Physicist Salary in Cleveland, OH: $131,090 (2026)

Physicist Pay in Cleveland: What to Expect (2026)

Cleveland offers a median physicist salary of $131,090, which is $6,097 below the Ohio state average of $137,187. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $131,090 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Cleveland spans from $67,080 at the 10th percentile to $204,680 at the 90th percentile — a $137,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,520, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, an entry-level physicist earns around $70,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$70,520

$-11,480 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$133,300

$-21,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$189,200

$-30,800 vs national

Percentile	Cleveland	OH State	National
10th Percentile	$67,080	$70,200	$78,000
25th Percentile	$92,880	$97,200	$108,000
Median (50th)	$131,090	$137,187	$152,430
75th Percentile	$167,700	$175,500	$195,000
90th Percentile	$204,680	$214,200	$238,000

Percentile

Cleveland

10th Percentile

$67,080

25th Percentile

$92,880

Median (50th)

$131,090

75th Percentile

$167,700

90th Percentile

$204,680

How to Become a Physicist in Cleveland

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Physicist make in Cleveland, OH? ▼

The median physicist salary in Cleveland, Ohio is $131,090 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $67,080 (10th percentile) to $204,680 (90th percentile).

How much does a Physicist make per hour in Cleveland? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $131,090, a physicist in Cleveland earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for physicist pay? ▼

Cleveland's median physicist salary of $131,090 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $137,187. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼

Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $131,090 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Cleveland? ▼

Most physicist positions in Cleveland 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.

Physicist Salary in Cleveland, Ohio