2024 wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Physicists is a high-paying occupation in San Diego, CA, with a median annual salary of $124,710. Physicistss in San Diego, CA earn $41,580 less (25%) than the national median of $166,290.
Physicistss in San Diego, CA earn $41,580 less (25%) than the national median of $166,290.
Only 370 Physicistss work in San Diego, CA. Consider nearby metro areas for more opportunities.
Cost of Living Consideration
Although San Diego, CA pays below the national average, the cost of living may also be lower. Your purchasing power could be comparable to higher-salary cities. Check local housing costs before deciding.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $40,770 | $3,398 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,890 | $4,741 |
| Median | $124,710 | $10,393 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,750 | $14,396 |
| 90th Percentile | N/A | N/A |
| Mean (Average) | $126,390 | $10,533 |
| Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $226,750 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL | $219,070 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $215,340 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $214,520 |
| Richmond, VA | $212,950 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $212,050 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $211,600 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $206,070 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $202,610 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $188,400 |
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $199,590 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $193,370 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $185,550 |
| Marketing Managers | $171,590 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $169,230 |
| Financial Managers | $168,300 |
| Managers, All Other | $167,000 |
| Lawyers | $165,000 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $162,030 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $160,640 |
Estimate your after-tax income. Compare your real purchasing power across different states and salary levels.
Annual Take-Home
$95,701
Monthly
$7,975
Bi-Weekly
$3,681
Effective Tax Rate
23.3%
* Estimate only. Does not include local taxes, deductions, or credits. Need help with your finances? Consider consulting a certified financial planner or exploring high-yield savings accounts to maximize your take-home pay.
The cost of living in San Diego, CA is 11.9% above the national average (index: 111.9). See full cost breakdown →
After adjusting for local cost of living, the purchasing power of San Diego, CA salaries is equivalent to $85,468 in an average-cost US city.
Data verified March 2026 · Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Considering a move for this role? Compare cost of living in San Diego, CAto make an informed decision. Don't forget to factor in moving costs, renters insurance, and state income tax differences when evaluating your total compensation package.