona ($147,857) and Minnesota ($147,857).
What is the entry-level physicist salary in Nevada? ▼
An entry-level physicist in Nevada earns approximately $79,540 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $150,350. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $213,400.
What city in Nevada pays physicists the most? ▼
Reno is the highest paying city in Nevada for physicists, with a median salary of $158,527. Other cities include Las Vegas and Henderson.