Science & Research San Francisco, CA
Pop. 873,965
Physicist Salary in San Francisco, California
The median physicist salary in San Francisco, CA is $277,423 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.
City Median
$277,423
vs State Avg
+$67,070
vs National
+$124,993
Cost of Living
182%
Physicist Salary in San Francisco by Experience
In San Francisco, an entry-level physicist earns around $149,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $400,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$149,240
+$67,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$282,100
+$127,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$400,400
+$180,400 vs national
Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA
| Percentile | San Francisco |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $141,960 |
| 25th Percentile | $196,560 |
| Median (50th) | $277,423 |
| 75th Percentile | $354,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $433,160 |
Physicist Salary in Other California Cities
How to Become a Physicist in San Francisco
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. San Francisco 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 Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.