Science & Research Norman, OK Pop. 128,026

Physicist Salary in Norman, Oklahoma

The median physicist salary in Norman, OK is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.3% above the Oklahoma state average.

City Median
$134,138
vs State Avg
+$3,048
vs National
$-18,292
Cost of Living
88%

Physicist Pay in Norman: What to Expect (2026)

Norman offers a median physicist salary of $134,138, which is $3,048 above the Oklahoma state average of $131,090. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Norman pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Norman's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $134,138 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Norman an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Norman spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $209,440 at the 90th percentile — a $140,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,600. With a population of 128,026, Norman is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Norman by Experience

In Norman, an entry-level physicist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,400
$-18,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,600
$-26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Norman, OK

Percentile Norman
10th Percentile $68,640
25th Percentile $95,040
Median (50th) $134,138
75th Percentile $171,600
90th Percentile $209,440

Physicist Salary in Other Oklahoma Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Norman

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Norman

Browse open physicist positions in Norman, OK:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Norman

How much does a Physicist make in Norman, OK? ▼
The median physicist salary in Norman, Oklahoma is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $209,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Norman? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,138, a physicist in Norman earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Norman compare to the Oklahoma state average for physicist pay? ▼
Norman's median physicist salary of $134,138 is 2.3% above the Oklahoma state average of $131,090. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Norman, OK? ▼
Norman has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $134,138 in Norman has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Norman? ▼
Most physicist positions in Norman 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.