What is the median salary for Physicists in Los Angeles, California?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Physicists in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is $133,070.

Does Los Angeles pay more than the California state average for Physicists?

The Los Angeles metro median is -26.4% versus the California state median of $180,900.

How does Los Angeles compare to the national median for Physicists?

The Los Angeles metro median is -17.8% versus the BLS national figure of $161,819.

What education is required for Physicists?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Physicists Salary in Los Angeles, California

Median annual$133,070

Mean annual$155,280

Range (10th to 90th)Not published

Los Angeles, California employment370

State vs national-17.8% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Los Angeles physicists fall on the wage curve.

Distribution not available

The Bureau of Labor Statistics suppresses wage percentiles for this occupation and state when the surveyed cell has too few employers to publish without revealing individual firm pay. National figures and adjacent states below remain a useful reference.

Typical entry

Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Physics
Knowledge
4.9 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
4.8 / 5
Mathematical Reasoning
Ability
4.8 / 5
Science
Basic skill
4.6 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
4.5 / 5
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge
4.4 / 5
Mathematics
Basic skill
4.3 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
4.3 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
02
Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
03
Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
04
Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
05
Write research proposals to receive funding.
06
Teach physics to students.
07
Report experimental results by writing papers for scientific journals or by presenting information at scientific conferences.
08
Conduct research pertaining to potential environmental impacts of atomic energy-related industrial development to determine licensing qualifications.

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Other metros in California

How the Los Angeles metro compares to other major California metro areas for physicists.

San Jose$214,520
Riverside$150,490
San Diego$124,710
Sacramento$109,540

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Physicists in Los Angeles, California?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Physicists in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is $133,070.
Does Los Angeles pay more than the California state average for Physicists?: The Los Angeles metro median is -26.4% versus the California state median of $180,900.
How does Los Angeles compare to the national median for Physicists?: The Los Angeles metro median is -17.8% versus the BLS national figure of $161,819.
What education is required for Physicists?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Los Angeles CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.