Physicists Salary in California
Physicists in California earn a median of $207,490 a year, +20% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $207,490
- vs. U.S. median
- +20% ($172,250)
- Rank among states
- 4 of 43
- Jobs in the state
- 5,930
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $125,390; the top 10% earn over $296,740. Nationally the range is $82,110 to $274,110.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Astronomers$123,540 median in California
- Mathematicians$126,710 median in California
- Computer and Information Research Scientists$159,100 median in California
- Bioinformatics Scientists$113,530 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$106,500 median in California
- Biochemists and Biophysicists$139,580 median in California
Physicists pay in California
How much do physicists make in California?
The median is $207,490 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $125,390 and the top 10% earn over $296,740. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for physicists?
On pay alone it ranks 4 of 43 (+20% vs. the national median of $172,250). Living costs are not included.