Physicists Salary in Chicago, IL (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN · 1,580 employed
The average Physicists salary in Chicago, IL is $129,980 per year. The middle 50% of Physicistss earn between $78,590 and $167,280. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $207,880 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $78,410. The median of $131,260 is below the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Physicists Salary Breakdown in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $78,410 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,590 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $131,260 |
| Mean (Average) | $129,980 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,280 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $207,880 |
Related Jobs in Chicago, IL
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | $181,620 |
| Sociologists | $140,040 |
| Economists | $135,790 |
| Materials Scientists | $126,390 |
| Physical Scientists, All Other | $121,750 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $108,730 |
Physicists Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $222,180 |
| Miami, FL | $219,230 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $204,660 |
| San Jose, CA | $202,760 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $201,050 |
| Cleveland, OH | $197,250 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $194,960 |
| Richmond, VA | $193,730 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physicists salary in Chicago, IL?
The average Physicists salary in Chicago, IL is $129,980 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Physicists salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Physicists salary in Chicago, IL is $131,260 per year. Half of Physicistss earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Physicistss make in Chicago, IL?
Entry-level Physicistss in Chicago, IL typically earn around $78,410 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $78,590.
What do the highest-paid Physicistss earn in Chicago, IL?
The highest-paid Physicistss in Chicago, IL earn $207,880 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $167,280.
How many Physicistss work in Chicago, IL?
There are approximately 1,580 Physicistss employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area, per BLS OEWS.