Salaries of PhD Physicists and Related Scientists during Spring 2006

Highlights

AIP society members with PhDs, not including postdoctorates, reported a median annual salary of $97,700 in 2006, up from $90,000 in 2004.
Respondents with PhDs working in hospitals or medical services again reported the highest median salary at $135,000. The lowest median salary was reported by society members working in 4-year colleges with 9-10 month contracts, at $60,000.
Salaries along the coasts continue to be the highest. The Pacific states lead the way with the highest salaries range ($76,500 to $124,000), while the West North Central reported the lowest ($55,000 to $100,000).
Society members with PhDs working in industry reported a median salary of $110,000 in 2006. The median salary of PhDs in industry was $104,000 in 2004.
Within the first two years since earning their PhDs, respondents on university postdoctoral appointments reported typical salaries ranging from $36,000 to $43,000.
Society members reported unemployment at a rate (1.7%) that remained level within the past few years.