Average Physical Scientists, All Other Salary in California
Physical Scientists, All Other in California command an impressive average annual salary of $142,070, surpassing the national average of $138,050. This elevated compensation is often driven by California's robust economy, high demand for specialized scientific talent, and the state's significant investment in research and development across various industries.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $142,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $205,510.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,220 individuals in this field, California demonstrates a substantial presence of Physical Scientists. The Location Quotient of 0.84 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a healthy but not overly saturated market. This balance points to consistent demand for these specialized roles within the state's diverse scientific landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Scientists, All Other in California earns+2.9%above the national average.
$68.3
$2,732
$11,839
Physical Scientists, All Other Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salaries for Physical Scientists, All Other in California have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for specialized scientific expertise, and advancements in research and technology likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Physical Scientists, All Other Salary Distribution in California
The salary spectrum for Physical Scientists, All Other in California typically widens significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior scientists with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are crucial indicators of career progression and the value placed on accumulated knowledge and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $91,250 | $43.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $106,553 | $51.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $128,250 | $61.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $177,588 | $85.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $205,510 | $98.8 |
Detailed Physical Scientists, All Other Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$142,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$102,578
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the nominal average salary of $142,070 in California appears attractive, it must be considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This index, significantly higher than the national average of 100, means that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat diminished. Prospective professionals should carefully weigh the higher salary against the increased expenses associated with living in California.
Job Market Context
2,220
Total Jobs
0.123
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
California has 0.84x the national average concentration of Physical Scientists, All Other jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.84 for Physical Scientists, All Other in California indicates that the concentration of these professionals is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the field is present and active, it may not be as densely populated as in some other regions, potentially leading to a competitive job market for employers seeking highly specialized talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Scientists, All Other
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Physical Scientists, All Other Salary | $137,920↓ 3% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Physical Scientists, All Others?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Scientists, All Other make in California?
The median annual salary for a Physical Scientists, All Other in California is $142,070. This typically ranges from $91,250 for entry-level positions to $205,510 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 2.9% higher than the national median of $138,050.
Is California a lucrative place for Physical Scientists, All Others?
Yes, California offers a lucrative environment for Physical Scientists, All Others.The average salary of $142,070 significantly exceeds the national average, providing strong earning potential despite the higher cost of living.
Is California a good place to live for Physical Scientists, All Others?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bakersfield-Delano, CA ($137,920) and others.
How does California's salary for Physical Scientists compare to the national average?
Physical Scientists in California earn an average of $142,070 annually, which is higher than the national average of $138,050.
What is the concentration of Physical Scientists in California compared to the rest of the US?
California's Location Quotient for Physical Scientists is 0.84, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living in California affect the perceived salary?
California's Cost of Living Index is 138.5, meaning that the $142,070 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a region with a lower cost of living.
What is the total number of Physical Scientists employed in California?
There are approximately 2,220 Physical Scientists, All Other, employed within California.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,220 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.123 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Scientists, All Other • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California