Physicists Salary in Pennsylvania

Physicists in Pennsylvania earn the most in Pittsburgh (average $211,220 a year) and the least in Philadelphia ($162,610), across the 2 Pennsylvania metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the physicists average at $191,120 and the median at $210,990 for 230 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $171,180.

Physicists average salary by city in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh$211,220
Philadelphia$162,610

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Pittsburgh	$211,220	$224,160	$195,190	$150,706	95
Philadelphia	$162,610	$164,850	$82,590	$117,418	103

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; local earned income taxes (for example Philadelphia's wage tax) are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Physicists salary in other states

Physicists salary by city and state

More about pay in Pennsylvania

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 19-2012.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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