Science & Research Tulsa, OK Pop. 413,066

Physicist Salary in Tulsa, Oklahoma

The median physicist salary in Tulsa, OK is $131,090 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 0.0% above the Oklahoma state average.

City Median
$131,090
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-21,340
Cost of Living
86%

Physicist Pay in Tulsa: What to Expect (2026)

Tulsa offers a median physicist salary of $131,090, which is $0 above the Oklahoma state average of $131,090. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Tulsa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for physicists in Tulsa 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 413,066, Tulsa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Tulsa by Experience

In Tulsa, 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

Salary Percentiles in Tulsa, OK

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

Physicist Salary in Other Oklahoma Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Tulsa

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Tulsa

Browse open physicist positions in Tulsa, OK:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Tulsa

How much does a Physicist make in Tulsa, OK? ▼
The median physicist salary in Tulsa, 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 Tulsa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,090, a physicist in Tulsa earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tulsa compare to the Oklahoma state average for physicist pay? ▼
Tulsa's median physicist salary of $131,090 is 0.0% above the Oklahoma state average of $131,090. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tulsa, OK? ▼
Tulsa has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $131,090 in Tulsa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Tulsa? ▼
Most physicist positions in Tulsa 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.