Science & Research Spokane, WA Pop. 228,989

Physicist Salary in Spokane, Washington

The median physicist salary in Spokane, WA is $140,236 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 20% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$140,236
vs State Avg
$-35,059
vs National
$-12,194
Cost of Living
92%

Physicist Pay in Spokane: What to Expect (2026)

Spokane offers a median physicist salary of $140,236, which is $35,059 below the Washington state average of $175,295. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Spokane pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Spokane's cost of living is 92% 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 Spokane spans from $71,760 at the 10th percentile to $218,960 at the 90th percentile — a $147,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,440, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $202,400. With a population of 228,989, Spokane is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Spokane by Experience

In Spokane, an entry-level physicist earns around $75,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,600
$-12,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Spokane, WA

Percentile Spokane
10th Percentile $71,760
25th Percentile $99,360
Median (50th) $140,236
75th Percentile $179,400
90th Percentile $218,960

Physicist Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Spokane

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Spokane

Browse open physicist positions in Spokane, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Spokane

How much does a Physicist make in Spokane, WA? ▼
The median physicist salary in Spokane, Washington is $140,236 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $71,760 (10th percentile) to $218,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Spokane? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,236, a physicist in Spokane earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Spokane compare to the Washington state average for physicist pay? ▼
Spokane's median physicist salary of $140,236 is 20% below the Washington state average of $175,295. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Spokane, WA? ▼
Spokane has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $140,236 in Spokane has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Spokane? ▼
Most physicist positions in Spokane 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.