Physicists Salary in Tucson, AZ

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Tucson, AZ

Median annual salary $171,190 +2.9% vs national
Median hourly $82.31
10th percentile $96,630
90th percentile $242,730
Employed locally 30
National median $166,290

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Physicists
in
Tucson, AZ
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $96,630
    25th
    $102,620
    50th (median)
    $171,190
    75th
    $171,190
    90th
    $242,730

    Tucson economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.60% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $67,929 2023 • Census ACS
    Physicists salary vs area income 252% Median Physicists salary is 152% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Physicists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $266,260
    Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $226,750
    Cleveland, OH $225,930
    Minnesota $222,550
    Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $219,070
    Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $215,340

    Nearby metros — Physicists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ $206,070

    Related occupations in Tucson, AZ

    OccupationMedian salary
    Social Science Research Assistants $59,130
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $77,680
    Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $95,990
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $72,510
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $124,250
    Forensic Science Technicians $57,940

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Physicists make per hour in Tucson?

    The median hourly wage for Physicists in Tucson, AZ is $82.31, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $116.70 or more per hour.

    Is Tucson above or below average for Physicists salaries?

    The median Physicists salary in Tucson, AZ is 2.9% above the national median of $166,290. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Physicists in Tucson?

    Entry-level Physicists (10th percentile) earn around $96,630 per year in Tucson, AZ. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $102,620.