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Average Physicists Salary in Huntsville, AL

Physicists in Huntsville, AL, command an average annual salary of $133,970, which is notably below the national average of $177,260. This differential is often influenced by the specific industry demands and the concentration of research and development facilities within the Huntsville area, which may prioritize certain skill sets or offer different compensation structures compared to national trends.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $133,970 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $225,630.
  • Outlook: The job market for Physicists in Huntsville, AL, appears robust, characterized by a substantial local workforce of 250 individuals and a high Location Quotient of 6.84. This indicates a significantly higher concentration of Physicists in Huntsville compared to the national average, suggesting strong demand and a specialized ecosystem for these professionals within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$133,970

The average Physicists in Huntsville, AL earns-24.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$64.4

Weekly

$2,576

Monthly

$11,164

Physicists Salary Distribution in Huntsville, AL

The salary progression for Physicists in Huntsville, AL, likely follows a typical trajectory, with entry-level positions offering a lower end of the salary spectrum and senior or lead Physicist roles commanding significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles signify substantial career growth opportunities and the increasing value placed on experience and specialized knowledge within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$77,590$37.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$100,478$48.3
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$126,770$60.9
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$167,463$80.5
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$225,630$108.5

Detailed Physicists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$133,970

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$133,970

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $133,970 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), Physicists in Huntsville, AL, experience purchasing power that is aligned with the rest of the country. This means that while the nominal salary is below the national average, the cost of goods and services in Huntsville does not present a disadvantage, making the effective take-home value comparable to national standards.

Job Market Context

250

Total Jobs

0.947

Per 1K Jobs

6.84

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Huntsville, AL has 6.8x the national concentration of Physicists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Huntsville, AL, exhibits an exceptionally competitive market for Physicists, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 6.84. This high concentration suggests that the region is a hub for this profession, potentially leading to a more dynamic job market with numerous opportunities but also a larger pool of qualified candidates vying for positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Physicistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physicists make in Huntsville, AL?

The median annual salary for a Physicists in Huntsville, AL is $133,970. This typically ranges from $77,590 for entry-level positions to $225,630 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Huntsville, AL is 24.4% lower than the national median of $177,260.

Is Huntsville, AL a lucrative place for Physicists?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, and the high concentration of Physicists indicates strong regional demand and specialized opportunities.

Is Huntsville, AL a good place to live for Physicists?

The Cost of Living Index in Huntsville, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

What is the average salary for a Physicist in Huntsville, AL?

The average annual salary for a Physicist in Huntsville, AL, is $133,970.

How does Huntsville's cost of living compare to the national average?

Huntsville, AL, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average.

Is there high demand for Physicists in Huntsville, AL?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 6.84 indicates a significantly higher concentration of Physicists in Huntsville compared to the national average, suggesting strong regional demand.

How many Physicists work in Huntsville, AL?

There are approximately 250 Physicists employed in Huntsville, AL.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Huntsville, AL area with a job density of 0.947 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Physicists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Huntsville, AL