2024 wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Physicists is a high-paying occupation in Los Angeles, CA, with a median annual salary of $133,070. Physicistss in Los Angeles, CA earn $33,220 less (20%) than the national median of $166,290.
Physicistss in Los Angeles, CA earn $33,220 less (20%) than the national median of $166,290.
The average salary ($155,280) is notably higher than the median — this means top earners pull the average up. A small number of highly paid Physicistss skew the data.
Only 370 Physicistss work in Los Angeles, CA. Consider nearby metro areas for more opportunities.
Cost of Living Consideration
Although Los Angeles, 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 | $68,990 | $5,749 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,220 | $8,602 |
| Median | $133,070 | $11,089 |
| 75th Percentile | $214,050 | $17,838 |
| 90th Percentile | N/A | N/A |
| Mean (Average) | $155,280 | $12,940 |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Lawyers | $205,900 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $181,400 |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $179,990 |
| Financial Managers | $171,920 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $171,620 |
| Managers, All Other | $165,340 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $164,510 |
| Marketing Managers | $163,100 |
| Human Resources Managers | $161,970 |
| Petroleum Engineers | $161,320 |
Estimate your after-tax income. Compare your real purchasing power across different states and salary levels.
Annual Take-Home
$101,415
Monthly
$8,451
Bi-Weekly
$3,901
Effective Tax Rate
23.8%
* 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 Los Angeles, CA is 13.6% above the national average (index: 113.6). See full cost breakdown →
After adjusting for local cost of living, the purchasing power of Los Angeles, CA salaries is equivalent to $84,507 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 Los Angeles, 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.