Science & Research Cincinnati, OH Pop. 309,317

Physicist Salary in Cincinnati, Ohio

The median physicist salary in Cincinnati, OH is $137,187 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Ohio state average.

City Median
$137,187
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-15,243
Cost of Living
90%

Physicist Pay in Cincinnati: What to Expect (2026)

Cincinnati offers a median physicist salary of $137,187, which is $0 above the Ohio state average of $137,187. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Cincinnati pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Cincinnati's cost of living is 90% 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 Cincinnati spans from $70,200 at the 10th percentile to $214,200 at the 90th percentile — a $144,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,800, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $198,000. With a population of 309,317, Cincinnati is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Cincinnati by Experience

In Cincinnati, an entry-level physicist earns around $73,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $198,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$139,500
$-15,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$198,000
$-22,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cincinnati, OH

Percentile Cincinnati
10th Percentile $70,200
25th Percentile $97,200
Median (50th) $137,187
75th Percentile $175,500
90th Percentile $214,200

Physicist Salary in Other Ohio Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Cincinnati

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Cincinnati and the surrounding Ohio 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 Cincinnati may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Cincinnati

Browse open physicist positions in Cincinnati, OH:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Cincinnati

How much does a Physicist make in Cincinnati, OH? ▼
The median physicist salary in Cincinnati, Ohio is $137,187 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $70,200 (10th percentile) to $214,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Cincinnati? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $137,187, a physicist in Cincinnati earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cincinnati compare to the Ohio state average for physicist pay? ▼
Cincinnati's median physicist salary of $137,187 is 0.0% above the Ohio state average of $137,187. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cincinnati, OH? ▼
Cincinnati has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $137,187 in Cincinnati has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Cincinnati? ▼
Most physicist positions in Cincinnati 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.