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Physicists Salary in Washington

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Physicists make in Washington?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$134,790
Median Annual Salary
▲ +12.3% vs 2024
$149,060
Mean Salary
$134,790
Median Salary
$64.80
Hourly Rate
450 people work as Physicists in Washington

Physicists salary by percentile in Washington

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

Physicists salary in Washington — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Physicists in Washington.10thBottom 10% earn less than $77,860$77,86025th25% earn less than $110,940$110,940MedianHalf earn more than $134,790$134,79075th75% earn less than $174,630$174,63090thTop 10% earn more than $238,430$238,430

Physicists in Washington earn a median salary of $134,790 per year ($11,232/month). This is 12.3% below the national average of $153,763. Washington ranks #33 out of 43 states for Physicists pay. Approximately 450 people work in this occupation across Washington. Salaries increased by 12.3% 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 Washington

Salaries for Physicists in Washington range from $77,860 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $238,430 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $110,940 and $174,630.

Median $134,790
P10: $77,860 P25: $110,940 P75: $174,630 P90: $238,430
10th
$77,860
25th
$110,940
Median
$134,790
75th
$174,630
90th
$238,430
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $77,860 $37.43 $6,488
25th Percentile $110,940 $53.34 $9,245
Median (50th) $134,790 $64.80 $11,232
75th Percentile $174,630 $83.96 $14,552
90th Percentile (Experienced) $238,430 $114.63 $19,869

Note: The mean (average) salary of $149,060 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#33
Washington ranks #33 of 43 states
$153,763
National avg. for Physicists
-12.3%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

Explore Physicists Data in Washington

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 Washington?
The median annual salary for Physicists in Washington is $134,790 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $149,060.
What is the salary range for a Physicists in Washington?
Salaries for Physicists in Washington range from $77,860 at the 10th percentile to $238,430 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $110,940 and $174,630.
What is the starting salary for a Physicists in Washington?
Entry-level Physicists positions in Washington typically start around $77,860 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $110,940 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Physicists in Washington?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 450 people are employed as Physicists in Washington.
What is the hourly rate for a Physicists in Washington?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Physicists in Washington is approximately $64.80 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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