Science & Research Oklahoma (OK) Rank #47 of 50

Physicist Salary in Oklahoma

The median physicist salary in Oklahoma is $131,090 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $152,430.

Median Salary
$131,090
vs National
$-21,340
State Rank
#47 of 50
Cost of Living
86%

Physicist Salary Overview in Oklahoma (2026)

Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for physicist compensation. Physicist salaries in Oklahoma are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $131,090 per year, physicists in Oklahoma earn $21,340 less than the national median of $152,430.

A key advantage of working in Oklahoma is its below-average cost of living (86% of the national index). This means the $131,090 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $152,430 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Oklahoma is significant: physicists at the 10th percentile earn $67,080, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $204,680 — a $137,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Oklahoma for this role is Edmond, where the median reaches $140,236.

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for physicists across the country.

Physicist Salary in Oklahoma by Experience

In Oklahoma, an entry-level physicist earns around $70,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The cost of living index in Oklahoma 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

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Salary Percentiles in Oklahoma

Percentile OK Salary
10th Percentile $67,080
25th Percentile $92,880
Median (50th) $131,090
75th Percentile $167,700
90th Percentile $204,680

Physicist Salary by City in Oklahoma

The largest employment areas for physicists in Oklahoma include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Broken Arrow. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physicist in Oklahoma

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Oklahoma has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook in Oklahoma

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Oklahoma's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Oklahoma

How much does a Physicist make in Oklahoma? ▼
The median physicist salary in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,090, a physicist in Oklahoma earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Oklahoma a good state for physicists? ▼
Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for physicist pay. The cost of living index is 86% of the national average. Entry-level physicists earn $70,520, while senior professionals earn $189,200.
How does Oklahoma compare to other states for physicist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physicists is Hawaii at $259,131. Oklahoma's median of $131,090 ranks #47 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kansas ($132,614) and Kentucky ($132,614).
What is the entry-level physicist salary in Oklahoma? ▼
An entry-level physicist in Oklahoma earns approximately $70,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $133,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $189,200.
What city in Oklahoma pays physicists the most? ▼
Edmond is the highest paying city in Oklahoma for physicists, with a median salary of $140,236. Other cities include Oklahoma City and Tulsa.