Physics Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The median pay for a physics teachers, postsecondary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $125,570/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $83K at the entry level to $163K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $113,720 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 47% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $126K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About physics teachers, postsecondarys
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level physics teachers, postsecondarys (10th percentile) start around $83K. Mid-career wages sit at $126K.Top earners bring in $163K or more - a $80K 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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do physics teachers, postsecondarys make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $125,570 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $83,090, and experienced physics teachers, postsecondarys can clear $162,900. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $126K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,397/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 47.1% 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 physics teachers, postsecondary salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (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 physics teachers, postsecondary salary is worth about $113,720 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.