Average salary, compensation, and wages for Physicists and astronomers in the United StatesMedian annual earnings of physicists were $85,020 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $66,680 and $107,410. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $50,350, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $129,250. Median annual earnings of astronomers were $81,690 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $53,390 and $106,230; the lowest 10 percent, less than $40,140, and the highest 10 percent more than $126,320. According to a 2003 National Association of Colleges and Employers survey, the average annual starting salary offer to physics doctoral degree candidates was $55,485. The American Institute of Physics reported a median annual salary of $95,000 in 2002 for its full time members with Ph.D.�s (excluding those in postdoctoral positions); the median was $87,000 for those with master�s degrees, and $78,000 for bachelor�s degree holders. Those working in temporary postdoctoral positions earned significantly less. The average annual salary for physicists employed by the Federal Government was $95,685 in 2003; for astronomy and space scientists, it was $100,591. More information on Physicists and astronomers from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Physicists and astronomers occupation Number of Physicists and astronomers in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Physicists and astronomers Working conditions for Physicists and astronomers Significant points for Physicists and astronomers Training requirements for Physicists and astronomers Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |