Science & Research Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Physicist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median physicist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $222,548 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$222,548
vs State Avg
+$12,195
vs National
+$70,118
Cost of Living
146%

Physicist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median physicist salary of $222,548, which is $12,195 above the California state average of $210,353. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $222,548 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physicists in Los Angeles spans from $113,880 at the 10th percentile to $347,480 at the 90th percentile — a $233,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $119,720, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $321,200. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physicist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level physicist earns around $119,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $321,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$119,720
+$37,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$226,300
+$71,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$321,200
+$101,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $113,880
25th Percentile $157,680
Median (50th) $222,548
75th Percentile $284,700
90th Percentile $347,480

Physicist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$277,423
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$256,082
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$216,451
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$179,867
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Physicist in Los Angeles

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open physicist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Physicist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median physicist salary in Los Angeles, California is $222,548 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $113,880 (10th percentile) to $347,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $222,548, a physicist in Los Angeles earns approximately $107 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for physicist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median physicist salary of $222,548 is 5.8% above the California state average of $210,353. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $222,548 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most physicist positions in Los Angeles require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.