Physicist Salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The median physicist salary in Pittsburgh, PA is $141,760 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Physicist Pay in Pittsburgh: What to Expect (2026)
Pittsburgh offers a median physicist salary of $141,760, which is $4,573 below the Pennsylvania state average of $146,333. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Pittsburgh pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Pittsburgh's cost of living is 93% 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 Pittsburgh spans from $72,540 at the 10th percentile to $221,340 at the 90th percentile — a $148,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,260, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $204,600. With a population of 302,971, Pittsburgh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Physicist Salary in Pittsburgh by Experience
In Pittsburgh, an entry-level physicist earns around $76,260, while experienced professionals earn up to $204,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Pittsburgh, PA
| Percentile | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $72,540 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,440 |
| Median (50th) | $141,760 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,350 |
| 90th Percentile | $221,340 |
Physicist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Pittsburgh
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Pittsburgh and the surrounding Pennsylvania area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Pittsburgh may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Pittsburgh
Browse open physicist positions in Pittsburgh, PA: