Physician Salary in California
Physicians in California earn an average of $281,358 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +17.6% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$281,358
per year
Hourly Rate
$135.27
per hour
vs National
+17.6%
$239,200 national
Salary Range
$185,972
to $412,063
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$281,358
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$198,139
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Physician's salary of $281,358 has the purchasing power of $198,139 in an average-cost area.
Physician Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $337,275 | $162.15/hr | $226,384 | $498,288 | 285 |
| San Francisco, CA | $332,163 | $159.69/hr | $223,316 | $480,557 | 342 |
| San Diego, CA | $266,294 | $128.03/hr | $175,351 | $373,093 | 221 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $259,962 | $124.98/hr | $174,488 | $389,353 | 367 |
| Sacramento, CA | $249,900 | $120.14/hr | $164,859 | $367,580 | 270 |
| Riverside, CA | $242,556 | $116.61/hr | $151,433 | $363,506 | 250 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Physician Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 1,735 Physicians employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Physician Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$185,972
Starting salary for new Physicians
Median (50th Percentile)
$281,358
Mid-career Physician salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$412,063
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Physician Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Physician salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physician salary in California?
The average Physician salary in California is $281,358 per year ($135.27/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 17.6% above the national average of $239,200.
What is the highest paying city for Physicians in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Physicians in California, with a median salary of $337,275 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $242,556.
What is the salary range for Physicians in California?
Physician salaries in California range from $185,972 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $412,063 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $281,358 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.