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Physicists Salary in North Carolina

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Physicists make in North Carolina?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$174,180
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.0% vs 2024
$153,120
Mean Salary
$174,180
Median Salary
$83.74
Hourly Rate
150 people work as Physicists in North Carolina

Physicists salary by percentile in North Carolina

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

Physicists salary in North Carolina — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Physicists in North Carolina.10thBottom 10% earn less than $64,050$64,05025th25% earn less than $81,370$81,370MedianHalf earn more than $174,180$174,18075th75% earn less than $209,210$209,21090thTop 10% earn more than $256,860$256,860

Physicists in North Carolina earn a median salary of $174,180 per year ($14,515/month). This is 13.3% above the national average of $153,763. North Carolina ranks #13 out of 43 states for Physicists pay. Approximately 150 people work in this occupation across North Carolina. Salaries increased by 2.0% 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 North Carolina

Salaries for Physicists in North Carolina range from $64,050 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $256,860 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $81,370 and $209,210.

Median $174,180
P10: $64,050 P25: $81,370 P75: $209,210 P90: $256,860
10th
$64,050
25th
$81,370
Median
$174,180
75th
$209,210
90th
$256,860
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $64,050 $30.79 $5,337
25th Percentile $81,370 $39.12 $6,780
Median (50th) $174,180 $83.74 $14,515
75th Percentile $209,210 $100.58 $17,434
90th Percentile (Experienced) $256,860 $123.49 $21,405

Note: The mean (average) salary of $153,120 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#13
North Carolina ranks #13 of 43 states
$153,763
National avg. for Physicists
+13.3%
vs. national average
Above Average

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

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

Explore Physicists Data in North Carolina

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 North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Physicists in North Carolina is $174,180 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $153,120.
What is the salary range for a Physicists in North Carolina?
Salaries for Physicists in North Carolina range from $64,050 at the 10th percentile to $256,860 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $81,370 and $209,210.
What is the starting salary for a Physicists in North Carolina?
Entry-level Physicists positions in North Carolina typically start around $64,050 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $81,370 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Physicists in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 150 people are employed as Physicists in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Physicists in North Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Physicists in North Carolina is approximately $83.74 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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