Physics Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in California
The median pay for a physics teachers, postsecondary in California is $128,190/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $65K at the entry level to $220K 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 physics teachers, postsecondarys
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level physics teachers, postsecondarys (10th percentile) start around $65K. Mid-career wages sit at $128K.Top earners bring in $220K or more - a $155K spread from bottom to top.
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $128K | +32% | 1,070 |
| Arizona | $122K | +25% | 170 |
| Connecticut | $119K | +23% | 230 |
| Montana | $106K | +9% | 60 |
| Michigan | $106K | +9% | 440 |
| New York | $105K | +8% | 1,140 |
| New Mexico | $104K | +7% | 60 |
| Minnesota | $103K | +6% | 250 |
| Kansas | $103K | +6% | 100 |
| Maryland | $103K | +6% | 300 |
| Maine | $102K | +5% | 60 |
| Indiana | $102K | +5% | 300 |
| Virginia | $100K | +3% | 610 |
| Iowa | $100K | +3% | 160 |
| Oregon | $99K | +2% | 140 |
Track physics teachers, postsecondary 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 physics teachers, postsecondarys make in California?
The median is $128,190 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $65,090, and experienced physics teachers, postsecondarys can clear $219,610. 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 $7,526/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 physics teachers, postsecondary 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 physics teachers, postsecondary salary is worth about $128,190 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do physics teachers, postsecondarys 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.