Physiologist Salary Guide 2024: Hourly, Annual & Factors Affecting Pay

Physiologists study how organisms function at cellular and systemic levels. Their earnings vary by education, experience, sector, and location.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data (May 2023)

• Median hourly wage: $44.82
• Median annual salary: $93,230
• Top 10% earn: >$157,000/year
• Bottom 10% earn: <$58,000/year

Note: 2023 data released in 2024. Previous 2019 figures were $41.36/hr and $86,340/year.

Key Salary Factors

• Education: PhD holders earn significantly more than those with master's or bachelor's degrees.
• Experience: Senior researchers and principal investigators command top salaries.
• Industry: Pharmaceutical/biotech ($105K+ median) > Academic research ($85K) > Government ($80K) > Hospitals ($78K).
• Location: Highest-paying states: California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, Connecticut.
• Specialization: Neurophysiology, cardiac physiology, and exercise physiology often pay premiums.

Job Outlook

Employment of medical scientists (including physiologists) is projected to grow 10% from 2022–2032, faster than average, driven by aging population, chronic disease research, and biotech innovation.