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Physicists Salary in Kentucky

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Physicists make in Kentucky?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$180,910
Median Annual Salary
▲ +7.3% vs 2024
$179,250
Mean Salary
$180,910
Median Salary
$86.98
Hourly Rate
50 people work as Physicists in Kentucky

Physicists salary by percentile in Kentucky

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Physicists salary in Kentucky — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Physicists in Kentucky.10thBottom 10% earn less than $65,860$65,86025th25% earn less than $120,100$120,100MedianHalf earn more than $180,910$180,91075th75% earn less than $232,170$232,17090thTop 10% earn more than $282,000$282,000

Physicists in Kentucky earn a median salary of $180,910 per year ($15,075/month). This is 17.7% above the national average of $153,763. Kentucky ranks #9 out of 43 states for Physicists pay. Approximately 50 people work in this occupation across Kentucky. Salaries increased by 7.3% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Top Skills

Science
4.62
Reading Comprehension
4.25
Mathematics
4.25
Speaking
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Physics
4.92
Mathematics
4.82
Engineering and Technology
4.54
Computers and Electronics
4.38
English Language
3.69
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (49.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Physicists in Kentucky

Salaries for Physicists in Kentucky range from $65,860 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $282,000 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $120,100 and $232,170.

Median $180,910
P10: $65,860 P25: $120,100 P75: $232,170 P90: $282,000
10th
$65,860
25th
$120,100
Median
$180,910
75th
$232,170
90th
$282,000
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $65,860 $31.66 $5,488
25th Percentile $120,100 $57.74 $10,008
Median (50th) $180,910 $86.98 $15,075
75th Percentile $232,170 $111.62 $19,347
90th Percentile (Experienced) $282,000 $135.58 $23,500

Note: The mean (average) salary of $179,250 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#9
Kentucky ranks #9 of 43 states
$153,763
National avg. for Physicists
+17.7%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Physicists salary in Kentucky adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Physicists take-home pay in Kentucky after taxes →

Explore Physicists Data in Kentucky

Physicists Salary by State

Compare Physicists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Physicists make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Physicists in Kentucky is $180,910 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $179,250.
What is the salary range for a Physicists in Kentucky?
Salaries for Physicists in Kentucky range from $65,860 at the 10th percentile to $282,000 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $120,100 and $232,170.
What is the starting salary for a Physicists in Kentucky?
Entry-level Physicists positions in Kentucky typically start around $65,860 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $120,100 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Physicists in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 50 people are employed as Physicists in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Physicists in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Physicists in Kentucky is approximately $86.98 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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