Physical Scientists, All Other Salary in California
The median pay for a physical scientists, all other in California is $128,250/year ($61.66/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $91K at the entry level to $206K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $128K get you in California?
About physical scientists, all others
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level physical scientists, all others (10th percentile) start around $91K. Mid-career wages sit at $128K.Top earners bring in $206K or more - a $114K spread from bottom to top.
Physical Scientists, All Other pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $167K | +42% | 600 |
| District of Columbia | $158K | +34% | 860 |
| Massachusetts | $144K | +22% | 520 |
| Maryland | $143K | +21% | 1,900 |
| North Dakota | $138K | +17% | N/A |
| Washington | $135K | +15% | 510 |
| South Carolina | $134K | +14% | 100 |
| Georgia | $132K | +12% | 1,040 |
| Alabama | $132K | +12% | 150 |
| California | $128K | +9% | 2,220 |
| Virginia | $128K | +9% | 1,560 |
| New Mexico | $127K | +8% | 240 |
| Florida | $123K | +4% | 390 |
| Arizona | $120K | +2% | 170 |
| Kansas | $115K | -3% | 130 |
Track physical scientists, all other salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do physical scientists, all others make in California?
The median is $128,250 a year - that works out to about $61.66 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $91,250, and experienced physical scientists, all others can clear $205,510. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $128K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,529/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 29.2% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a physical scientists, all other salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median physical scientists, all other salary is worth about $128,250 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do physical scientists, all others get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.