Science & Research Hillsboro, OR Pop. 106,447

Physicist Salary in Hillsboro, Oregon

The median physicist salary in Hillsboro, OR is $170,722 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 1.8% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$170,722
vs State Avg
+$3,049
vs National
+$18,292
Cost of Living
112%

Physicist Pay in Hillsboro: What to Expect (2026)

Hillsboro offers a median physicist salary of $170,722, which is $3,049 above the Oregon state average of $167,673. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Hillsboro pays above average for this role.

However, Hillsboro's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $170,722 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hillsboro should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physicists in Hillsboro spans from $87,360 at the 10th percentile to $266,560 at the 90th percentile — a $179,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $91,840, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $246,400. With a population of 106,447, Hillsboro is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Hillsboro by Experience

In Hillsboro, an entry-level physicist earns around $91,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $246,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$91,840
+$9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$173,600
+$18,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$246,400
+$26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hillsboro, OR

Percentile Hillsboro
10th Percentile $87,360
25th Percentile $120,960
Median (50th) $170,722
75th Percentile $218,400
90th Percentile $266,560

Physicist Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Portland, OR
$179,867
Pop. 652,503
Gresham, OR
$164,624
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$160,052
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$155,479
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Physicist in Hillsboro

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Hillsboro

Browse open physicist positions in Hillsboro, OR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Hillsboro

How much does a Physicist make in Hillsboro, OR? ▼
The median physicist salary in Hillsboro, Oregon is $170,722 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $87,360 (10th percentile) to $266,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Hillsboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $170,722, a physicist in Hillsboro earns approximately $82 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hillsboro compare to the Oregon state average for physicist pay? ▼
Hillsboro's median physicist salary of $170,722 is 1.8% above the Oregon state average of $167,673. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hillsboro, OR? ▼
Hillsboro has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $170,722 in Hillsboro has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Hillsboro? ▼
Most physicist positions in Hillsboro 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.