Science & Research Eugene, OR Pop. 176,654

Physicist Salary in Eugene, Oregon

The median physicist salary in Eugene, OR is $160,052 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 4.5% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$160,052
vs State Avg
$-7,621
vs National
+$7,622
Cost of Living
105%

Physicist Pay in Eugene: What to Expect (2026)

Eugene offers a median physicist salary of $160,052, which is $7,621 below the Oregon state average of $167,673. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Eugene pays above average for this role.

Eugene's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physicists in Eugene spans from $81,900 at the 10th percentile to $249,900 at the 90th percentile — a $168,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,100, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $231,000. With a population of 176,654, Eugene is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Eugene by Experience

In Eugene, an entry-level physicist earns around $86,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $231,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,100
+$4,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$162,750
+$7,750 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$231,000
+$11,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Eugene, OR

Percentile Eugene
10th Percentile $81,900
25th Percentile $113,400
Median (50th) $160,052
75th Percentile $204,750
90th Percentile $249,900

Physicist Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Eugene

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Eugene

Browse open physicist positions in Eugene, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Eugene

How much does a Physicist make in Eugene, OR? ▼
The median physicist salary in Eugene, Oregon is $160,052 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $81,900 (10th percentile) to $249,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Eugene? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $160,052, a physicist in Eugene earns approximately $77 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Eugene compare to the Oregon state average for physicist pay? ▼
Eugene's median physicist salary of $160,052 is 4.5% below the Oregon state average of $167,673. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Eugene, OR? ▼
Eugene has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $160,052 in Eugene has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Eugene? ▼
Most physicist positions in Eugene 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.