As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Nuclear Physicist in the United States is $74,249 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Nuclear Physicist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Nuclear Physicist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Nuclear Physicist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Nuclear P... Level Nuclear Physicist | $73,547 |
| Physicist... Level Nuclear Physicist | $92,351 |
| Physicist... Level Nuclear Physicist | $108,418 |
| Physicist... Level Nuclear Physicist | $141,037 |
| Physicist... Level Nuclear Physicist | $157,622 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Nuclear Physicists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 10.25% |
| Calibration | 6.54% |
| Technical Skills | 1.6% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Nuclear Physicists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Nuclear Physicist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $70,975 and $75,970).
Nuclear Physicist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 1.0% |
| Associates | 19.0% |
| Bachelors | 41.9% |
| Masters | 19.0% |
| Doctorate | 38.1% |
Understanding how a Nuclear Physicist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Salaries for a Nuclear Physicist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,935 in 2023 to around $54,700 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Nuclear Physicist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $54,935 |
| 2024 | $54,907 |
| 2025 | $54,700 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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