Science & Research Pawtucket, RI Pop. 75,604

Physicist Salary in Pawtucket, Rhode Island

The median physicist salary in Pawtucket, RI is $146,333 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 8.6% below the Rhode Island state average.

City Median
$146,333
vs State Avg
$-13,719
vs National
$-6,097
Cost of Living
96%

Physicist Pay in Pawtucket: What to Expect (2026)

Pawtucket offers a median physicist salary of $146,333, which is $13,719 below the Rhode Island state average of $160,052. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Pawtucket pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Pawtucket's cost of living is 96% 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 Pawtucket spans from $74,880 at the 10th percentile to $228,480 at the 90th percentile — a $153,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,720, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $211,200. Pawtucket is a smaller market (pop. 75,604), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in Pawtucket by Experience

In Pawtucket, an entry-level physicist earns around $78,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $211,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,720
$-3,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$148,800
$-6,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$211,200
$-8,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Pawtucket, RI

Percentile Pawtucket
10th Percentile $74,880
25th Percentile $103,680
Median (50th) $146,333
75th Percentile $187,200
90th Percentile $228,480

Physicist Salary in Other Rhode Island Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Pawtucket

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Pawtucket and the surrounding Rhode Island 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 Pawtucket may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Pawtucket

Browse open physicist positions in Pawtucket, RI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Pawtucket

How much does a Physicist make in Pawtucket, RI? ▼
The median physicist salary in Pawtucket, Rhode Island is $146,333 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $74,880 (10th percentile) to $228,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Pawtucket? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $146,333, a physicist in Pawtucket earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Pawtucket compare to the Rhode Island state average for physicist pay? ▼
Pawtucket's median physicist salary of $146,333 is 8.6% below the Rhode Island state average of $160,052. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Pawtucket, RI? ▼
Pawtucket has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $146,333 in Pawtucket has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Pawtucket? ▼
Most physicist positions in Pawtucket 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.