Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The level of education also makes a difference. Those who have a doctoral degree (PhD) earn the highest wages, followed by those who have a master's degree. Physicists who have only a bachelor's degree have the lowest wages.
Most physicists can expect benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and a retirement plan.
Physicists (SOC 19-2012)
| Location |
Pay Period | |
||
| 25% |
Median |
75% |
||
| Illinois | Hourly | $38.81 | $64.83 | $82.62 |
| Yearly | $80,726 | $134,827 | $171,826 | |
| Champaign Area | Hourly | $30.27 | $39.31 | $53.63 |
| Yearly | $62,960 | $81,773 | $111,540 | |
| Cook County | Hourly | $39.31 | $65.21 | $82.61 |
| Yearly | $81,773 | $135,621 | $171,830 | |
| Springfield Area | Hourly | $75.85 | $75.85 | $84.35 |
| Yearly | $157,763 | $157,763 | $175,452 | |
| United States | Hourly | $56.47 | $79.95 | $101.09 |
| Yearly | $117,450 | $166,290 | $210,260 | |