Physicist Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia
The median physicist salary in Chesapeake, VA is $149,381 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.
Physicist Pay in Chesapeake: What to Expect (2026)
Chesapeake offers a median physicist salary of $149,381, which is $9,146 below the Virginia state average of $158,527. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $76,440 at the 10th percentile to $233,240 at the 90th percentile — a $156,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,360, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $215,600. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Physicist Salary in Chesapeake by Experience
In Chesapeake, an entry-level physicist earns around $80,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $215,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA
| Percentile | Chesapeake |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $76,440 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,840 |
| Median (50th) | $149,381 |
| 75th Percentile | $191,100 |
| 90th Percentile | $233,240 |
Physicist Salary in Other Virginia Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Chesapeake
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Chesapeake and the surrounding Virginia 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 Chesapeake may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Chesapeake
Browse open physicist positions in Chesapeake, VA: