How Much Do Physicists Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Physicists in California earns $207,490 per year and takes home $139,377 ($11,615/month) — a keep-rate of 67.2%, with 5,930 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $17,290.83 |
| Federal income tax | $3,210.96 |
| Social Security | $953.25 |
| Medicare | $256.34 |
| California state income tax | $1,255.58 |
| You keep | $11,614.71 |
How much do Physicists make in California?
The median Physicists in California earns $207,490 per year (BLS May 2025), about $99.75 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$207,490 gross in California keeps $139,377 after federal income tax ($38,531), FICA ($14,515) and state income tax ($15,067) — $11,615 per month, a 67.2% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Physicists?
The California median is $35,240 above the national median of $172,250.
Which state pays Physicists the most?
Florida has the highest median gross for Physicists at $225,390 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Physicists salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage