As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Phd Computer Science in California is $126,761 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Phd Computer Science's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Phd Computer Science Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $138,859 | $11,572 | $2,670 | $67 |
| Average | $126,761 | $10,563 | $2,438 | $61 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,301 | $9,192 | $2,121 | $53 |
Mundelein Elementary School District 75 - Fullerton, CA
Exponent Inc. - Menlo Park, CA
New River Community College - Livermore, CA
American Indian College Fund - Sunnyvale, CA
A Phd Computer Science'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 Phd Computer Science'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 Phd Computer Science | $124,475 |
| Intermediate Level Phd Computer Science | $125,160 |
| Senior Level Phd Computer Science | $127,446 |
| Specialist Level Phd Computer Science | $130,190 |
| Expert Level Phd Computer Science | $133,197 |
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 Phd Computer Sciences. 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 Phd Computer Science'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 | $138,859 | $11,572 | $2,670 | $67 |
| Average | $126,761 | $10,563 | $2,438 | $61 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,301 | $9,192 | $2,121 | $53 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Phd Computer Science job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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