Physicist Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania
The median physicist salary in Reading, PA is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Physicist Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)
Reading offers a median physicist salary of $134,138, which is $12,195 below the Pennsylvania state average of $146,333. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $134,138 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for physicists in Reading spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $209,440 at the 90th percentile — a $140,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,600. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Physicist Salary in Reading by Experience
In Reading, an entry-level physicist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA
| Percentile | Reading |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,040 |
| Median (50th) | $134,138 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $209,440 |
Physicist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Reading
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Reading 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 Reading may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Reading
Browse open physicist positions in Reading, PA: