Science & Research Charlotte, NC Pop. 874,579

Physicist Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

The median physicist salary in Charlotte, NC is $149,381 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$149,381
vs State Avg
+$9,145
vs National
$-3,049
Cost of Living
98%

Physicist Pay in Charlotte: What to Expect (2026)

Charlotte offers a median physicist salary of $149,381, which is $9,145 above the North Carolina state average of $140,236. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Charlotte pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Charlotte'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 Charlotte 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. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physicist Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, 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.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,360
$-1,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$151,900
$-3,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$215,600
$-4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charlotte, NC

Percentile Charlotte
10th Percentile $76,440
25th Percentile $105,840
Median (50th) $149,381
75th Percentile $191,100
90th Percentile $233,240

Physicist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Raleigh, NC
$149,381
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$144,809
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$134,138
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$131,090
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Physicist in Charlotte

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Charlotte may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Charlotte

Browse open physicist positions in Charlotte, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Physicist make in Charlotte, NC? ▼
The median physicist salary in Charlotte, North Carolina is $149,381 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $76,440 (10th percentile) to $233,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Charlotte? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $149,381, a physicist in Charlotte earns approximately $72 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for physicist pay? ▼
Charlotte's median physicist salary of $149,381 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $140,236. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $149,381 in Charlotte has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Charlotte? ▼
Most physicist positions in Charlotte 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.