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 | $40.59 | $67.78 | $86.74 |
| Yearly | $84,408 | $140,979 | $180,423 | |
| Cook County | Hourly | $41.60 | $68.18 | $107.33 |
| Yearly | $86,538 | $141,814 | $223,258 | |
| United States | Hourly | $53.71 | $82.81 | $107.10 |
| Yearly | $111,720 | $172,250 | $222,760 | |