Science & Research Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Physicist Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median physicist salary in Bellevue, WA is $231,694 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$231,694
vs State Avg
+$56,399
vs National
+$79,264
Cost of Living
152%

Physicist Pay in Bellevue: What to Expect (2026)

Bellevue offers a median physicist salary of $231,694, which is $56,399 above the Washington state average of $175,295. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $231,694 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physicists in Bellevue spans from $118,560 at the 10th percentile to $361,760 at the 90th percentile — a $243,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $124,640, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $334,400. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level physicist earns around $124,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $334,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$124,640
+$42,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$235,600
+$80,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$334,400
+$114,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $118,560
25th Percentile $164,160
Median (50th) $231,694
75th Percentile $296,400
90th Percentile $361,760

Physicist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Seattle, WA
$225,596
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$167,673
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$155,479
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$140,236
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Physicist in Bellevue

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open physicist positions in Bellevue, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Physicist make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median physicist salary in Bellevue, Washington is $231,694 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $118,560 (10th percentile) to $361,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $231,694, a physicist in Bellevue earns approximately $111 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for physicist pay? ▼
Bellevue's median physicist salary of $231,694 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $175,295. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $231,694 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Bellevue? ▼
Most physicist positions in Bellevue 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.