RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2025

Physicists salary in New York City, New York

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the New York City metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated June 12, 2026
Median annual$181,970
Mean annual$191,320
Range (10th to 90th)$87,300 to $308,990
New York City, New York employment1,070
State vs national+9.6% vs national

Salary distribution

Where New York City physicists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$87,30025TH$132,420MEDIAN$181,97075TH$222,61090TH$308,990

The middle 50% of workers earn between $132,420 and $222,610, with a median of $181,970.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Doctoral or professional degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Physics

    Knowledge

    4.9 / 5
  • Mathematics

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5
  • Mathematical Reasoning

    Ability

    4.8 / 5
  • Science

    Basic skill

    4.6 / 5
  • Engineering and Technology

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • Computers and Electronics

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • Mathematics

    Basic skill

    4.3 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.3 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.

  2. 02

    Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.

  3. 03

    Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.

  4. 04

    Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.

  5. 05

    Write research proposals to receive funding.

  6. 06

    Teach physics to students.

  7. 07

    Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.

  8. 08

    Conduct research pertaining to potential environmental impacts of atomic energy-related industrial development to determine licensing qualifications.

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Other metros in New York

How the New York City metro compares to other major New York metro areas for physicists.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Physicists in New York City, New York?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Physicists in the New York City metropolitan area is $181,970.
Does New York City pay more than the New York state average for Physicists?
The New York City metro median is 0.0% versus the New York state median of $181,970.
How does New York City compare to the national median for Physicists?
The New York City metro median is +9.6% versus the BLS national figure of $166,057.
What is the salary range for Physicists in New York City?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $87,300 and the 90th-percentile at $308,990 for the New York City metro area.
What education is required for Physicists?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the New York City CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.