Science & Research Jersey City, NJ Pop. 292,449

Physicist Salary in Jersey City, New Jersey

The median physicist salary in Jersey City, NJ is $195,110 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 11.3% above the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$195,110
vs State Avg
+$19,815
vs National
+$42,680
Cost of Living
128%

Physicist Pay in Jersey City: What to Expect (2026)

Jersey City offers a median physicist salary of $195,110, which is $19,815 above the New Jersey state average of $175,295. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Jersey City pays above average for this role.

However, Jersey City's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $195,110 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Jersey City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physicists in Jersey City spans from $99,840 at the 10th percentile to $304,640 at the 90th percentile — a $204,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $104,960, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $281,600. With a population of 292,449, Jersey City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Jersey City by Experience

In Jersey City, an entry-level physicist earns around $104,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $281,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$104,960
+$22,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$198,400
+$43,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$281,600
+$61,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jersey City, NJ

Percentile Jersey City
10th Percentile $99,840
25th Percentile $138,240
Median (50th) $195,110
75th Percentile $249,600
90th Percentile $304,640

Physicist Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Jersey City

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Jersey City and the surrounding New Jersey 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 Jersey City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Jersey City

Browse open physicist positions in Jersey City, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Jersey City

How much does a Physicist make in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
The median physicist salary in Jersey City, New Jersey is $195,110 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $99,840 (10th percentile) to $304,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Jersey City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $195,110, a physicist in Jersey City earns approximately $94 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jersey City compare to the New Jersey state average for physicist pay? ▼
Jersey City's median physicist salary of $195,110 is 11.3% above the New Jersey state average of $175,295. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
Jersey City has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $195,110 in Jersey City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Jersey City? ▼
Most physicist positions in Jersey City 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.