As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physicist I in California is $80,897 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Physicist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Physicist I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $88,194 | $7,349 | $1,696 | $42 |
| Average | $80,897 | $6,741 | $1,556 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,923 | $5,994 | $1,383 | $35 |
North Wind Group - Livermore, CA
Nudge Real Estate - San Francisco, CA
Maritime Fusion - San Francisco, CA
Applied Physics - Los Angeles, CA
A Physicist I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Physicist I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Physicist I | 0-2 years | $80,897 |
| Physicist II | 2-4 years | $101,634 |
| Physicist III | 4-7 years | $119,271 |
| Physicist IV | 7+ years | $155,184 |
| Physicist V | 7-10 years | $173,330 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Physicist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Physicist I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $88,194 | $7,349 | $1,696 | $42 |
| Average | $80,897 | $6,741 | $1,556 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,923 | $5,994 | $1,383 | $35 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Physicist I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Agronomist | $74,268 | -8% |
| Biologist II | $73,713 | -9% |
| Geologist II | $76,014 | -6% |
| Geophysicist II | $115,130 | 42% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Physicist I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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