Physical Scientists, All Other Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The median pay for a physical scientists, all other in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $147,320/year ($70.83/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $108K at the entry level to $204K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.8), so that salary is closer to $135,404 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,124/month — about 35.9% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $147K get you in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
About physical scientists, all others
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Entry-level physical scientists, all others (10th percentile) start around $108K. Mid-career wages sit at $147K.Top earners bring in $204K or more - a $97K 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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do physical scientists, all others make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median is $147,320 a year - that works out to about $70.83 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $107,850, and experienced physical scientists, all others can clear $204,400. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $147K enough to live in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,467/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,124/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 36.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a physical scientists, all other salary go in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has a Regional Price Parity of 108.8 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median physical scientists, all other salary is worth about $135,404 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.