Physicist Salary in Erie, PA: $128,041 (2026)

Physicist Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)

Erie offers a median physicist salary of $128,041, which is $18,292 below the Pennsylvania state average of $146,333. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $128,041 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Erie spans from $65,520 at the 10th percentile to $199,920 at the 90th percentile — a $134,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,880, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,800. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level physicist earns around $68,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$68,880

$-13,120 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$130,200

$-24,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$184,800

$-35,200 vs national

Percentile	Erie	PA State	National
10th Percentile	$65,520	$74,880	$78,000
25th Percentile	$90,720	$103,680	$108,000
Median (50th)	$128,041	$146,333	$152,430
75th Percentile	$163,800	$187,200	$195,000
90th Percentile	$199,920	$228,480	$238,000

Percentile

Erie

10th Percentile

$65,520

25th Percentile

$90,720

Median (50th)

$128,041

75th Percentile

$163,800

90th Percentile

$199,920

How to Become a Physicist in Erie

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Erie

How much does a Physicist make in Erie, PA? ▼

The median physicist salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $128,041 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $65,520 (10th percentile) to $199,920 (90th percentile).

How much does a Physicist make per hour in Erie? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $128,041, a physicist in Erie earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for physicist pay? ▼

Erie's median physicist salary of $128,041 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $146,333. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼

Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $128,041 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Erie? ▼

Most physicist positions in Erie 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.

Physicist Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania