Physicist Salary in San Francisco, CA
Physicist salary data for San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA — 2026
The median Physicist salary in San Francisco, CA is $239,400 per year ($19,950/month, $115/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 180, which is 80% above the national average.
Physicist Take-Home Pay in San Francisco
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $239,400 |
| Federal Tax | -$48,871 |
| State Tax (9.3%) | -$22,264 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$14,390 |
| Annual Take-Home | $153,875 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $12,823 |
Living Cost Comparison
Physicist Requirements
Key Skills
San Francisco Job Market Overview
San Francisco, California has a population of 873,965 and an unemployment rate of 3.2%. The top industries are Technology, Finance, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 2.5%, and the average commute time is 34 minutes.
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Physicist Salary in Nearby California Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physicist salary in San Francisco, CA?
How much does a Physicist take home in San Francisco after taxes?
Is San Francisco a good city for Physicists?
What skills are needed for a Physicist in San Francisco?
How does Physicist salary in San Francisco compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physicist salary in San Francisco, CA?
The median Physicist salary in San Francisco, CA is $239,400 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 180. Entry-level Physicists earn around $129,600, while senior-level professionals can earn $298,800 or more.
How much does a Physicist take home in San Francisco after taxes?
A Physicist earning the median salary of $239,400 in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $153,875 per year ($12,823/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 35.7%.
Is San Francisco a good city for Physicists?
San Francisco, CA has a cost of living index of 180 (above national average). Physicists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.2% and top industries include Technology, Finance, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Physicist in San Francisco?
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 San Francisco compare to the national average?
The national median Physicist salary is $133,000. In San Francisco, the adjusted salary is $239,400, which is 80.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.