Science & Research Newark, NJ Pop. 311,549

Physicist Salary in Newark, New Jersey

The median physicist salary in Newark, NJ is $170,722 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 2.6% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$170,722
vs State Avg
$-4,573
vs National
+$18,292
Cost of Living
112%

Physicist Pay in Newark: What to Expect (2026)

Newark offers a median physicist salary of $170,722, which is $4,573 below the New Jersey state average of $175,295. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Newark pays above average for this role.

However, Newark's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $170,722 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Newark should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physicists in Newark spans from $87,360 at the 10th percentile to $266,560 at the 90th percentile — a $179,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $91,840, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $246,400. With a population of 311,549, Newark is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Newark by Experience

In Newark, an entry-level physicist earns around $91,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $246,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$91,840
+$9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$173,600
+$18,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$246,400
+$26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Newark, NJ

Percentile Newark
10th Percentile $87,360
25th Percentile $120,960
Median (50th) $170,722
75th Percentile $218,400
90th Percentile $266,560

Physicist Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$195,110
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$175,295
Pop. 107,588
Elizabeth, NJ
$164,624
Pop. 137,298
Paterson, NJ
$160,052
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Physicist in Newark

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Newark

Browse open physicist positions in Newark, NJ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Newark

How much does a Physicist make in Newark, NJ? ▼
The median physicist salary in Newark, New Jersey is $170,722 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $87,360 (10th percentile) to $266,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Newark? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $170,722, a physicist in Newark earns approximately $82 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Newark compare to the New Jersey state average for physicist pay? ▼
Newark's median physicist salary of $170,722 is 2.6% below the New Jersey state average of $175,295. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Newark, NJ? ▼
Newark has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $170,722 in Newark has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Newark? ▼
Most physicist positions in Newark 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.