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Physicists Salary in California
Ranked #4 of 43 · CA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of physicistss in California earn between $125,390 and $296,740. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean physicists salary in California is $201,930, about 18% above the U.S. average ($171,180). That works out to roughly $97/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in California
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $173,450 | $189,390 | 440 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $163,990 | $172,470 | — |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $163,210 | $169,620 | 50 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $160,270 | $165,380 | 550 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $156,480 | $159,690 | 290 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $135,260 | $137,290 | 80 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $120,490 | $130,050 | 100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in California?
The median physicists salary in California is $207,490 per year (mean $201,930), and about 80% earn between $125,390 and $296,740.
How much do physicists make per hour in California?
Roughly $97 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $201,930 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is California a high-paying state for physicists?
California ranks #4 of 43 states for physicists pay. Its mean salary of $201,930 is about 18% above the U.S. average of $171,180.
Which metro areas in California pay physicists the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in California for physicists are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($173,450), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($163,990), Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($163,210), by median annual wage.