Physicists Salary in Massachusetts

Physicists in Massachusetts earn the most in Worcester (average $166,280 a year) and the least in Boston ($129,840), across the 2 Massachusetts metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the physicists average at $130,250 and the median at $106,410 for 1,150 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $171,180.

Physicists average salary by city in Massachusetts

Worcester$166,280
Boston$129,840

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Worcester	$166,280	$153,990	$126,600	$116,924	103
Boston	$129,840	$106,000	$82,070	$93,840	108

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave premiums are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Physicists salary in other states

Physicists salary by city and state

More about pay in Massachusetts

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 19-2012.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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