Physicist Salary in Los Angeles, CA
Physicist salary data for Los Angeles, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Physicist Salary in Los Angeles, CA — 2026
The median Physicist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $220,780 per year ($18,398/month, $106/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 166, which is 66% above the national average.
Physicist Take-Home Pay in Los Angeles
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $220,780 |
| Federal Tax | -$42,913 |
| State Tax (9.3%) | -$20,533 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$14,120 |
| Annual Take-Home | $143,215 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $11,935 |
Living Cost Comparison
Physicist Requirements
Key Skills
Los Angeles Job Market Overview
Los Angeles, California has a population of 3,898,747 and an unemployment rate of 4.8%. The top industries are Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.8%, and the average commute time is 31 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physicist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
How much does a Physicist take home in Los Angeles after taxes?
Is Los Angeles a good city for Physicists?
What skills are needed for a Physicist in Los Angeles?
How does Physicist salary in Los Angeles compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physicist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
The median Physicist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $220,780 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. Entry-level Physicists earn around $119,520, while senior-level professionals can earn $275,560 or more.
How much does a Physicist take home in Los Angeles after taxes?
A Physicist earning the median salary of $220,780 in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $143,215 per year ($11,935/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 35.1%.
Is Los Angeles a good city for Physicists?
Los Angeles, CA has a cost of living index of 166 (above national average). Physicists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.8% and top industries include Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Physicist in Los Angeles?
Key skills for Physicists include Quantum Mechanics, Data Analysis, MATLAB, Computational Physics, Research. Typical education requirement is Doctoral Degree (PhD). Valuable certifications include PhD in Physics, Postdoctoral Training.
How does Physicist salary in Los Angeles compare to the national average?
The national median Physicist salary is $133,000. In Los Angeles, the adjusted salary is $220,780, which is 66.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.