Science & Research Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Physicist Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median physicist salary in Milwaukee, WI is $140,236 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$140,236
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-12,194
Cost of Living
92%

Physicist Pay in Milwaukee: What to Expect (2026)

Milwaukee offers a median physicist salary of $140,236, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $140,236. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee'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 Milwaukee 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. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physicist Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee, WI

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

Physicist Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$152,430
Pop. 269,840
Kenosha, WI
$137,187
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$134,138
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$131,090
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Physicist in Milwaukee

Education

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

Find Physicist Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open physicist positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Physicist make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median physicist salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin 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 Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,236, a physicist in Milwaukee earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for physicist pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median physicist salary of $140,236 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $140,236. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $140,236 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Milwaukee? ▼
Most physicist positions in Milwaukee 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.