SSalario

Physicist Salary in Sacramento, CA

Physicist salary data for Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA — 2026

The median Physicist salary in Sacramento, CA is $156,940 per year ($13,078/month, $75/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 118, which is 18% above the national average.

Entry Level
$85K
$41/hr
Median
$157K
$75/hr
Senior
$196K
$94/hr
Top Earner
$258K
$124/hr

Physicist Take-Home Pay in Sacramento

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$156,940
Federal Tax-$26,913
State Tax (9.3%)-$14,595
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$12,006
Annual Take-Home$103,426
Monthly Take-Home$8,619

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$1,700/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio13.0%
Median Home Price$450,000
Cost of Living Index118
City Median Salary$66,500
Physicist vs City Median+$90,440

Physicist Requirements

Education
Doctoral Degree (PhD)
Experience
2-5 years postdoc
Job Growth
8.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

Quantum MechanicsData AnalysisMATLABComputational PhysicsResearch

Sacramento Job Market Overview

Sacramento, California has a population of 524,943 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. The top industries are Government, Healthcare, Technology. The local job growth rate is 2.0%, and the average commute time is 27 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Physicist salary in Sacramento, CA?
The median Physicist salary in Sacramento, CA is $156,940 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 118. Entry-level Physicists earn around $84,960, while senior-level professionals can earn $195,880 or more.
How much does a Physicist take home in Sacramento after taxes?
A Physicist earning the median salary of $156,940 in Sacramento, CA takes home approximately $103,426 per year ($8,619/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 34.1%.
Is Sacramento a good city for Physicists?
Sacramento, CA has a cost of living index of 118 (above national average). Physicists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Government, Healthcare, Technology.
What skills are needed for a Physicist in Sacramento?
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 Sacramento compare to the national average?
The national median Physicist salary is $133,000. In Sacramento, the adjusted salary is $156,940, which is 18.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay

Use our free paycheck calculator to see your after-tax income based on your specific salary, deductions, and filing status.

Calculate Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Physicist salary in Sacramento, CA?

The median Physicist salary in Sacramento, CA is $156,940 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 118. Entry-level Physicists earn around $84,960, while senior-level professionals can earn $195,880 or more.

How much does a Physicist take home in Sacramento after taxes?

A Physicist earning the median salary of $156,940 in Sacramento, CA takes home approximately $103,426 per year ($8,619/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 34.1%.

Is Sacramento a good city for Physicists?

Sacramento, CA has a cost of living index of 118 (above national average). Physicists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Government, Healthcare, Technology.

What skills are needed for a Physicist in Sacramento?

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 Sacramento compare to the national average?

The national median Physicist salary is $133,000. In Sacramento, the adjusted salary is $156,940, which is 18.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.