Average Physical Scientists, All Other Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Physical Scientists, All Other professionals in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $180,750. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $138,050, reflecting the high demand and specialized nature of scientific roles within this dynamic technology hub. The concentration of advanced industries and research institutions in the region directly contributes to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $180,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $271,125.
- Outlook: The local job market for Physical Scientists, All Other in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, appears robust. With a total local workforce of 300 individuals in this specific role, and a Location Quotient of 1.83, the presence of these professionals is nearly double the national average concentration. This indicates a strong, established demand for their expertise within the region, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Scientists, All Other in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earns+30.9%above the national average.
$86.9
$3,476
$15,063
Physical Scientists, All Other Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Scientists, All Other in a high-cost, high-tech region like San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for specialized scientific skills, and the competitive nature of the Bay Area job market likely contribute to an upward trend in compensation for these professionals.
Physical Scientists, All Other Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Salary progression for Physical Scientists, All Other typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior scientists with extensive research, development, or analytical experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The substantial gap between entry-level and senior roles, often represented by widening percentile ranges, signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $123,630 | $59.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $135,563 | $65.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $174,810 | $84 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $225,938 | $108.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $271,125 | $130.3 |
Detailed Physical Scientists, All Other Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$180,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$180,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $180,750 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, is particularly noteworthy given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that while the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the nation, the earning potential for Physical Scientists is substantially higher, offering a strong purchasing power for residents in this area.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
0.268
Per 1K Jobs
1.83
Location Quotient
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has 1.8x the national concentration of Physical Scientists, All Other jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.83 for Physical Scientists, All Other in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the region employs a disproportionately larger number of these professionals compared to the national average. Such a high concentration suggests a specialized ecosystem, likely driven by research, technology, and development sectors, making it a prime location for those in this field but also potentially indicating a competitive environment for new entrants.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Scientists, All Other
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Physical Scientists, All Other Salary | $136,880↓ 24% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Hiring Physical Scientists, All Others?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Scientists, All Other make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Scientists, All Other in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $180,750. This typically ranges from $123,630 for entry-level positions to $271,125 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 30.9% higher than the national median of $138,050.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a lucrative place for Physical Scientists, All Others?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative location for Physical Scientists, All Others.The average annual salary of $180,750 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a good place to live for Physical Scientists, All Others?
The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($136,880) and others.
How does the San Jose salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Physical Scientists, All Other in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $180,750, which is over $42,000 more than the national average of $138,050.
What is the concentration of Physical Scientists in San Jose?
The Location Quotient of 1.83 indicates that San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has a concentration of Physical Scientists, All Other that is 83% higher than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the high salary in San Jose?
No, the cost of living in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is at the national average (100). This means the high salary translates directly to strong purchasing power without the added burden of a significantly higher cost of living.
How many Physical Scientists work in the San Jose area?
There are approximately 300 Physical Scientists, All Other employed within the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area with a job density of 0.268 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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA