Physical Scientists, All Other pay range in San Francisco
New workers and the lowest-paid 10% earn about $114,460 a year or less, while the top 10% make $171,270 or more. The middle half of other physical scientists in San Francisco earn between $128,720 and $140,550.
- $114K10th
- $129K25th
- $129KMedian
- $141K75th
- $171K90th
median average · bar = middle 50% of workers · how to read it
| Pay level | Per year | Per month | Per hour* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average | $135,640 | $11,303 | $65.21 |
| Median | $128,720 | $10,727 | $61.88 |
| Entry level (25th percentile) | $128,720 | $10,727 | $61.88 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $140,550 | $11,712 | $67.57 |
*Hourly figures assume 2,080 paid hours a year. Hourly to annual salary.
Physical Scientists, All Other pay in San Francisco vs. California and the U.S.
Other physical scientists in San Francisco earn 5% less than the California average ($143,310) and 5% more than the U.S. average ($129,230). At the median the gap is +5% against the U.S. median of $122,570.
| Area | Average | Median | 10th pct. | 90th pct. | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $135,640 | $128,720 | $114,460 | $171,270 | n/a |
| California | $143,310 | $130,610 | $81,360 | $211,150 | 2,320 |
| United States | $129,230 | $122,570 | $67,000 | $195,190 | 22,300 |
State and U.S. rows: BLS statewide and national estimates, May 2025, which include rural areas.
Physical Scientists, All Other salary after taxes in San Francisco
On the average salary of $135,640, a single filer in San Francisco takes home about $95,453 a year, or $7,954 a month and $3,671 every two weeks. Taxes take 30% of gross pay.
Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2025 rules). California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included.
Is San Francisco a good place for other physical scientists? Pay vs. cost of living
Prices in the San Francisco area are 16% above the U.S. average (BEA price parity 115.6), so the average $135,640 buys what about $117,322 would buy in a typical U.S. metro. This job pays 1.7 times the median wage of all jobs in San Francisco ($74,260). A typical home costs $1,149,215, or 8.5 years of this average salary before tax.
Physical Scientists, All Other salary in other California cities
San Francisco ranks 5th of 8 California metro areas for this job; San Jose pays the most ($177,370).
- San Jose$177,370
- Bakersfield$149,610
- Los Angeles$143,420
- San Diego$135,730
- San Francisco$135,640
- Oxnard$129,710
- Riverside$112,750
- Sacramento$104,690
Highest-paying cities for other physical scientists
San Jose, CA pays this job the most of the metro areas we cover ($177,370).
- San Jose, CA$177,370
- Minneapolis, MN$172,740
- Washington, DC$166,920
- Palm Bay, FL$158,750
- Huntsville, AL$154,990
Does this match what you are paid?
Anonymous, no account. Results update as visitors answer.
Share your pay anonymously
Physical Scientists, All Other salary in San Francisco: questions
How much do other physical scientists make an hour in San Francisco?
$65.21 an hour on average, and $61.88 at the median (BLS, May 2025).
What is the entry-level other physical scientists salary in San Francisco?
The lowest-paid 10% earn about $114,460 a year and the 25th percentile is $128,720, a fair guide to starting pay.
What is the other physical scientists take-home pay in San Francisco?
About $95,453 a year ($7,954 a month) for a single filer on the average salary of $135,640. California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included.
Do other physical scientists earn more in San Francisco than elsewhere?
The average here is 5% more than the U.S. average for this job ($129,230).
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 19-2099; area San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA (41860). Relative standard error of the mean wage: 1.1%.
- U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Home value: Zillow Home Value Index. Typical-wage figure: OEWS all occupations, same metro.
- Take-home pay: Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2025 rules). California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.