Physicists Salary in California

How much does a Physicists make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$180,900

Median Annual Salary

$187,720

Mean Salary

$180,900

Median Salary

$86.97

Hourly Rate

6,220 people work as Physicists in California

About This Job: Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Top Skills

Science

4.62

Reading Comprehension

4.25

Mathematics

4.25

Speaking

4.12

Critical Thinking

4.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Physics

4.92

Mathematics

4.82

Engineering and Technology

4.54

Computers and Electronics

4.38

English Language

3.69

Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (49.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

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What does this salary really buy? See Physicists salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Physicists Salary by State

Compare Physicists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physicists make in California?

The median annual salary for a Physicists in California is $180,900 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $187,720.

What is the starting salary for a Physicists in California?

Entry-level Physicists positions in California typically start around $103,800 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $164,550 (25th percentile).

How many people work as Physicists in California?

According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 6,220 people are employed as Physicists in California.

What is the hourly rate for a Physicists in California?

Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Physicists in California is approximately $86.97 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS