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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2025

Physicists salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Milwaukee 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$173,160
Mean annual$190,130
Range (10th to 90th)$96,110 to $279,870
Milwaukee, Wisconsin employment50
State vs national+4.3% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Milwaukee physicists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$96,11025TH$129,390MEDIAN$173,16075TH$246,72090TH$279,870

The middle 50% of workers earn between $129,390 and $246,720, with a median of $173,160.

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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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Physicists in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Physicists in the Milwaukee metropolitan area is $173,160.
Does Milwaukee pay more than the Wisconsin state average for Physicists?
The Milwaukee metro median is 0.0% versus the Wisconsin state median of $173,120.
How does Milwaukee compare to the national median for Physicists?
The Milwaukee metro median is +4.3% versus the BLS national figure of $166,057.
What is the salary range for Physicists in Milwaukee?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $96,110 and the 90th-percentile at $279,870 for the Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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.