Physicist Salary in Salt Lake City, Utah
The median physicist salary in Salt Lake City, UT is $155,479 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 5.2% above the Utah state average.
Physicist Pay in Salt Lake City: What to Expect (2026)
Salt Lake City offers a median physicist salary of $155,479, which is $7,622 above the Utah state average of $147,857. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Salt Lake City pays above average for this role.
Salt Lake City's cost of living is 102% 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 Salt Lake City spans from $79,560 at the 10th percentile to $242,760 at the 90th percentile — a $163,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $83,640, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $224,400. With a population of 200,133, Salt Lake City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Physicist Salary in Salt Lake City by Experience
In Salt Lake City, an entry-level physicist earns around $83,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $224,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Salt Lake City, UT
| Percentile | Salt Lake City |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $79,560 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,160 |
| Median (50th) | $155,479 |
| 75th Percentile | $198,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $242,760 |
Physicist Salary in Other Utah Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Salt Lake City
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah 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 Salt Lake City may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Salt Lake City
Browse open physicist positions in Salt Lake City, UT: