Science & Research Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Physicist Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median physicist salary in Seattle, WA is $225,596 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$225,596
vs State Avg
+$50,301
vs National
+$73,166
Cost of Living
148%

Physicist Pay in Seattle: What to Expect (2026)

Seattle offers a median physicist salary of $225,596, which is $50,301 above the Washington state average of $175,295. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $225,596 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physicists in Seattle spans from $115,440 at the 10th percentile to $352,240 at the 90th percentile — a $236,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $121,360, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $325,600. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physicist Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level physicist earns around $121,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $325,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$121,360
+$39,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$229,400
+$74,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$325,600
+$105,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $115,440
25th Percentile $159,840
Median (50th) $225,596
75th Percentile $288,600
90th Percentile $352,240

Physicist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$231,694
Pop. 151,854
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 Seattle

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Seattle 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 Seattle may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Seattle

Browse open physicist positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Seattle

How much does a Physicist make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median physicist salary in Seattle, Washington is $225,596 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $115,440 (10th percentile) to $352,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $225,596, a physicist in Seattle earns approximately $108 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for physicist pay? ▼
Seattle's median physicist salary of $225,596 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $175,295. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $225,596 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Seattle? ▼
Most physicist positions in Seattle 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.