Physicists Salary in Wisconsin

Physicists in Wisconsin earn the most in Milwaukee (average $190,130 a year) and the least in Madison ($137,180), across the 2 Wisconsin metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the physicists average at $181,180 and the median at $173,120 for 180 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $171,180.

Physicists average salary by city in Wisconsin

Milwaukee$190,130
Madison$137,180

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Milwaukee	$190,130	$173,160	$129,390	$132,133	97
Madison	$137,180	$136,450	$89,310	$98,399	97

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Physicists salary in other states

Physicists salary by city and state

More about pay in Wisconsin

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.

Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.