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Physicists average salary by city in California
- San Jose$189,390
- Riverside$172,470
- Oxnard$169,620
- Los Angeles$165,380
- San Diego$159,690
- Bakersfield$137,290
- Sacramento$130,050
Pay, take-home pay and cost of living
| City | Average | Median | 25th pct. | Take-home* | Cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | $189,390 | $173,450 | $150,460 | $127,496 | 110 |
| Riverside | $172,470 | $163,990 | $123,070 | $117,202 | 106 |
| Oxnard | $169,620 | $163,210 | $116,080 | $115,519 | 111 |
| Los Angeles | $165,380 | $160,270 | $114,070 | $113,015 | 114 |
| San Diego | $159,690 | $156,480 | $107,970 | $109,655 | 112 |
| Bakersfield | $137,290 | $135,260 | $101,170 | $96,428 | 101 |
| Sacramento | $130,050 | $120,490 | $91,990 | $92,153 | 107 |
*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.
Physicists salary in other states
More about pay in California
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 19-2012.
- 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.
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