Science & Research Pittsburgh, PA Pop. 302,971

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.

City Median
$141,760
vs State Avg
$-4,573
vs National
$-10,670
Cost of Living
93%

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.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,260
$-5,740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$144,150
$-10,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$204,600
$-15,400 vs national

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

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 Pittsburgh may vary based on local industry and population growth.