Science & Research Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Physicist Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median physicist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $155,479 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$155,479
vs State Avg
+$9,146
vs National
+$3,049
Cost of Living
102%

Physicist Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median physicist salary of $155,479, which is $9,146 above the Pennsylvania state average of $146,333. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $79,560 at the 10th percentile to $242,760 at the 90th percentile — a $163,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $83,640, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $224,400. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physicist Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level physicist earns around $83,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $224,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$83,640
+$1,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$158,100
+$3,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$224,400
+$4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $79,560
25th Percentile $110,160
Median (50th) $155,479
75th Percentile $198,900
90th Percentile $242,760

Physicist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$143,284
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$141,760
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$134,138
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$128,041
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Physicist in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open physicist positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Physicist make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median physicist salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $155,479 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $79,560 (10th percentile) to $242,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $155,479, a physicist in Philadelphia earns approximately $75 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for physicist pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median physicist salary of $155,479 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $146,333. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $155,479 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Philadelphia? ▼
Most physicist positions in Philadelphia 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.