How much does a Physicist make in the United States?
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The average Physicist salary in the United States is $187,352 as of May 28, 2024. The range for our most popular Physicist positions (listed below) typically falls between $67,190 and $307,514. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Physicist's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Physicist I | $72,954 | $35.07 | United States | May 28, 2024 |
| Physicist II | $93,113 | $44.77 | United States | May 28, 2024 |
| Physicist III | $109,475 | $52.63 | United States | May 28, 2024 |
| Physicist IV | $136,133 | $65.45 | United States | May 28, 2024 |
| Physicist V | $146,412 | $70.39 | United States | May 28, 2024 |
| Chief Medical Physicist | $274,711 | $132.07 | United States | May 28, 2024 |
| Radiation Physicist | $215,213 | $103.47 | United States | May 28, 2024 |
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Researches subjects such as mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, pneumatics, magnetism, and radiation. Develops laws and theories of physics for their application to specific industries and fields. Describes and illustrates observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. Devises procedures for physical testing of materials. Conducts instrumental analyses to determine physical properties of materials. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View Physicist I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Entry Physicist, Physicist I
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Researches subjects such as mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, pneumatics, magnetism, and radiation. Develops laws and theories of physics for their application to specific industries and fields. Describes and illustrates observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. Devises procedures for physical testing of materials. Conducts instrumental analyses to determine physical properties of materials. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. View Physicist II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Intermediate Physicist, Physicist II
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Researches subjects such as mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, pneumatics, magnetism, and radiation. Develops laws and theories of physics for their application to specific industries and fields. Describes and illustrates observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. Devises procedures for physical testing of materials. Conducts instrumental analyses to determine physical properties of materials. Requires a master's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. View Physicist III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Senior Physicist, Physicist III
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Researches subjects such as mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, pneumatics, magnetism, and radiation. Develops laws and theories of physics for their application to specific industries and fields. Describes and illustrates observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. Devises procedures for physical testing of materials. Conducts instrumental analyses to determine physical properties of materials. Requires a master's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. View Physicist IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Specialist Physicist, Physicist IVCategory : Science and Research
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Researches subjects such as mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, pneumatics, magnetism, and radiation. Develops laws and theories of physics for their application to specific industries and fields. Describes and illustrates observations and conclusions in mathematical terms. Devises procedures for physical testing of materials. Conducts instrumental analyses to determine physical properties of materials. Requires a master's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in solution or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience. View Physicist V SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Expert/ Lead Physicist, Physicist VCategory : Science and Research
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Oversees the medical physics department and the development of treatment plans for radiation oncology patients. Has overall responsibility for the delivery of radiation treatment services, including external beam hyperthermia, brachytherapy radiation treatment programs, and prostate seed implantation. Ensures department services comply with all applicable regulations. Requires a master's degree in medical physics or equivalent field. Requires certification from the American Board of Radiology (ABR) or similar certifying body. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience. View Chief Medical Physicist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Head Medical Physicist, Chief Medical Physicist
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Ensures the quality of care in the use of radiation-producing sources and imaging equipment and the protection of patients and staff from radiation. Calibrates all radiation therapy equipment, conducts X-ray machine performance surveys, and implements procedures to ensure quality control for electronic imaging devices. Recommends radiation safety procedures. Informs staff in radiation safety practices. May require an advanced degree of radiation physics. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. View Radiation Physicist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Medical Radiation Equipment Calibration Specialist, Medical Radiation Materials Safety Specialist, Medical Radiation Therapy Quality Specialist, Radiation Physicist