What is the median salary for Physicists in Sacramento, California?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Physicists in the Sacramento metropolitan area is $109,540.

Does Sacramento pay more than the California state average for Physicists?

The Sacramento metro median is -39.4% versus the California state median of $180,900.

How does Sacramento compare to the national median for Physicists?

The Sacramento metro median is -32.3% versus the BLS national figure of $161,819.

What is the salary range for Physicists in Sacramento?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $59,550 and the 90th-percentile at $216,200 for the Sacramento metro area.

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 Sacramento, California

Median annual$109,540

Mean annual$115,300

Range (10th to 90th)$59,550 to $216,200

Sacramento, California employment100

State vs national-32.3% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Sacramento physicists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $85,060 and $123,700, with a median of $109,540.

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 Sacramento metro compares to other major California metro areas for physicists.

San Jose$214,520
Riverside$150,490
Los Angeles$133,070
San Diego$124,710

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Physicists in Sacramento, California?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Physicists in the Sacramento metropolitan area is $109,540.
Does Sacramento pay more than the California state average for Physicists?: The Sacramento metro median is -39.4% versus the California state median of $180,900.
How does Sacramento compare to the national median for Physicists?: The Sacramento metro median is -32.3% versus the BLS national figure of $161,819.
What is the salary range for Physicists in Sacramento?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $59,550 and the 90th-percentile at $216,200 for the Sacramento metro area.
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 Sacramento 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.