Physicist Salary in Albany, New York
The median physicist salary in Albany, NY is $149,381 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 19.7% below the New York state average.
Physicist Pay in Albany: What to Expect (2026)
Albany offers a median physicist salary of $149,381, which is $36,584 below the New York state average of $185,965. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Albany pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Albany's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for physicists in Albany spans from $76,440 at the 10th percentile to $233,240 at the 90th percentile — a $156,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,360, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $215,600. Albany is a smaller market (pop. 99,224), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Physicist Salary in Albany by Experience
In Albany, an entry-level physicist earns around $80,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $215,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Albany, NY
| Percentile | Albany |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $76,440 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,840 |
| Median (50th) | $149,381 |
| 75th Percentile | $191,100 |
| 90th Percentile | $233,240 |
Physicist Salary in Other New York Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Albany
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Albany and the surrounding New York area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Albany may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Albany
Browse open physicist positions in Albany, NY: