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Average Physics Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in California

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $138,700, significantly surpassing the national average of $105,770. This substantial difference is largely driven by California's robust economy, high demand for specialized educators, and the state's overall higher compensation structures across many professions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $138,700 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $219,610.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,070 Physics Teachers, Postsecondary, California demonstrates a notable presence in this field. The location quotient of 0.67 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating that while the profession is present, it is not disproportionately concentrated compared to other states, implying a stable, albeit not hyper-inflated, demand.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$138,700

The average Physics Teachers, Postsecondary in California earns+31.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$66.7

Weekly

$2,667

Monthly

$11,558

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Physics Teachers, Postsecondary in California typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and extensive teaching experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, potentially exceeding $170,000. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$65,090$31.3
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$104,025$50
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$128,190$61.6
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$173,375$83.4
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$219,610$105.6

Detailed Physics Teachers, Postsecondary Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$138,700

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$100,144

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the nominal average salary of $138,700 in California is attractive, it's crucial to consider the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that everyday expenses are approximately 38.5% higher than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of a $138,700 salary in California is somewhat diminished compared to what that same salary would afford in a lower cost-of-living area, necessitating careful financial planning.

Job Market Context

1,070

Total Jobs

0.059

Per 1K Jobs

0.67

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.67x the national average concentration of Physics Teachers, Postsecondary 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 0.67 for Physics Teachers, Postsecondary in California indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a demand for these educators, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals entering the field or seeking employment. It implies a balanced market where employers are actively seeking talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Physics Teachers, Postsecondarys?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physics Teachers, Postsecondary make in California?

The median annual salary for a Physics Teachers, Postsecondary in California is $138,700. This typically ranges from $65,090 for entry-level positions to $219,610 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 31.1% higher than the national median of $105,770.

Is California a lucrative place for Physics Teachers, Postsecondarys?

Yes, California is a lucrative place for Physics Teachers, Postsecondarys.The average salary of $138,700 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating strong earning potential. However, the high cost of living requires careful financial management to maximize this lucrativeness.

Is California a good place to live for Physics Teachers, Postsecondarys?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does California's salary compare to the national average for this role?

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary in California earn an average of $138,700 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $105,770.

What is the concentration of Physics Teachers, Postsecondary in California?

California has a location quotient of 0.67 for Physics Teachers, Postsecondary, meaning the profession is less concentrated here than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in California?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average. This means the high nominal salary of $138,700 has less purchasing power locally.

What is the total number of Physics Teachers, Postsecondary in California?

There are approximately 1,070 Physics Teachers, Postsecondary employed in California.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,070 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.059 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Physics Teachers, Postsecondary • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California