As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physicist III in California is $119,196 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, a Physicist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Physicist III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $133,027 | $11,086 | $2,558 | $64 |
| Average | $119,196 | $9,933 | $2,292 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,985 | $8,999 | $2,077 | $52 |
Applied Materials, Inc. - Santa Clara, CA
Wilson Kester the Empowered Divorce Source - TRAVERSE CITY, MI
Connecticut Proton Therapy Center - WALLINGFORD, CT
Siemens Healthineers - YAKIMA, WA
A Physicist III'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 III'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Physicist III | $114,176 |
| Intermediate Level Physicist III | $115,013 |
| Senior Level Physicist III | $116,686 |
| Specialist Level Physicist III | $123,325 |
| Expert Level Physicist III | $127,040 |
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 IIIs. 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 III'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 | $133,027 | $11,086 | $2,558 | $64 |
| Average | $119,196 | $9,933 | $2,292 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,985 | $8,999 | $2,077 | $52 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Physicist III, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Biologist IV | $133,197 | 12% |
| Geologist IV | $120,675 | 1% |
| Geophysicist IV | $172,291 | 45% |
| Microbiologist IV | $103,213 | -13% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Physicist III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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