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Physicists Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Physicists make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$207,490
Median Annual Salary
▲
+14.7% vs 2024
$201,930
Mean Salary
$207,490
Median Salary
$99.75
Hourly Rate
5,930 people work as Physicists in California
Physicists salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Physicists in California earn a median salary of $207,490 per year ($17,290/month).
This is 34.9% above the national average of $153,763.
California ranks #4 out of 43 states for Physicists pay.
Approximately 5,930 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 14.7% compared to 2024.
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)
Salaries for Physicists in California range from $125,390 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $296,740 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $173,450 and $222,760.
The median annual salary for Physicists in California is $207,490 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $201,930.
What is the salary range for a Physicists in California?
Salaries for Physicists in California range from $125,390 at the 10th percentile to $296,740 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $173,450 and $222,760.
What is the starting salary for a Physicists in California?
Entry-level Physicists positions in California typically start around $125,390 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $173,450 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Physicists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 5,930 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 $99.75 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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.
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