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Physicist Starting Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sign-on and relocation allowance available Benefits starting date of hire Competitive salary ... Our Medical Physicist ensures accuracy of all radiation measurements in all radiation oncology ...

PhD completed prior to starting * Minimum 4+ years' experience (PhD inclusive) involving one or ... What's in it for you? A competitive salary and innovative, game-changing work Flexible work ...

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Physicist Starting Salary information

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$39.5K

$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do physicist starting salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for physicist starting salary in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Physicist Starting Salary vs Mechanical Engineer Starting Salary?

AspectPhysicist Starting SalaryMechanical Engineer Starting Salary
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics, PhD often preferred for research rolesBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, PE license optional
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, government agenciesManufacturing, design firms, consulting
Industry UsageResearch, academia, government research labsProduct design, manufacturing, energy sectors

Generally, Physicists start with a slightly higher salary due to specialized research roles and advanced degrees, but Mechanical Engineers often have broader industry opportunities. The salary difference varies based on location, education, and industry demand.

More about Physicist Starting Salary jobs

What cities are hiring for Physicist Starting Salary jobs?

Cities with the most Physicist Starting Salary job openings:

What states have the most Physicist Starting Salary jobs?

States with the most job openings for Physicist Starting Salary jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Physicist Starting Salary jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Physicist Starting Salary jobs are:

Infographic showing various Physicist Starting Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Radiation Health Physicist 1

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA • Hybrid

$60K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

THE POSITION Are you looking for a rewarding and meaningful career that involves protecting communities and ensuring the safe use of radiation across the Commonwealth. Become a Radiation Health Physicist 1 with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and take part in essential tasks that keep Pennsylvania's residents safe. In this role, you will conduct inspections, review safety procedures, and provide detailed responses to radiation-related concerns.

Here, you will have the opportunity to enhance your technical skills while contributing to important regulatory and environmental protections. Apply today to step into a position where your efforts will help safeguard public health. DESCRIPTION OF WORK This position performs radiation safety inspections, evaluates regulatory compliance, and supports field activities that protect public health and the environment.

As a Radiation Health Physicist 1, you will perform the following duties: Inspection Work: Perform inspections of radiation sources at various facilities to verify compliance with state and federal regulations Field Measurements: Make detailed observations and collect readings using specialized radiation detection equipment Report Preparation: Create written inspection reports and document findings in accordance with regulatory requirements Compliance Review: Identify non-compliance issues, recommend corrective actions, and assist with enforcement activities Public Response: Address inquiries, investigate complaints, and support responses to radiation-related incidents under supervision Emergency Support: Participate in emergency drills, maintain readiness, and assist with radiological response activities when needed Interested in learning more. Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description. Work Schedule and Additional Information: Full-time employment Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.

This position may require travel. Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.

If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Pittsburgh. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.

Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $60,538.00 (before taxes). You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: Successful completion of the training program for the Radiation Health Physicist Trainee; or Five years of technical experience in providing protection to radiation workers, the general public, and the environment from the effects of radiation and possession of a certificate of registration issued by the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists; or One year of professional experience in the recognition, evaluation, and control of radiation hazards and a bachelor's degree in health physics, radiation physics, radiation biology, nuclear physics, or applied health physics; or One year of professional experience in the recognition, evaluation, and control of radiation hazards and a bachelor's degree with major course work in the physical, biological, or radiological sciences or in nuclear engineering that includes 20 credits in health physics or radiological sciences; or An equivalent combination of experience and training. Special Requirement: This position requires possession of an active non-commercial PA Class C driver's license or equivalent. Other Requirements: You must possess and maintain a REAL ID or passport for this position.

Proof of possession will be needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment. PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title. You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply: Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only.

Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information. Veterans: Pennsylvania law (51 Pa.

C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam). Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.

Your score is valid for this specific posting only. You must provide complete and accurate information or: your score may be lower than deserved. you may be disqualified.

You may only apply/test once for this posting. Your results will be provided via email.


Commonwealth of Pennsylvania logo

About Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is not a traditional company but rather a state government entity headquartered in Middletown, Pennsylvania, United States. Through its official website pa.gov, the government provides a broad range of services to its residents, including but not limited to, health services, education, transportation, and regulatory functions. Founded in 1787, the Commonwealth holds a rich history dating back to the foundation of the United States itself. The government's core mission is to serve and improve the lives of Pennsylvanians, fostering a more prosperous, informed, and secure state.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Harrisburg, PA, US

Year founded

1787