Science & Research Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Physicist Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median physicist salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $155,479 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$155,479
vs State Avg
$-3,048
vs National
+$3,049
Cost of Living
102%

Physicist Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median physicist salary of $155,479, which is $3,048 below the Virginia state average of $158,527. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach'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 Virginia Beach 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 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, 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.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$83,640
+$1,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$158,100
+$3,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$224,400
+$4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
10th Percentile $79,560
25th Percentile $110,160
Median (50th) $155,479
75th Percentile $198,900
90th Percentile $242,760

Physicist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$201,208
Pop. 238,643
Richmond, VA
$152,430
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$149,381
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$146,333
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Physicist in Virginia Beach

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Virginia Beach and the surrounding Virginia 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 Virginia Beach may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open physicist positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Physicist make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median physicist salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $155,479 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $79,560 (10th percentile) to $242,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $155,479, a physicist in Virginia Beach earns approximately $75 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for physicist pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median physicist salary of $155,479 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $158,527. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $155,479 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most physicist positions in Virginia Beach 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.