Science & Research Oklahoma City, OK Pop. 681,054

Physicist Salary in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The median physicist salary in Oklahoma City, 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 Oklahoma City: What to Expect (2026)

Oklahoma City 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, Oklahoma City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Oklahoma City'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 Oklahoma City an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Oklahoma City 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. As a major metro area with a population of 681,054, Oklahoma City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physicist Salary in Oklahoma City by Experience

In Oklahoma City, 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 Oklahoma City, OK

Percentile Oklahoma City
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 Oklahoma City

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Oklahoma City

Browse open physicist positions in Oklahoma City, OK:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Oklahoma City

How much does a Physicist make in Oklahoma City, OK? ▼
The median physicist salary in Oklahoma City, 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 Oklahoma City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,138, a physicist in Oklahoma City earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Oklahoma City compare to the Oklahoma state average for physicist pay? ▼
Oklahoma City'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 Oklahoma City, OK? ▼
Oklahoma City has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $134,138 in Oklahoma City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Oklahoma City? ▼
Most physicist positions in Oklahoma City 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.