Science & Research Utah (UT) Rank #22 of 50

Physicist Salary in Utah

The median physicist salary in Utah is $147,857 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $152,430.

Median Salary
$147,857
vs National
$-4,573
State Rank
#22 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Physicist Salary Overview in Utah (2026)

Utah ranks #22 out of 50 states for physicist compensation. Utah falls in the middle of the pack for physicist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $147,857 per year, physicists in Utah earn $4,573 less than the national median of $152,430.

Utah's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning physicist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Utah is significant: physicists at the 10th percentile earn $75,660, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $230,860 — a $155,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Utah for this role is Salt Lake City, where the median reaches $155,479.

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for physicists across the country.

Physicist Salary in Utah by Experience

In Utah, an entry-level physicist earns around $79,540, while experienced professionals earn up to $213,400 per year. The cost of living index in Utah is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,540
$-2,460 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$150,350
$-4,650 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$213,400
$-6,600 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $147,857+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in Utah

Percentile UT Salary
10th Percentile $75,660
25th Percentile $104,760
Median (50th) $147,857
75th Percentile $189,150
90th Percentile $230,860

Physicist Salary by City in Utah

The largest employment areas for physicists in Utah include Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, and West Jordan. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physicist in Utah

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Utah has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook in Utah

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Utah's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Physicists who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $65,543 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Physicist Roles in Utah?

Get matched with recruiters hiring physicists in Utah at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Utah

How much does a Physicist make in Utah? ▼
The median physicist salary in Utah is $147,857 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $75,660 (10th percentile) to $230,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Utah? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $147,857, a physicist in Utah earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Utah a good state for physicists? ▼
Utah ranks #22 out of 50 states for physicist pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level physicists earn $79,540, while senior professionals earn $213,400.
How does Utah compare to other states for physicist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physicists is Hawaii at $259,131. Utah's median of $147,857 ranks #22 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Minnesota ($147,857) and Nevada ($147,857).
What is the entry-level physicist salary in Utah? ▼
An entry-level physicist in Utah earns approximately $79,540 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $150,350. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $213,400.
What city in Utah pays physicists the most? ▼
Salt Lake City is the highest paying city in Utah for physicists, with a median salary of $155,479. Other cities include West Valley City and Provo.