Physicist Salary
in San Diego, CA
Study the fundamental principles governing matter, energy, space, and time. Median salary in San Diego: $143K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.
Salary range in San Diego
Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in San Diego, California.
Key facts for San Diego
Salary forecast: San Diego Physicist to 2030
Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $143K by 2030.
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Physicist Salary in San Diego, California: Complete Guide (2026)
The median Physicist salary in San Diego, CA is $143,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the San Diego–CA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.
Salary range for Physicist in San Diego
Entry-level Physicists in San Diego with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $100,000 and $143,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $143,000 to $195,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $195,000 to $256,000 or more.
Cost of living in San Diego for Physicists
San Diego has a cost of living index of 148 compared to the US national average of 100. San Diego's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. California has a 9.3% state income tax rate.
Education requirements for Physicist
PhD in Physics. 35% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.