Science & Research Vermont (VT) Rank #16 of 50

Physicist Salary in Vermont

The median physicist salary in Vermont is $153,954 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $152,430.

Median Salary
$153,954
vs National
+$1,524
State Rank
#16 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Physicist Salary Overview in Vermont (2026)

Vermont ranks #16 out of 50 states for physicist compensation. Vermont falls in the middle of the pack for physicist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $153,954 per year, physicists in Vermont earn $1,524 more than the national median of $152,430.

Vermont's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning physicist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Vermont is significant: physicists at the 10th percentile earn $78,780, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $240,380 — a $161,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Vermont for this role is Burlington, where the median reaches $167,673.

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 Vermont by Experience

In Vermont, an entry-level physicist earns around $82,820, while experienced professionals earn up to $222,200 per year. The cost of living index in Vermont is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$82,820
+$820 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$156,550
+$1,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$222,200
+$2,200 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $153,954+ 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 Vermont

Percentile VT Salary
10th Percentile $78,780
25th Percentile $109,080
Median (50th) $153,954
75th Percentile $196,950
90th Percentile $240,380

Physicist Salary by City in Vermont

The largest employment areas for physicists in Vermont include Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, and Colchester. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physicist in Vermont

Education

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

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook in Vermont

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Vermont'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 $68,246 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Physicist Roles in Vermont?

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

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Vermont

How much does a Physicist make in Vermont? ▼
The median physicist salary in Vermont is $153,954 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $78,780 (10th percentile) to $240,380 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Vermont? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $153,954, a physicist in Vermont earns approximately $74 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Vermont a good state for physicists? ▼
Vermont ranks #16 out of 50 states for physicist pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level physicists earn $82,820, while senior professionals earn $222,200.
How does Vermont compare to other states for physicist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physicists is Hawaii at $259,131. Vermont's median of $153,954 ranks #16 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Virginia ($158,527) and Delaware ($153,954).
What is the entry-level physicist salary in Vermont? ▼
An entry-level physicist in Vermont earns approximately $82,820 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $156,550. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $222,200.
What city in Vermont pays physicists the most? ▼
Burlington is the highest paying city in Vermont for physicists, with a median salary of $167,673. Other cities include Essex and South Burlington.