Physicist Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia
The median physicist salary in Parkersburg, WV is $121,944 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the West Virginia state average.
Physicist Pay in Parkersburg: What to Expect (2026)
Parkersburg offers a median physicist salary of $121,944, which is $6,097 below the West Virginia state average of $128,041. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $121,944 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for physicists in Parkersburg spans from $62,400 at the 10th percentile to $190,400 at the 90th percentile — a $128,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,600, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $176,000. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Physicist Salary in Parkersburg by Experience
In Parkersburg, an entry-level physicist earns around $65,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $176,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Parkersburg, WV
| Percentile | Parkersburg |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $62,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,400 |
| Median (50th) | $121,944 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $190,400 |
Physicist Salary in Other West Virginia Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Parkersburg
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Parkersburg and the surrounding West 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 Parkersburg may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Parkersburg
Browse open physicist positions in Parkersburg, WV: