Physicists in Pennsylvania
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Pennsylvania | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $208,470 | $166,290 | +25.4% vs US |
| State Rank | #3 of 40 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 540 jobs | 21,340 jobs | 2.5% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $76,860 | $36.95 |
| 25th Percentile | $156,140 | $75.07 |
| Median | $208,470 | $100.23 |
| 75th Percentile | $231,510 | $111.30 |
| 90th Percentile | — | — |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Physicists in Pennsylvania in 2026?
With a median salary of $208,470 in Pennsylvania and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +66.2%, physicists are still in strong and growing demand.
How can physicists increase their salary in Pennsylvania?
Physicists in Pennsylvania can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Pennsylvania currently ranks #3 out of 40 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Physicists in Pennsylvania?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $236,430 |
| Hospitals | $236,430 |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | $236,130 |
How are Physicists paid in Pennsylvania compared to the national average?
The median salary for Physicists in Pennsylvania is $208,470, which is 25.4% above the national median of $166,290.