Science & Research San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Physicist Salary in San Diego, California

The median physicist salary in San Diego, CA is $216,451 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$216,451
vs State Avg
+$6,098
vs National
+$64,021
Cost of Living
142%

Physicist Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median physicist salary of $216,451, which is $6,098 above the California state average of $210,353. Compared to the national median of $152,430, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $216,451 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physicists in San Diego spans from $110,760 at the 10th percentile to $337,960 at the 90th percentile — a $227,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $116,440, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $312,400. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physicist Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level physicist earns around $116,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $312,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$116,440
+$34,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$220,100
+$65,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$312,400
+$92,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $110,760
25th Percentile $153,360
Median (50th) $216,451
75th Percentile $276,900
90th Percentile $337,960

Physicist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$277,423
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$256,082
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$222,548
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$179,867
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Physicist in San Diego

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. San Diego 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in San Diego

Browse open physicist positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in San Diego

How much does a Physicist make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median physicist salary in San Diego, California is $216,451 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $110,760 (10th percentile) to $337,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $216,451, a physicist in San Diego earns approximately $104 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for physicist pay? ▼
San Diego's median physicist salary of $216,451 is 2.9% above the California state average of $210,353. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $216,451 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in San Diego? ▼
Most physicist positions in San Diego 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.