California · Physics and Astronomy

Best Physics and Astronomy institutions in California, ranked by earnings

The Physics and Astronomy program focuses on the scientific study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces that govern the universe. Students in this program delve into the principles of physics and explore astronomical phenomena,…

Institutions
1
offering CIP 40.11
States offered
4
with a program page
Degrees / yr
3
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
0
College Scorecard
Median net price
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
87%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Physicists
$187,720
BLS OEWS 2024

1 institutions offering Physics and Astronomy in California

Graduate earnings are not yet reported for these institutions; ordered by completions.

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of California - Irvine
Irvine Public
387%

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Physicists (SOC 19-2012).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+4.0%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~1,700
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$166,290
typically Doctoral or professional degree

Top skills

ScienceReading ComprehensionMathematicsCritical ThinkingSpeakingActive Listening

What Physicists earn in California

Jobs in California
6,220
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$187,720
median $180,900
Best-paying metro
$202,760
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Related careers

Physicists
$187,720 avg · 6,220 jobs
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
$143,790 avg · 1,700 jobs
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
$138,700 avg · 1,070 jobs
Astronomers
$141,660 avg · 170 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Physics and Astronomy programs in California.

How much do Physicists earn in California?+

The average annual wage for Physicists in California is $187,720 (median $180,900), across about 6,220 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Physics and Astronomy program?+

The Physics and Astronomy program focuses on the scientific study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces that govern the universe. Students in this program delve into the principles of physics and explore astronomical phenomena,…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop science, reading comprehension, mathematics, critical thinking, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Physicists?+

The national job outlook is about +4.0% growth with around 1,700 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Doctoral or professional degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

Physics and Astronomy in other statesArizonaIowaKentucky

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