Physicist Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina
The median physicist salary in Raleigh, NC is $149,381 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.
Physicist Pay in Raleigh: What to Expect (2026)
Raleigh 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, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Raleigh'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 Raleigh 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. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Physicist Salary in Raleigh by Experience
In Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC
| Percentile | Raleigh |
|---|---|
| 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
How to Become a Physicist in Raleigh
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Raleigh
Browse open physicist positions in Raleigh, NC: