Science & Research San Antonio, TX Pop. 1,434,625

Physicist Salary in San Antonio, Texas

The median physicist salary in San Antonio, TX is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.3% below the Texas state average.

City Median
$134,138
vs State Avg
$-6,098
vs National
$-18,292
Cost of Living
88%

Physicist Pay in San Antonio: What to Expect (2026)

San Antonio offers a median physicist salary of $134,138, which is $6,098 below the Texas state average of $140,236. Compared to the national median of $152,430, San Antonio pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of San Antonio'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 San Antonio an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in San Antonio 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. As a major metro area with a population of 1,434,625, San Antonio typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physicist Salary in San Antonio by Experience

In San Antonio, 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.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,400
$-18,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,600
$-26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Antonio, TX

Percentile San Antonio
10th Percentile $68,640
25th Percentile $95,040
Median (50th) $134,138
75th Percentile $171,600
90th Percentile $209,440

Physicist Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Physicist in San Antonio

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. San Antonio and the surrounding Texas 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 San Antonio may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in San Antonio

Browse open physicist positions in San Antonio, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in San Antonio

How much does a Physicist make in San Antonio, TX? ▼
The median physicist salary in San Antonio, Texas is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $209,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in San Antonio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,138, a physicist in San Antonio earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Antonio compare to the Texas state average for physicist pay? ▼
San Antonio's median physicist salary of $134,138 is 4.3% below the Texas state average of $140,236. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Antonio, TX? ▼
San Antonio has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $134,138 in San Antonio has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in San Antonio? ▼
Most physicist positions in San Antonio 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.